“French Extremists” Captured in Iraq
Amazingly, there seem to be some Frenchmen who are willing to fight in Iraq.
Unfortunately, they’re fighting for the other side: Three French Extremists in U.S. Custody in Iraq. (Hat tip: Riding Sun.)
PARIS — U.S. troops in Iraq have detained three French militants and police here rounded up 10 of their comrades from a group that sent raw youths from Europe to take part in the conflict with America, officials said Friday.
The first confirmed capture of European Islamist fighters turns attention on the increasing movement of militants from countries such as Italy, Germany, France and Belgium to Iraq, European officials say. Several of the recruits reportedly have died in Iraq, but investigators were unaware Friday of any being held by U.S. forces other than the three Frenchmen.
The makeup of the group illustrates the evolving profile and speedy radicalization of Iraq-bound extremists, authorities said.
“This is a new and spontaneous generation,” said an official in the French Interior Ministry. Unlike previous militants, they had never been to Afghanistan or Bosnia, considered traditional training grounds for Muslim extremists.
Why go to Afghanistan or Bosnia any more, when you can get the same training in France?