According to U.S. officials, dozens of Americans are fighting alongside the rebels in Syria. The majority of the fighters are believed to be radicalized young Muslims with western passports, who were likely recruited over the internet. In total, approximately 600 of the 6,000-11,000 foreign fighters operating in Syria are believed to be from North America, Europe and Australia. There is no specific estimate regarding the number of Americans; however, analysts assess that they make up an undistinguished fraction of the total population.
There is also a significant British presence among the European fighters in Syria, with an estimated 350 citizens believed to be fighting with extremist groups. Recently, British intelligence identified 17 citizens who were posting social media messages regarding their activity in Syria. Specifically, there is a group called British Kataa’ib, composed of eight British fighters, that uses social media websites and blogs to recruit extremists. They have also held online question and answer sessions. Although some of the fighters have been identified, several others remain unknown to authorities as they have been operating under pseudonyms and concealing their faces.
The MSA Research and Intelligence Team has been following this situation closely, and has identified the following implications as part of their terrorism threat analysis:
There is also a significant British presence among the European fighters in Syria, with an estimated 350 citizens believed to be fighting with extremist groups. Recently, British intelligence identified 17 citizens who were posting social media messages regarding their activity in Syria. Specifically, there is a group called British Kataa’ib, composed of eight British fighters, that uses social media websites and blogs to recruit extremists. They have also held online question and answer sessions. Although some of the fighters have been identified, several others remain unknown to authorities as they have been operating under pseudonyms and concealing their faces.
The MSA Research and Intelligence Team has been following this situation closely, and has identified the following implications as part of their terrorism threat analysis:
- Western intelligence agencies are becoming increasingly concerned about foreign fighters returning to their home countries to carry out terrorist attacks.
- There is also fear that the west may be targeted due to the perception that they are “standing by” while the regime kills rebel forces.
- Although there have yet to be any confirmed attacks by foreign fighters, the increase in radicals with experience fighting in Syria, and western passports, poses a serious threat to the U.S. and Europe.
- Additionally, with the ongoing social media campaign, there is potential for the continued radicalization and recruitment of young people.