Finnish intelligence: Islamist terror threat in Finland 'elevated'

Individuals or small groups supporting radical Islamist and far-right ideology pose the greatest terrorist threat in Finland.

The threat of terrorism has been growing over the past years and is likely to remain at level two (elevated) on the four-level scale in the short term, according to experts.

This information is based on the National Security Review made by the Finnish Intelligence Service (SUPO), which was published on 29 October. The same day that France was hit again by a jihadist attack.

According to the assessment carried out by SUPO security experts, the total number of counterterrorism targets has remained at approximately 390.

"The principal threat is posed by lone operators or small groups who support radical Islamist or far-right ideology, and are motivated by terrorist propaganda," the intelligence service details on its website.

"Supo has identified some groups and individuals with the motivation and capacity to carry out a terrorist attack in Finland," the national security center says.

"The ISIL and al-Qaeda terrorist organisations and their supporters remain a global threat. They are probably seeking to develop new tactics for mounting attacks, and will also continue to encourage attacks in Western countries."

People from "conflict zones"

Significant terrorism support operations found in Finland include financing and dissemination of propaganda.

Counterterrorism targets have significant links to foreign terrorist operators and networks. Some people have moved to Finland from conflict zones after participating in and otherwise supporting the operations of armed groups.

In addition, Supo says that the threat of far-right terrorism has grown in the West, with an increase over the past 18 months in terrorist attack projects that seek to maximise casualties. International far-right online groups and messaging on social media platforms reinforce the transnational character of the extreme right.

“Supporters and sympathisers of far-right terrorist activity have also been identified in Finland. At the same time, the threat posed by radical-Islamist terrorist operators has by no means dispelled,” explains Supo Director Antti Pelttari.