Terror threat

Russia's Syrian Strikes May Fuel Global Jihad, Experts Say

The start of Russian airstrikes to prop up embattled Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's government could trigger a new wave of foreign fighters, strengthening jihadists across the region, experts say.

U.S. intelligence officials have been warning about potential fallout since Moscow began expanding its military footprint in Syria earlier this month. But such calls have taken on greater urgency with Russian bombs falling on Syrian targets as of Wednesday.

"There's no doubt extremists will look to amplify their recruiting pitches to would-be foreign fighters by capitalizing on Russia’s expanded role in Syria," a U.S. counterterrorism official told VOA. "It could also help energize jihadi efforts both inside and outside Syria."