TSAKHADZROR, Armenia. Oct 17 (Interfax) - Some 500 militants from Russia are involved in the Syrian conflict, Director of the Federal Security Service (FSB) Alexander Bortnikov has said.
"According to our knowledge, some 500 militants who are citizens of Russia are now staying in Syria. From several dozen to several hundred people - citizens of other CIS countries - are also involved in the Syrian conflict," he said at a press conference after the 35th session of the council of heads of CIS security forces.
He said that the involvement of militants from CIS countries is a grave problem concerning not only the territory of the Commonwealth but also European nations.
"The migration of rebels to hotspots ends with part of them returning to their home places with combat experience. They are a potential threat to everyone," Bortnikov said.