MADRID, March 5 (Reuters) - The Middle East conflict will have "immediate repercussions" for European Union security with an increased threat of terrorism, serious and organised crime as well as
Europol: Iran Crisis Escalates Terror, Extremism, Cyberattack Threats in EU
Europol Warns of Security Threats to the European Union Amid Iran Crisis
Immediate Repercussions for EU Security
MADRID, March 5 (Reuters) - The Middle East conflict will have "immediate repercussions" for European Union security with an increased threat of terrorism, serious and organised crime as well as violent extremism and cyberattacks, European police body Europol told Spanish news agency EFE on Thursday.
Escalating Cyberattack and Online Fraud Risks
Cyberattacks on European Infrastructure
Europol spokesman Jan Op Gen Oorth said he expected to see more cyberattacks against European infrastructure and an increase in online fraud using increasingly sophisticated Artificial Intelligence and exploiting the flurry of information swirling about the conflict online, EFE reported.
Exploitation of Conflict Information Online
Groups linked to Iran could seek to carry out "destabilising activities" within the EU, he added, referring to groups linked to the so-called Axis of Resistance, the network of anti-American and Israeli Shi'ite militias in countries including Iraq, Lebanon and Yemen. These could include terrorist attacks, intimidation campaigns, terrorist financing and cybercrime.
Rising Terrorism and Violent Extremism Threats
High Level of Terrorist Threat
"The level of terrorist threat and violent extremism in EU territory is considered high," he told the news agency.
Risks from Lone Actors and Small Cells
The terror threat could be heightened by individuals acting alone or small cells acting on their own initiative, he said.
Online Radicalisation and Diaspora Communities
Spread of Polarising Content
"The rapid spread of polarising content on the internet can accelerate short-term radicalisation processes among diaspora communities within the EU and other individuals," he said.
Official Responses and Ongoing Conflict
Europol's Response to Media Inquiries
Europol did not immediately return a Reuters request for comment on the reported statements.
Iran-Israel Conflict Escalation
Iran and Israel on Thursday were exchanging fire on a sixth day of war after Israel and the United States launched joint air strikes on Iran on the weekend. So far the attacks have killed more than 1,000 people including Iran's Supreme Leader, prompted Iran to attack neighbours including Qatar and UAE along with energy shipments.
(Reporting by Aislinn Laing)
