IS ‘using family loyalty to stay under radar’
CLOSE-knit terror cells formed of family members are making it harder to get intelligence on planned attacks, experts warn.
The 12-strong Barcelona cell included four pairs of brothers – sparking fears that IS recruiters are targeting families in order to leverage their loyalty to each other.
The Soufan Centre, a group of former US intelligence officers, warned: “There are likely more terror cells currently operating under the radar. True terror cells – formed by peer-to-peer relationships and a charismatic leader – present immense challenges.”
They said the problem was heightened if members were not known to authorities.
The Centre added: “The cell responsible for the Barcelona attack had at least 12 members, including four sets of brothers.
“Aside from the group’s leader, the cell was not on the radar of Spanish intelligence or law enforcement agencies.” They warned the Barcelona attack again raised the issue of prisons being used as recruiting grounds.
Preacher Abdelbaki Es Satty, 45, who masterminded the Barcelona murders, was said to have had “extensive contact” in prison with one of the gang behind the 2004 Madrid train bombings that left 192 dead.
They said: “It underlines the role prisons often play in incubating violent extremism.”