Paris attacks network is said to have U.K. links

The U.K. is put on emergency as it was observed that at least one suspect involved in the Paris attacks is staying in the U.K.

The Guardian reported on Saturday, citing counter-terrorism officials that one of the terrorists behind the Paris attacks managed to enter the United Kingdom, travelling to London and Birmingham, and met with people suspected of having the intention and capability of plotting or assisting terrorist activity against the U.K. Those suspected people are known to be now on the investigation list of the Security Service (MI5) and London’s Metropolitan Police, the lead service on counter terror issues in the U.K.

The Wall Street Journal on Friday reported that the militant network behind last month`s attacks in Paris had links to people in Britain. “At least one person connected to the attacks is believed to have traveled to the U.K. before the shootings, the officials said,” reported the Journal.

It also reported that Abdelhamid Abaaoud, the Islamic State operative and alleged ringleader of the Parks attacks who was shot dead, had a connection with people in Birmingham. It is known that those with suspected connection with terrorism include Moroccan heritage people as Abaaoud and many of them are residing in Birmingham whose residents include high portion of Muslim immigrants.

raphy@donga.com