European security officials say a Norwegian man has received terrorist training from al-Qaeda's offshoot in Yemen and is awaiting orders to attack the West.
Western intelligence officials have long feared such a scenario: a convert to Islam trained in terrorist methods who can blend in easily in Europe and the United States and travel without visa restrictions.
Officials from three European security agencies confirmed today that the man is 'operational', meaning he has completed his training and is about to receive a target. All requested anonymity because they were not authorised to discuss the case.
One official described the man as a Norwegian in his 30s who became radicalised after converting to Islam in 2008. He spent "some months" in Yemen and is still believed to be there.