Local militants undergo extensive training before they arrive in Syria

PETALING JAYA: First, they are indoctrinated, then they are given physical and weapons training. After that, local militants can go for their so-called “jihad” in Syria and Iraq, linked to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).

It is learnt the militants are required to undergo extensive physical and weapons training before they are allowed to fly to Syria.

While the training stint would last about two days, sources revealed that the trainers ensure that the new recruits are given “boot-camp” style exercises.

“They would focus more on the physical aspect to ensure the trainees are tough enough.

“The trainees are also given firearms training. All of these make them battle-ready when they arrive in Syria,” a source said.

The militants identify rural areas far from the public eye to conduct their training regime.

“However, police have uncovered several training sites, including in Port Dickson and Kuala Kangsar,” the source said.

Despite its extensive nature, it is believed that the physical and weapons training is a short stage, with the indoctrination of extremist ideology taking priority.

“It would be about four months after the initial training before the militants are deemed fit to travel to Syria.

“They are given time to study and immerse themselves in ISIL-like teachings and goals,” the source said.

While their endgame is to become suicide bombers, sources said, not all Malaysian militants who went to Syria would be suicide bombers. Most would become fighters.

The suicide bombers, according to the source, are selected after further training in Syria to uncover those with the “testicular fortitude” to blow themselves up.

“Some militants end up being cooks or teachers for the terrorist faction,” the source said.

At least 20 Malaysians are believed to be in Syria although sources suspect there could be many more than that.

They said that most militants would travel to Turkey first before making their way to Syria.

“Their final destination is Iraq, whereby they become suicide bombers or die fighting for the group’s cause,” the source said.

It is learnt that ISIL, also known as ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Sham) is even training boys as young as 12 in their “suicide bombing” schools in Syria and Iraq.

“Authorities believe ISIL prefers the younger ones to become suicide bombers as soldiers would be less suspicious of children.

“Most ISIL recruits are aged between 12 and 18,” the source said.

Malaysian Ahmad Tarmimi Maliki was a quiet 26-year-old factory worker. Now, he has the dubious honour of being Malaysia’s first suicide bomber.

According to the Terrorism Research and Analysis Consortium (http://www.trackingterrorism.org/group/islamic-state-iraq-islamic-state-iraq-and-sham-isis), the network’s objective is to establish a worldwide Caliphate, reflected in frequent media reports by means of images of the world united under an ISIL banner.

Although it has perpetrated many terrorist acts since its formation in 2006, particularly against Shi’ite and Christian civilians, ISIL has been especially active in late 2012 and 2013, claiming responsibility for killing and wounding hundreds of people through suicide bombings.

It’s principal targets are the United States military and Shi’ite and Christian civilians.