GETTY Europe is on high alert for an ISIS terror attack

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Britain is among the countries which are "high on the target list" for aggression from the group, the European Union's law enforcement body warned. Europol said that - in the wake of murderous attacks in Belgium and France - extremists are very likely to strike again in the near future. All EU member states participating in the coalition against ISIS - including Britain - are regarded by the group as "legitimate targets". A report published today by Europol said: ”France remains high in the target list for ISIS aggression in the EU, but so too do Belgium, Germany, The Netherlands and the United Kingdom.”

GETTY Nice come under attack from an ISIS-inspired jihadist this summer

It added: "Estimates from some intelligence services indicate several dozen people directed by ISIS may be currently present in Europe with a capability to commit terrorist attacks, and that there are indications that ISIS has been preparing terrorist attacks in Europe since 2013." Intelligence suggests that ISIS has assembled teams in Syria which are sent to the EU tasked with carrying out attacks, the study said. Europol also raised the prospect of an increased rate in the return of foreign fighters if IS is defeated or severely weakened in Syria and Iraq. Increased military pressure on ISIS - including a major offensive in Mosul, Iraq - has sparked concern about potential displacement of militants. The report said: "Those who manage to enter the EU will pose a potential security risk for the Union. Given the high numbers involved, this represents a significant and long-term security challenge." It followed twisted ISIS publication Dabiq calling for a "final, apocalyptic showdown" in the coming months. The propaganda magazine also called for lone-wolf attacks throughout Europe, urging radicalised Islamists to become "serial killers" on the streets of Europe.

GETTY Terror police are on high alert across Europe

It was revealed earlier this year that around 850 people linked to the UK and regarded as a security threat are believed to have taken part in the Syrian conflict, with just under half thought to have returned to this country. The Europol paper also said: • The scale and impact of "lone actor" attacks is increasing • A "real and imminent danger" is the possibility of elements of the SunniMuslim Syrian refugee diaspora becoming vulnerable to radicalisation once in Europe and being specifically targeted by Islamic extremist recruiters • Unconfirmed information suggests German authorities were aware of around 300 recorded attempts made by jihadists to recruit refugees who were trying to enter Europe by April 2016. • Automatic firearms remain the weapons of choice of terrorist cells - but it is also possible that IS will consider the use of chemical or biological weapons in the EU, while car bombs could also emerge as an attack method. • Counter-terrorism experts are concerned that Libya could develop into a "second springboard" for ISIS, after Syria, for attacks in the EU and the North African region • Individuals and groups involved in terrorist and extremist activities use encryption to conceal their communications from law enforcement and intelligence agencies

Countries most affected by terrorism in 2016 Fri, November 25, 2016 Terrorist attacks have been prevalent in the news this year. In fact, there's been an incident every single month. Here we list the countries most affected by terrorism in 2016. Play slideshow Getty 1 of 12 Countries most affected by terrorist attacks in 2016