Regional fears over Sahel instability

Two of the suspected terrorists were from the former Soviet Republics and one was Turkish. It was thought that one had undergone training in Pakistan or Afghanistan. Spain's decision to evacuate all its nationals from the camps at Tindouf is an indication of Europe's fears of the increasing influence of Al Qaeda in the  Sahel region. The kidnapping and release of two Spanish and an Italian national after been kidnapped from Tindouf. There is also concern over links between Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb and its offshoot Mujao with the Polisario Front.

Given the proximity of Northern Mali and the smuggling networks of weapons and drugs the danger of new terrorist  training bases being formed the danger of un controlled anarchy turning the region into a  "Sahelistan  " was highlighted recently by French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius. It is not only the Maghreb which ha must to fear.