EDINBURGH (Sputnik), Mark Hirst – There is no specific threat to Wales despite recent reports suggesting some areas of the country have been used by Jihadi terrorists for radicalization training, a spokesman for South Wales Police told Sputnik on Thursday.
On Wednesday, a local Welsh newspaper, the Cambrian News, reported comments made by Detective Constable Gareth Jones of the Wales Extremism and Counter Terrorism Unit (WECTU) who told Ceredigion Council officials that Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire and Powys had been used for radicalization training.
"We can confirm there is currently no intelligence which suggests there is a specific threat to Wales. However, the threat of international terrorism is a real one so there is no room for complacency in any community," Police Superintendent Danny Richards said.
"It is no secret that previous criminal investigations have uncovered the unlikeliest links between terrorism and communities right across the UK, including parts of Wales, so it is very important that the public remain vigilant and alert, but they should not be alarmed," Richards added.
He said that meetings with key partners, including councilors and business owners were held regularly by the Wales Extremism and Counter Terrorism Unit.
Richards said it was part of the unit's remit to maximize awareness of the important role that people play in preventing terrorism, and to encourage them to report anything suspicious to the police.
