170 Algerians joined terrorist organizations in Syria

The number of foreign fighters in both Iraq and Syria has more than doubled since last year to at least 27,000, according to a new report by an intelligence consultancy, highlighting the global dimension of the conflict.

The figures, compiled by the “Soufan” Group, indicate that efforts by countries around the world to stem the flow of foreign fighters to Iraq and Syria and blunt the appeal of terrorist organizations such as “Isis” or “Daesh” appear to have made little impact.

 “The foreign fighter phenomenon in Iraq and Syria is truly global,” the New York-based security consultancy’s report said.

In all, between 27,000 and 31,000 foreign fighters from 86 countries have travelled to Iraq and Syria, the Soufan Group said, compared with a figure of about 12,000 foreign fighters in Syria when it last published a similar study in June 2014.

The largest number travelled to the two countries, across which “ISIS” (“Daesh”) controls a swath of territory, from the Middle East and the Maghreb particularly in Libya, with about 8,000 foreign fighters each.

According to the report, 170 Algerians are said to have joined terrorist organizations operating in war-torn Syria.

Around 5,000 made their way from Europe, with a further 4,700 from former Soviet republics.

The Soufan Group added that between 20 and 30% of foreign “Jihadists” were returning to their home countries, creating major challenges for domestic security agencies as Isis in particular looks to carry out an increasing number of attacks overseas.

“ISIS” (“Daesh”) terror group claimed responsibility for a massive attack in Paris last month that left 130 dead, and its fighters have been held responsible for terrorist acts in a litany of countries ranging from Iraq to Bangladesh.

The threat of returning foreign fighters has sparked off widespread debate, particularly in western countries, many of which have criminalized travel to Syria to fight in the country’s years-long conflict.