The Associated Press has learned that the Islamic State has hundreds of fighters ready to attack Europe in “waves.”
BREAKING: The Islamic State group has trained at least 400 fighters to target Europe in deadly waves, the AP has learned.
— The Associated Press (@AP) March 23, 2016
Fox News’ Shephard Smith confirmed the report shortly after. (VIDEO: Obama On ISIS — ‘I Have A Lot On My Plate’ … ‘They’re Not An Existential Threat)
Breaking: ISIS has dispatched hundreds of fighters trained to attack in Europe, the AP has learned. @ShepNewsTeamhttps://t.co/I3hgjxnVFk
— Fox News (@FoxNews) March 23, 2016
European and Iraqi intelligence officials told the AP the large number of fighters shows “the reach of the extremist group” and described the network as “designed specifically for attacks against the West.”
The officials further claimed the fighters are under orders to carry out attacks as they see fit at the “right time, place and method.”
Most recently, ISIS has claimed responsibility for the deadly terror attacks in Brussels that left more than 30 dead and nearly 200 others injured. (RELATED: ISIS Claims Responsibility For Brussels Attacks)
Pro-ISIS social media accounts heralded the attacks for bringing the fight to “a country participating in the international coalition against the Islamic State.”
Others warned that “what will be coming is worse.”
Furthermore, reports surfaced Wednesday claiming that Brussels intelligence and security forces had “advance and precise” warnings about the airport bombings but failed to act on that knowledge. (RELATED: Belgian Officials Had ‘Precise’ Warnings About Brussels Attacks)