Courcy’s Intelligence Brief

*** Attack threat to Europe.  Officials of the Somali Islamist movement al-Shabab have threatened to launch attacks against Europe, according to a report on Radio Mustaqbal in Mogadishu, broadcast on 2 December.  The outlet quoted “high-ranking” al-Shahabab official Fuad Muhammad Qalaf (alias Shongle) as calling on Muslims around the world to attack the Netherlands because the country “recently insulted our prophet Muhammad”.

*** China opposes Nato missile deployment in Turkey.  On 5 December, China’s foreign ministry issued a statement opposing the deployment of Nato Patriot missiles in Turkey along the border with Syria as being “inconducive to peace, security, and stability” in the region.

A Chinese foreign ministry spokesman said: “Highlighting military factors and strengthening military existence are inconducive to the resolution of contradictions and disputes, and inconducive to the peace, security, and stability in the whole region.”

*** Japanese police concerned about rightist activity over China dispute.  On 4 December, Japan’s National Police Agency warned in its annual report that right-wing activists are likely to continue their protests over territorial disputes against China and South Korea in the coming year.  The report said they “could carry out serious crimes, including terror attacks against senior politicians and foreign embassies”.

Three other threats were noted: left-wing protests against nuclear power; attempts to recruit followers for an offshoot of the Aum Shinrikyo cult; and cyber-attacks against government agencies.  The report warned: “Online theft of classified information could have serious consequences on the law and order in Japan as well as the country’s diplomacy and security.”

*** More fierce criticism of Israel from Turkey.  Turkey’s Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has stepped up his criticism of Israel and accused it of “feeding on blood”.  He included an implied threat by saying that the region “was not what it used to be” and was growing tired of “lawless acts”.

During a political meeting on 4 December, he said: “Israel needs to act responsibly for the sake and safety of the region.  The region is not what it used to be.  Neighbouring countries , as well as the world, are now tired of Israel’s lawless acts.  Israel needs to stop feeding on blood and tears.”