Turkey struggles as "lone gatekeeper" against Islamic State recruitment


  • World
  • Tuesday, 26 Aug 2014

Fighters of al-Qaeda linked Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant parade at the Syrian town of Tel Abyad, near the border with Turkey January 2, 2014. REUTERS/Yaser Al-Khodor

ISTANBUL/BEIRUT (Reuters) - As Islamic State insurgents threaten the Turkish border from Syria, Turkey is struggling to staunch the flow of foreign jihadists to the militant group, having not so long ago allowed free access to those who would join its neighbour's civil war.

Thousands of foreign fighters from countries including Turkey, Britain, parts of Europe and the United States are believed to have joined the Islamist militants in their self-proclaimed caliphate, carved out of eastern Syria and western Iraq, according to diplomats and Turkish officials.

Win a prize this Mother's Day by subscribing to our annual plan now! T&C applies.

Monthly Plan

RM13.90/month

Annual Plan

RM12.33/month

Billed as RM148.00/year

1 month

Free Trial

For new subscribers only


Cancel anytime. No ads. Auto-renewal. Unlimited access to the web and app. Personalised features. Members rewards.
Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!
   

Next In World

Tourist couple injured in militant shooting in India's Kashmir amid elections
Eruption of Indonesia's Mt Ibu forces seven villages to evacuate
Saudi crown prince meets White House national security adviser
Irish business tycoon and rugby record breaker Tony O'Reilly dies at 88
Greece marks Int'l Museum Day with free admission, variety of activities
South Africa's new MK party seeks majority win in pivotal election, Zuma says
Iranian official hails "extensive" cultural cooperation with China
Venezuela opposition candidate says he will guarantee political freedom
Britain's Conservatives trail Labour by 18 points, says Opinium poll
Italian police seize 134 Fiat cars in flag dispute

Others Also Read