Terrorist threat to Denmark raised amid war on Gaza, Quran burnings: Security service

LONDON

Denmark faces increased risks from terrorism both domestically and abroad due to Israel’s war on Gaza and a series of Quran burnings in the country last year, the Danish security and intelligence service said on Thursday.

The potential terrorist threat level is at 4 out of 5, indicating a “serious,” threat, according to the security service PET.

“The conflict between Israel and a number of militant groups is of course of concern to many people, including in Denmark,” it said in a statement.

“The conflict also contains a significant potential for radicalization and mobilization, which can potentially activate actors for spontaneous or planned reactions in Denmark, including terrorist attacks,” it added

A string of Quran burnings under the pretext of free speech in Sweden and Denmark last year ignited global outrage in the Muslim world.

Sweden raised its terror alert to the second-highest level last summer after the burnings sparked angry protests across Muslim nations as well as potential terrorist threats.

In December, Denmark passed a law making it illegal to burn the Quran in public places, while Sweden is still considering its legal options.