BERLIN (Sputnik) — The German Federal Intelligence Service (BND) is aware of at least 70 battle-seasoned Daesh terrorists who have returned home to Germany, a source from the organization said on Thursday.
"We have data on over 800 people leaving Germany for Syria. A third has returned. Out of this number, we are certain that around 70 people have taken part in fighting and have combat experience. There may be more but we are certain about 70," the source told RIA Novosti.
The BND source did not comment on the report, stating that the number could not be confirmed.
The comments come just days after at least 31 people were killed and some 300 injured in two bomb blasts in Brussels' Zaventem airport and an explosion at a metro station in the city center. The Islamic State jihadist group, outlawed in many countries, including Russia and the United State, has claimed responsibility for the blasts.
In 2015, German Interior Minister Thomas de Maiziere put the number of German citizens who had joined the extremist group at some 600, or eight per million.
