Rome - Italian Police Chief Alessandro Pansa warned
Thursday that the waves of migrant arrivals to Italy were
increasing the threat of terrorist groups setting up bases.
"Militants and potential militants of terrorist
organisations can arrive in Europe along with the desperate
people searching for bread," said Pansa.
"These organisations are involved in the trafficking of
migrants".
Italy southern shores are often the first port of call for
scores of thousands of refugees and migrants who attempt the
hazardous crossing from North Africa, often on unseaworthy
boats, each year.
Over 20,000 migrants have arrived in Italy so far this
year.
According to figures released by Defence Minister Roberta
Pinotti Wednesday, almost 30,000 migrants have been rescued
since the start of the Mare Nostrum (Our Sea) operation, which
was launched last autumn after around 400 people died in two
separate migrant-boat disasters.
The government has come under fire from some opposition
parties for encouraging more migrants to attempt the crossing.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © Copyright ANSA