BEIJING. Oct 21 (Interfax) - Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu has noted intensifying terrorist activity in the Asia-Pacific region.
"After its defeat in Syria, the ISIL group (banned in Russia) has significantly expanded its presence in Southeast Asia. Leaders of the quasi-state declare the inclusion of Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines and, partially, Thailand, in their caliphate. Militants who used to fight in Syria and are returning to home countries are serving as the forward unit," Shoigu said at the plenary meeting of the Beijing Xiangshan Forum on Monday.
"They are steadily building connections with terrorist groups operating in other regions," he said.
"It was believed just a few years ago that terrorism did not pose a serious threat to Asia-Pacific countries," Shoigu said.
"Now the region is witnessing the activity of extremis organizations, about 60 of which have been branded as terrorist," he said.
Violent methods, which the extremists are using to achieve their objectives, harm the civilian population, he said.
"An example is the terror attack perpetrated in Sri Lanka this year," Shoigu said.