The size of the radical Islamist field within Sweden has grown significantly over the last decade, says terrorism researcher Juha Saarinen in A-studio.
Petra Nykänen,
Roope Kariniemi
The terrorist organization al-Qaeda’s ability to carry out a terrorist attack in Sweden is low, a terrorism researcher estimates Juha Saarinen. According to Saarinen, who visited A-studio, as an armed group, al-Qaeda probably does not have ready-made structures for an attack.
– It is much more likely that al-Qaeda is opportunistically trying to inspire people who are already connected to this movement, as well as people who now feel great hatred and rage, to strike in the name of the group.
According to Saarinen, al-Qaeda’s main focus has not been on Europe in recent years, even though the organization has threatened Sweden. The threat is based on several Koran burnings, which the organization has demanded Muslims take revenge for.
A bigger threat than terrorist organizations can come from within Sweden, says Saarinen.
– The size of the radical-Islamic field within Sweden has practically increased tenfold during the last decade. There are currently around 2,000 of them.
The Swedish security police Säpo has raised the terrorist threat assessment to level four on a five-point scale. It means that a terrorist attack in Sweden is very likely.
– Now the authorities are at a point where, with limited resources, they have to look at where potential threats may arise, and decide who they can currently afford to monitor and who they cannot, Saarinen states.
You can discuss the topic until Tuesday 22 August 2023 at 11 pm.
Watch the entire broadcast on Areena.