Finnish security service raises terrorism threat level

Helsinki: The Finnish Security Intelligence Service (Supo) raised its threat level on Wednesday, saying it had become aware of more serious terrorism-related projects and plans in Finland.
"The most significant terrorist threat in Finland is still posed by individual actors or small groups motivated by radical Islamist propaganda or terrorist organisations encouraging them", Supo said in a statement after raising the threat level to elevated from low.
The Nordic country has not witnessed attacks like other European countries, but Helsinki has grown more concerned after recent attacks in neighboring Sweden and Russia.

Get your essential daily briefing delivered direct to your email inbox with our e-newsletter

Supo said the elevated threat was posed particularly by foreign fighters who have left Finland to fight alongside IS and who have gained significant positions within the organisation.
"Links to the terrorist organisation are more direct and serious than before... So far, we have not had to prevent a concrete attack," Supo's Director Antti Pelttari told reporters in a press conference.
According to the previous assessment, issued in November 2015, the threat of attacks by terrorist organisations was low.