Terrorists exploiting refugee influx into Europe: Merkel
German Chancellor Angela Merkel says that terrorists exploited the flow of genuine asylum seekers into Europe as cover for smuggling members into the continent.
"In part, the refugee flow was even used to smuggle terrorists,” said Merkel while addressing supporters of her Christian Democratic Union party in eastern Germany on Monday.
According to Merkel’s much criticized open-door policy, Germany registered about 1.1 million refugees between January and December 2015.
Merkel’s announcement comes just one week after the head of the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV), Hans-Georg Maassen, announced that 17 Daesh terrorists had entered Germany.
Europe is facing an unprecedented influx of refugees, most of whom are fleeing conflict zones in Africa and the Middle East, particularly Syria.
Many blame major European powers themselves for the unprecedented exodus, saying their policies have led to a surge in terrorism and war in the violence-wracked regions.
Syria has been gripped by foreign-sponsored militancy since March 2011. UN Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura estimates that over 400,000 people have been killed in the conflict. The UN has stopped its official casualty count in Syria, citing its inability to verify the figures it receives from various sources.
37 rights groups urge German govt. to halt arms sales to Israel
Germany clears pro-Gaza camp as US-style demos spread across Europe
German authorities arrest Jewish activist over pro-Palestinian demos
Cut all ties with Israeli regime, Iran urges Muslim countries
VIDEO | Jewish movement for Palestine: 'Not in our name'
VIDEO | The legacy of Bobby Sands
VIDEO | Press TV's news headlines
VIDEO | Solidarity protest with US students at Sana'a university
Gaza ministry condemns death of Palestinian doctor in Israeli jail
Bahraini resistance group claims attack on Israeli port
VIDEO | Interview with Musa Abu Marzough
This makes it easy to access the Press TV website
