German intelligence officials warn of returning jihadis after Mali intervention

BERLIN – A top German intelligence official says a number of trained Islamic militants who had planned to fight in Mali are returning to Germany, presenting a new threat to the country.

Hans-Georg Maassen of the country’s domestic intelligence office told reporters Wednesday that Mali had been a top destination for young militants living in Germany until France intervened in January to help the Malian government restore control in the north where extremists had imposed severe Islamic rule.

Maasen said about 60 people from Germany had tried to get to Mali through Egypt last year, but that “a whole bunch of disappointed guys” has come back because of the French intervention. He said they would be put under heightened surveillance because they have become more radicalized and know how to use weapons.