Canada's Prime Minister Stephen Harper (R) stands to vote in favour of a government motion to participate in U.S.-led air strikes against Islamic State
Canada's Prime Minister Stephen Harper (R) stands to vote in favour of a government motion to participate in U.S.-led air strikes against Islamic State militants operating in Iraq, in the House of Commons on Parliament Hill in Ottawa October 7, 2014. The motion passed 157 to 134. Reuters/Stringer

Experts said that there was a definite possibility of terror attacks in Canada. It has been assumed that the Islamic State may behead a random person in public.

It all started with the NBC News report that intelligence official confirmed Canadian authorities had heard terrorists discussing about potential terror attacks in Canada. The alleged "knife and gun" attacks will apparently be launched against American and Canadian targets. Intelligence officials did not, however, clarify if anyone had planned to cross the border to launch such attacks. It was emphasised that the potential attacks were still at the "aspirational" stage. However, the report seemed to be enough to scare Canadian people.

According to Canoe, no matter how "aspirational" the potential attack may be, it was a "frightening, blood-curdling prospect." The director of International Intelligence Program for INSIGNIS Strategic Research Inc. said that it was irrelevant to ask the whereabouts of the attack. David B. Harris said on Thursday that such terror attacks were on the way, no matter if the NBC report was accurate or not.

Winnipeg Free Press said that it was right on Canada's part to have joined the allies to prevent extremist groups in the Middle East. At the same time, it accepted that the U.S.-led mission in Iraq and Syria against the Islamic State was "wrapped in confusion, uncertainty and risk." The mission appears to be a long one as Canada is sending nine more military aircrafts which include six CF-18s. While Canada has committed itself to be a part of the mission, an extension of the mission is expected to be requested at the Parliament.

Meanwhile, intelligence officials said that Canada had started monitoring "hundreds of people" for potential links with ISIS or other militant groups. The people who are under radar are those who went to Syria to work for such groups and came back. Those who tried going to Syria for such reasons but failed are also under the scanner. However, there are apparently many "unknowns" inspired by IS ideologies, who pose greater concern. NBC called it "the most dangerous time since 9/11 for a domestic terror attack" for Canada and the United States since 9/11.

Contact the writer: s.mukhopadhyay@ibtimes.com.au