“German Camp” in Syria Hosts 200 Takfiri Militants: Der Spiegel

German Islamists have set up their own camp in northern Syria with around 200 fighters, according to a report released on Sunday.Der Spiegel news magazine reported that around 200 are now in the “German Camp” or on their way there, taking a now well-worn route from Germany to Istanbul and through to the Syrian border.Intelligence sources say the number of German Takfiri militants traveling to Syria is on the rise, adding that a German Camp has been set up in northern Syria to serve as a collection point and a training center for German-speaking militants. The majority of these young men hail from the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia.Authorities estimated that around 1,000 militants from across Europe are currently fighting in Syria -- compared to just 250 in late 2012.European officials have warned that the influx of Europeans to Syria is increasing the threat of future terrorist attacks in Europe, noting that around a dozen militants have already returned to Germany and pose a “particular threat.”Militants from countries including the United States, Canada, France, and Britain are fighting in Syria./129