“These events are real. On the other hand, we have an adversary who has planning capabilities, who has resources, who can operate globally, and what concerns continental Europe is really broad, and he has targets in Lithuania,” Budris told Lithuanian public television.
“The publicly announced unsuccessful, some successful operations are only part of the overall picture that is happening now, at least in Europe, and Lithuania is one of these countries,” said the presidential adviser.
“From what we have seen recently, these are objects that are important to us, objects of historical memory, we have seen this before. Those places that can cause resonance in society, cause this sense of terror, such as places of mass gathering of people , shopping centers,” said the advisor to the President of Lithuania.
It has already been reported that on Tuesday it became known that the law enforcement authorities detained two Spanish citizens who are suspected of trying to organize a terrorist attack in Šiauliai in September to set fire to the buildings and equipment of a company. A pre-trial investigation was initiated and continues for this incident in accordance with Article 250, Part 2 of the Criminal Law, which provides for a prison sentence of up to ten years for terrorism.
The suspects tried to hide in Riga, where they were detained by Latvian State Security Service officers, and Latvia extradited them to Lithuania.
– What are the key strategies for preventing terrorism in Europe, according to security experts?
Interview: Addressing the Threat of Terrorism in Europe – Insights from a Security Expert
Time.news Editor: Thank you for joining us today. With rising concerns about terrorism in Europe, particularly in Lithuania, can you share more about the current situation and its implications?
Security Expert: Thank you for having me. The situation in Europe, especially in Lithuania, is indeed concerning. As stated, we have adversaries with significant planning capabilities and resources that can operate across the continent. The recent incidents underscore the seriousness of these threats.
Time.news Editor: You mentioned that the operations we hear about – both unsuccessful and successful – are only part of the overall picture. Can you elaborate on this?
Security Expert: Certainly. What happens publicly is just a glimpse into ongoing operations. There are various clandestine activities that do not make headlines but pose significant risks. The Lithuanian government has identified several targets that resonate deeply with society, like places of historical significance and mass gatherings, which are inherently more vulnerable to attacks.
Time.news Editor: That certainly raises concerns about public safety. The criminal activities we’ve witnessed, such as the attempted terrorist attack in Šiauliai, highlight an urgent need for vigilance. What can communities do to mitigate these risks?
Security Expert: Communities must stay informed and vigilant. Building strong networks of local awareness can help. It’s crucial for citizens to report any suspicious activities to authorities. Robust communication between law enforcement and the public fosters a proactive approach to safety.
Time.news Editor: Following the recent arrest of the two Spanish suspects, what does the process look like for containing such threats in the future?
Security Expert: The immediate response involves investigation and appropriate legal actions. Latvia’s swift extradition of the suspects to Lithuania demonstrates excellent regional cooperation. Moving forward, intelligence-sharing among countries is vital, as is enhancing the capacity of law enforcement agencies to tackle potentially dangerous individuals before they act.
Time.news Editor: Given these developments, what advice would you offer to policymakers in Lithuania and Europe at large?
Security Expert: Policymakers should focus on a multi-faceted approach. This includes investing in counterterrorism intelligence operations, promoting community resilience, and fostering partnerships across borders. Continued public education about recognizing threats can also play a significant role in prevention.
Time.news Editor: Thank you for these insights. As we navigate this complex landscape of security challenges, it’s clear that a collective effort is needed to address the threat of terrorism in Europe effectively.
Security Expert: Absolutely. Ongoing dialogue and action are essential to ensure the safety and security of citizens, particularly in vulnerable nations like Lithuania.
Time.news Editor: Thank you again for your expertise. It is vital that we keep these discussions going as we work towards a safer future for Europe.