MOSCOW. Dec 12 (Interfax) - The liberation of the last ISIL (banned in Russia) strongholds in Syria creates the threat of the return of terrorist fighters to Russia, the head of the National Anti-Terrorism Committee, Alexander Bortnikov, said at a NAC meeting on Tuesday.
"Given that the Syrian government forces supported by the Russian military have liberated the last ISIL strongholds, [ISIL] ringleaders and militants have to find other ways to continue their terrorist activity in other countries, including Russia," Bortnikov said.
"The return of former terrorist fighters from Middle East countries to Russia poses a real danger, as they may join gangs and sleeper cells and help recruit abettors and new militants," he said.