Intelligence chief claims Islamic State terrorists visited Costa Rica

October 11^th, 2014 (InsideCostaRica.com) Costa Rica’s Directorate of Intelligence and Security (DIS) claims its agency has detected the entry of foreign nationals into the country connected with terrorist organizations, including the Islamic State (also known as ISIS or ISIL).

In an interview with La Nacion, DIS chief Mariano Figueres said he could not reveal the dates, numbers, or for what purposes the suspected terrorists had entered the country, but admitted that some of the suspected terrorists were admitted into the country legally while others had entered the country unlawfully.

Figueres said that in some cases the country had been previously alerted of the suspected terrorists’ identities by other countries.  Others were only identified after they were present in Costa Rica.

The intelligence chief said that the suspected terrorists were in the country for only short periods and that all have left the country.

Asked if the country can deny entry to such persons, Figueres said yes, but added that “[Costa Rica] is a country of freedom which respects human rights.  We believe it is important to always track the entry and exit of such people in order to coordinate any action with other intelligence agencies and to prevent the development of any local [terrorist] organizations.”