Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Brainwashed ISIS children back in UK, claims report

Hundreds of British citizens who returned to the UK from war-torn Syria and Iraq have brought back children brainwashed by the Islamic State terror group with them, a new report warned.

The influential Intelligence and Security Committee (ISC), which published its annual report, has warned of the "complications" of "children growing up inside the so-called Caliphate, educated and indoctrinated by Daesh [ISIS]".


"The reintegration of those who have spent their formative years in such an environment will present a serious challenge for the government and the agencies when they return to the UK," warns the committee made up of senior cross-party MPs.

"We note that the dispersal of foreign fighters from Syria and Iraq raises serious questions as to when and where they will resurface, and with what intent," chairman Dominic Grieve said.

"There will also be a serious challenge to reintegrate children who have grown up in the so-called Caliphate," Grieve said.

UK home secretary Amber Rudd while giving evidence to the committee admitted this posed "absolutely a serious threat".

"Families coming back will be potentially having children who are going to be vulnerable, who are going to need protecting; but also potentially fighters themselves who could be a danger to society and could radicalise other people," she said.

Senior intelligence officials told the UK's national security oversight body that more than 850 British citizens of "national security concern are thought to have travelled to Syria, Iraq and the region".

They were joined by 6,000 Europeans on the terror front line.

"It is believed that around half of those have returned to the UK, more than 300 are thought to remain in Syria, and around 100 have been killed in fighting in the region," MI5, UK's counter-terrorism security service, told the ISC.

Prime minister Theresa May reacted to the report, saying she was determined to "do what is necessary to keep citizens safe".

"Sadly this year has shown that the threat from terrorism cannot always be contained. Too many innocent families lives have been ruined across the UK from international terrorist attacks," she said, in reference to a string of ISIS-inspired terrorist attacks across the UK this year.

UK police and intelligence services recently revealed that they had succeeded in foiling at least nine terror plots this year.

That number is believed to have hit 10 after a series of dawn anti-terror raids by armed officers yesterday to foil what is believed to be a Christmas terror plot.

British Police continue to question the four arrested men, aged between 22 and 41, after the raids in South Yorkshire and Derbyshire.

More For You

Uganda-high-commission-event

The event also focused on Uganda’s role in cultural diplomacy and sustainable development.

Uganda high commission hosts heritage event in London

THE UGANDA high commission in London hosted an event highlighting Uganda’s cultural heritage and investment opportunities at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Building. The event featured a performance by the Watoto Children’s Choir.

Uganda’s high commissioner to the UK, Nimisha J Madhvani, addressed the gathering, welcoming guests and speaking about the country’s cultural diversity.

Keep ReadingShow less
Maha-kumbh-pilgrims-reuters

Devotees arrive at the river bank to take a holy dip at Sangam during the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, India on January 28, 2025. (Photo: Reuters)

India says 420 million pilgrims have visited Maha Kumbh

INDIA’s government announced on Friday that more than 420 million pilgrims have taken part in ritual bathing at the Maha Kumbh, a Hindu religious festival.

Organisers say the estimate is based on artificial intelligence and surveillance cameras used to track attendance.

Keep ReadingShow less
Bird-flu-Getty

There have been 27 confirmed cases of bird flu in England and one in Scotland during the current outbreak. (Representational image: Getty Images)

England bans 'bird gatherings' to contain avian flu spread

THE GOVERNMENT has announced a ban on "bird gatherings" in England as part of efforts to contain the spread of avian influenza.

The ban, which comes into effect from midday on Monday, will apply to fairs, markets, and shows involving various bird species.

Keep ReadingShow less
Matt-Jukes-Getty

Matt Jukes, the UK’s head of counterterrorism, has called for a social media ban for children under 16. (Photo: Getty Images)

Nine-year-old among youngest referred for far-right deradicalisation

A UK charity working to counter far-right radicalisation has seen children as young as nine referred for support.

Exit Hate UK, which helps individuals leave extremist movements, said its youngest-ever referral was nine years old, with the average age of those seeking help being about 15, according to The Times.

Keep ReadingShow less
Streeting hails India’s global role as Labour backs bilateral relations

Wes Streeting addresses the Republic Day reception at the Guildhall in London last Tuesday (28),joined by Sir Lindsay Hoyle and Vikram Doraiswami

Streeting hails India’s global role as Labour backs bilateral relations

WES STREETING spoke of the priority prime minister Sir Keir Starmer and the Labour government attach to relations with India when he addressed a Republic Day reception at the Guildhall in London last Tuesday (28).

But the secretary of state for health and social care won over the large Indian crowd by paying an unexpected tribute to Rishi Sunak.

Keep ReadingShow less