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British Home Secretary Theresa May
Extremists are using the Syrian civil war as a training ground before returning to the UK, British Home Secretary Theresa May has warned.
May said the Home Office was aware of some British nationals going to Somalia and Syria for terrorist training to fight alongside al-Qaeda-linked organizations.
"Some of those people are potential terrorists, some of whom may get training, and in some cases may engage in conflict and then potentially return to the UK," May told the BBC's Andrew Marr show.
British Home Secretary also warned that the individuals could pose a potential threat if they return to the country.
The Home Office's comments come a few days after Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Muallem said terrorists from more than 83 countries are operating in Syria, killing innocent civilians and Syrian soldiers in the Arab country.
Earlier this week, a charity watchdog warned that millions of pounds donated to help Syria refugees end up in the hands of extremist groups.
William Shawcross, chairman of the Charity Commission said some of the cash donated by British people to help Syria refugees is "undoubtedly" going to extremist groups.
Shawcross added that the conditions in the war-torn country make tracking of the money difficult or impossible.
Peter Clarke, a former head of anti-terrorism at the Metropolitan Police, also said it is possible for extremist groups to set up fake charities in donor countries to finance their activities.
Comment: Britain has been very vocal in wanting to arm the terrorists in Syria. With well trained terrorists returning to Britain, there is all the more justification for more control and police powers.
As the Chancellor Sutler said in V for Vendetta:
What we need right now is a clear message to the people of this country. This message must be read in every newspaper, heard on every radio, seen on every television... I want *everyone* to *remember*, why they *need* us!
And what better way than first training and supporting the future "enemy" and then after they come home and start creating chaos and fear, to limit movement, freedoms and to hit the "terrorists" hard. It is already happening.
In the words of the Chancellor:
My fellow Englishmen: tonight our country, that which we stand for, and all we hold dear, faces a grave and terrible threat. This violent and unparalleled assault on our security will not go undefended... or unpunished. Our enemy is an insidious one, seeking to divide us and destroy the very foundation of our great nation. Tonight, we must remain steadfast. We must remain determined. But most of all, we must remain united. Those caught tonight in violation of curfew will be considered in league with our enemy and prosecuted as a terrorist without leniency or exception. Tonight, I give you my most solemn vow: that justice will be swift, it will be righteous, and it will be without mercy.
Who would have guessed that? That was totally and utterly impossible to foresee. At least if the one neuron left was not firing.