European Security Commissioner: Mosul offensive could send ISIL fighters to Europe

The European Commissioner for the Security Union, Julian King, stated during an interview in October 2016 that the EU should be prepared to lock its borders against Islamic State fighters returning home as a result of a military offensive against the group in the Iraqi city of Mosul.

The operation started on 17 October 2016 and analysts warned it could take weeks until it was concluded, as Iraqi forces tried to take over the last ISIS stronghold in the country.

• Primary Source

EUObserver, 18.10.16: Iraq fighting could bring jihadists to Europe, commissioner warns https://euobserver.com/justice/135541

BBC News, 18.10.16: Mosul battle: Iraqi troops 'ahead of schedule' in bid to retake city http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-37685964

The Guardian, 17.10.16: 'Anyone who flees is shot dead': Mosul locals trapped as Isis digs in for fight https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/oct/17/anyone-who-flees-is-shot-dead-mosul-locals-trapped-as-isis-digs-in-for-fight

The Guardian, 18.10.16: Battle for Mosul: Iraqi forces converge in decisive battle against Isis https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/oct/17/kurds-lead-advance-on-mosul-in-decisive-battle-for-iraqs-second-city

Deutsche Welle, 18.10.16: Iraqi Kurdish forces pause offensive on day two of operation to take back Mosul http://dw.com/p/2RMMp

The New York Times, 17.10.16: The Advance Toward Mosul: Traps, Smoke Screens and Suicide Bombers http://www.nytimes.com/2016/10/18/world/middleeast/mosul-iraq-isis-kurds.html

Euro|Topics: Debates, October 2016: What comes after the Mosul offensive? http://www.eurotopics.net/en/167943/what-comes-after-the-mosul-offensive

ESO: Background information: What news from the Daesh front? http://www.europeansources.info/record/what-news-from-the-daesh-front/

BBC News, 18.10.16: Mosul battle: EU 'should prepare for returning jihadists' http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-37689210

The Economist, 17.10.16: The Economist explains. Why the battle for Mosul is a turning point http://www.economist.com/blogs/economist-explains/2016/10/economist-explains-16

EurActiv, 18.10.16: Mosul offensive may send ISIS fighters back to Europe http://www.euractiv.com/section/security/news/mosul-offensive-may-send-isis-fighters-back-to-europe/

European Parliament: Press Release, 27.10.16: MEPs back operation to liberate Mosul http://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/news-room/20161020IPR47906/

EUObserver, 29.10.16: US expert warns EU on returning jihadists https://euobserver.com/foreign/135721

---