ISIS planning new attacks in Europe: Report

According to reports published on Friday, EU police agency Europol has warned that Islamic State (ISIS) is soon likely to carry out new attacks in the European Union, probably targeting countries that are part of  the US-led coalition fighting the extremist group in Syria and Iraq.

"Estimates from some intelligence services indicate several dozen people directed by IS may be currently present in Europe with a capability to commit terrorist attacks," said the report.

The report also warned that tactics used by the group in Iraq and Syria - such as the use of car bombs - could be employed in Europe.

Europol also noted that there might be a change in attacks from symbolic targets such as police officers and military personnel to indiscriminate attacks on soft targets, like the 2015 Paris attacks.

According to the report, the focus on so-called soft targets means attacking key infrastructure such as power grids and nuclear facilities is "currently not a priority".

Europol also reported that the consensus among intelligence agencies in EU member states is that "the cyber capabilities of terrorist groups are still relatively low".

However, "the possibility of terrorist-affiliated cyber groups engaging in cyber warfare sponsored by nation states ... should not be discounted".

The report however said automatic firearms, knives and vehicles are more easily available and "the effectiveness, ease of use and access of these weapons will continue to be relevant".

Associated Press