According to the head of the FSB, Alexander Bortnikov, Al Qaeda is using a 'thousand needles' strategy to attack European countries, reports RIA Novosti.

"As part of a new strategy being employed by Al Qaeda called 'thousand needles,' the mass arsons in the EU are worth looking into. This new method allows [Al Qaeda] to cause significant economic and moral damage without major preperations, technical requirements or large financial expenses," said Bortnikov at the 11th meeting of special services, security organizations and law enforcement agencies that are partners with the FSB in Moscow.

Bortnikov explained that the likelihood of special forces being able to identify the arsonists is very minimal. According to him the deliberate nature of the arson details posted on extremist websites and forums explains the organization of a "forest jihad", with websites recommending the most effective methods and places for committing arson and making a stealthy retreat.

Last summer, forest fires burned over a large area of ​​southern Europe. Forests in Italy, Spain, Greece, Croatia and other southern European countries were severely affected. Dozens of people died in fires and hundreds were arrested for arson.