10 Apr 2015 15:32

FSB: ISIL poses real threat to SCO member countries

TASHKENT. April 10 (Interfax) - The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) international terrorist organization poses a real threat to the security of Shanghai Cooperation Organization member countries, Federal Security Service (FSB) First Deputy Director Sergei Smirnov said.

"We have concerns. This threat is real," Smirnov told reporters on Friday, after the 26th session of the SCO Regional Antiterrorism Structure (RATS) in Tashkent.

"A rather large number" of SCO citizens are involved in ISIL activities, he said.

According to the FSB up to 1,700 people from Russia may be fighting for ISIL units, and Tajikistan knows about 300 fighters from amongst its nationals. "This is just what we know," Smirnov said.