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UK and France sound alarm over European militants in Syria

British and French leaders have warned about the rising number of their nationals joining Takfiri militants in Syria, saying they are an unprecedented security threat to both countries.

This comes as the British and French governments are now seriously alarmed by their Takfiri nationals returning home from Syria.

British Prime Minister David Cameron says the terrorist threat from Syria is more dangerous than threats from Afghanistan or Pakistan. Cameron also says British security services now have to work hard to prevent a terror attack in Britain.

Meanwhile, the French premier has echoed similar concerns. Manuel Valls says over 800 French nationals are involved in the Syrian insurgency.

He has described the retuning Takfiri insurgents an “unprecedented security threat.”

"We have never before faced a challenge of this kind," media outlets quoted Valls as saying on Tuesday , adding, "We have to ensure the surveillance of hundreds and hundreds of French or European individuals who are today fighting in Syria."

European opponents of the Syrian government voice concern as militants appear to be biting the hand that feeds them.

Hundreds of Europeans have gone to Syria to fight against Damascus.

Fears are growing that European militants trained and hardened in Syria may carry out terrorist attacks once they return home.

Syria has been experiencing deadly unrest since March 2011. Many people, including large numbers of security personnel, have been killed in the violence.

The West and its regional allies including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey are giving financial and military support to the militants.

Analysts believe the Syria crisis will backfire on the West as militants are now returning to the countries they came from, including those in Europe.

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