Spain Uncovers Jihadists Using Migrant Routes, Praises Morocco Cooperation

According to the director of the Center, General Manuel Navarrete, the "effective" police cooperation with Morocco, despite the migration crisis in Ceuta in May, has made it possible to uncover a few rare cases of jihadists having used illegal migrant routes to enter Spain. In an interview published in the latest issue of the Victims of Terrorism magazine of the Center, reported by Europa Press, the head of CITCO confirmed that migration flows can become a new gateway for jihadist terrorism into Europe.

"We have counted the cases where terrorists have used massive migration flows to infiltrate or exfiltrate Europe. The security forces are aware of this possibility which, although not systematic, is the subject of rigorous attention," said Manuel Navarrete, who specifies that control measures have been strengthened.

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The director of CITCO also welcomes the "effective" cooperation with Morocco, despite the migration crisis in Ceuta. "The response in terms of counter-terrorism cooperation remains sufficient and effective. Spain, through its services, maintains an intense relationship with all the countries concerned, which allows CITCO to have rich and up-to-date data and to properly assess terrorist threats," he added.

Furthermore, the general stressed that "jihadism has tried to take advantage of the health crisis and the restrictive measures taken by states to preserve the health and security of their citizens," recalling the attempts of the jihadist terrorist via the Internet and social networks.