Sweden in the Cross-Hairs

With the Islamic State’s propaganda channel Amaq declaring Sweden a “legitimate target,” Sweden has just moved into an unenviable group.

The recent bombings in Belgium show the invisible links extending into Sweden — the bombers from Brussels were part of the same terrorist cell as Mohamed Belkaid, the terrorist who lived in Sweden before he was shot dead last week. In addition, Sweden is second only to Belgium in the number of jihadists who have left Europe to join the Islamic State in Syria and Iraq. 300 individuals have traveled to join the Islamic State, and 140 have since returned to Sweden.

As with any group, the attackers require logistics support — dozens of support staff providing financial backing, housing, food, materials, and of course, passive support from people willing to look the other way. Swedish authorities would be wise to follow those connections from Belgium into their own country, especially as they now find themselves on the target list.