Potential jihadists on the rise in Arnhem

The number of jihad-goers in Arnhem is on the rise, according to Mayor Herman Kaiser. The police, justice and community are currently monitoring 26 potential jihadists, compared to the 17 that were on the radar in September. Thus far, seven Arnhemmers have travelled to Syria, and five have returned, while another fourteen have expressed the intention of travelling to Syria, the mayor said. The mayor denied rumours that the al-Qaeda terrorist organization is recruiting in Arnhem, the capital of Gelderland. He says that the authorities bear knowledge of ten residents in Arnhem who are active radical devotees of the Al-Nusra Front, but there is no sign of any recruiters at present. The mayor has reportedly stated that he believes the rise in numbers of jihadists might be explained by the fact that Arnhem now has more insight into the group. "We have incorporated all forces namely schools, the community, government officials and police officers" in order to keep the city informed of all jihadist activity. "But you should not assume that you can prevent everything", said the mayor. The Ministry of Justice has funded a new prevention project for the city of Arnhem, which is expected to roll out next month.