Syria has arrested four Indians who were on their way to fight alongside Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) militants. These men are at present lodged in a prison in Damascus and will be deported soon. The arrests came shortly after three students from Hyderabad, suspected to be on their way to Syria to join the ISIS were detained by Telangana Police and Maharashtra ATS at Nagpur last month.
During the meeting with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Tuesday, Syrian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Walid Al-Moualem briefed her about the arrests and the possibility of more such groups pouring into Syria to fight alongside the ISIS. In fact, over the last few months nearly 30,000 foreign fighters tried to enter Syria to join hands with the ISIS.
With India expressing concerns over terrorism in the region, Syria has promised to join hands with it in countering terrorism and Intelligence sharing, particularly against Islamic terror groups and on possible attacks on Indian establishments. Syrian officials said they had also warned France in advance about the possibility of an attack in Paris and given them a list of possible perpetrators.
Al Moualem also had a long meeting with National Security Adviser Ajit Doval where the increasing footprint of ISIS and terrorism in the South Asian region were discussed. Al Moualem conveyed that Syria was keeping a watch on Indians trying to make their way to the ISIS. Syria has also promised to help India in securing the release of 39 Indian workers being held hostage in Iraq.
“Terrorism has no boundaries. We are ready to work with India to extend all cooperation in the fight against terrorism. In this regard my visit was very constructive and productive,” Al Moualem said.
Meanwhile, violence-ridden Syria has sought India’s support in rebuilding the nation by increasing its economic activity in the country and restarted stalled projects. Sushma has said that India is ready to complete the Tishreen project which is being implemented by Bharat Heavy Electricals ltd, provided security of its personnel can be guaranteed.
Syria has also sought humanitarian aid in terms of medicines, food, commodity, power supply and infrastructure.