21 May 2019 10:53

Terrorists retain potential for worldwide attacks after defeat in Syria - Bortnikov

DUSHANBE. May 21 (Interfax) - Terrorists have suffered a defeat in Syria but are trying to regroup in areas uncontrolled by government forces and in refugee camps, according to Federal Security Service Director Alexander Bortnikov.

"In spite of heavy casualties suffered in Syria and Iraq, international terrorist groups have retained a sufficient potential for launching attacks worldwide, in particular, with the support of foreign sponsors," Bortnikov said at a meeting of the CIS Council of Heads of Security and Intelligence Agencies.

Large Jihadist forces have been defeated, "but they are trying to regroup in areas uncontrolled by the Syrian government or to hole up in refugee camps," Bortnikov said.

"The creation of new footholds of militants in North Africa and Southeast Asia becomes a continuous trend," he said.