Five men suspected of planning attacks on Roman Catholic churches in Bosnia were arrested last Monday. The arrests are significant for three reasons: First, they are a reminder (particularly for Europe and the Vatican) that the Balkans is a breeding ground and launching pad for Islamic terrorism; second, they portend further instability in the already troubled region; third, the targets show radical Islam’s desire for conflict with the Roman Catholic Church.

Anes Alic and Damir Kaletovic, analysts from the Zurich-based International Relations and Security Network (isn) reported on the arrests (emphasis ours):

In the second major anti-terrorism operation in Bosnia in three years, Bosnian police have arrested five men and seized anti-tank mines, laser sights, electronic equipment, topographic maps and bomb-making manuals.The ongoing investigation shows so far that the group involved in the alleged plot is connected with earlier terrorism-related arrests in the country, and that the network extends to Western European capitals. …The four arrested in Sarajevo were members of the local Wahhabi movement—the Saudi-based and -financed order following a strict interpretation of Islam. Some of the suspects were already well known to the police for their radical activities.

Analysts from Stratfor highlight the strength of the terrorists’ foothold in Bosnia, as well as the country’s strategic position in regard to radical Islam’s war on Europe (March 28):

Considering the country’s geography and political instability, Bosnia-Herzegovina is potentially an excellent haven for radical Islamist groups. Historically, the region that includes Bosnia has served as a channel for the world’s traders and invaders. It is both a major gateway and a hub for all types of people coming to Europe. These include militant Islamists, who covet Bosnia’s strategic position between the Middle East and Europe.The cell that planned to attack Catholic churches might have been acting alone. But given that foreign Islamists are under new pressure from the government, Islamist militants in Bosnia overall could be changing their strategy. Bosnia is an ideal place for Islamists looking to rest, train and raise money—due to the Balkans’ popularity among smugglers—for upcoming missions.

The southern Balkans possesses all the ingredients necessary for conflict. If Islamic terrorists ramp up their activities in the region, instability and conflict become an almost foregone conclusion. Stratfor continues:

Kosovo’s recent declaration of independence from Serbia has exacerbated existing political tensions, opening the door for independence movements in Bosnia-Herzegovina. The Bosnian government—and the United Nations, which has legal oversight of Bosnia—is preoccupied with creating a unified, functioning state. Until now, Bosnia’s government did not have the will to pursue militant Islamists aggressively. Given the existing political instability in Bosnia, additional ethnic and religious violence carried out by jihadists signals even more trouble ahead for the Balkan country.

What made the arrests even more significant was the targets of the attacks, as isn noted:

Federal police had reason to believe that the next opportunity to attack would be the next Catholic holiday, Easter. Analyzing intercepted communiqués, police concluded that would-be targets of the group are Sarajevo central cathedral and Franciscan Monastery in central Bosnian city of Fojnica.Aside from Catholic institutions, police also have reason to believe that the group was planning to sabotage electricity supply stations and launch attacks against European Forces (eufor) Liaison and Observation Team (lot) here.

The alleged plot to attack Roman Catholic churches over the Easter weekend must be seen in the context of Osama bin Laden’s recent pointed threats to Europe, and specific condemnation of Pope Benedict xvi. The targeting of Roman Catholic churches and European forces reveals a willingness among radical Islamists to directly confront Europe and the Vatican.

The Balkans have historically been a battleground between the two great religious powers of Catholicism and Islam. Today, Islam has heavily infiltrated parts of the region. Don’t expect a Catholic-influenced Europe, intent on conquering and absorbing the strategic Balkans, to simply accept Islam’s threats.

Growing tension between Europe and the Islamic world will ensure the conflict that radical Islam is looking for will one day soon explode. Biblical prophecy reveals that this extremist power will get more than it bargained for.