Islamic State terrorists hiding among migrants traveling from Libya to Lampedusa are a “major risk” for Europe, according to French Defense Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian. In an interview on French television Sunday, Le Drian said that there is an “urgent” need for a political solution in Libya where “Daesh is being established.” Reports suggest that Islamic State fighters in Libya now number in the thousands. “I’ve been very worried about Libya since September, 2014,” Le Drian said. “There they are, just 200 miles from Lampedusa, and they are expanding.” The French minister added that “when the Mediterranean weather is good, there is a risk that [ISIL fighters] will make the crossing, mingling with migrants. It is a major risk.” Le Drian also expressed his concern that the military struggle in Iraq and Syria, where ISIL has conquered vast swathes of territory, could spread to Libya, where the jihadists have already established an important stronghold in the coastal city of Sirte, as well as a presence in Derna to the east. “Everyone is aware of the risk that the conflict in Syria and Iraq, where we are seeing some positive results, spreads to become a new conflict in Libya,” Le Drian said.