Hundreds of Isis (Islamic State) fighters are fleeing Sirte after coming under sustained assault from Libyan ground forces and air strikes by US fighter jets and drones. It is feared that if Isis succeeds in reaching Italy, fighters could plan attacks on targets in Europe. Last week, Italy tightened security controls at commercial ports, creating long delays for passengers and vehicles boarding ferries in cities like Genoa, Palermo and Bari. Another Syrian refugee was arrested in July after killing a pregnant woman with a machete in Germany, though police said the murder did not appear linked to terrorism. Last week, German police arrested another Syrian refugee after receiving a tip-off that he was planning a possible Islamist-motivated attack.

Source: New Zealand Herald August 15, 2016 01:52 UTC