Xinjiang militants headed to Syria to take part in civil war

Some hardcore Islamic militants from Chinas troubled Xinjiang province,bordering Pakistan Occupied Kashmir,are heading to Syria and linking up with organisations like al-Qaeda

Written by Press Trust Of India | Beijing |
October 30, 2012 2:47:32 am

Some hardcore Islamic militants from Chinas troubled Xinjiang province,bordering Pakistan Occupied Kashmir,are heading to Syria and linking up with organisations like al-Qaeda to fight against the Syrian government,a media report said on Monday.

Leaders from East Turkestan terror organisations have organised for members to head for Syria to participate in their quest for jihad, the state-run Global Times quoted Chinese anti-terrorism authorities as saying.

The organisations include the East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM) and the East Turkestan Education and Solidarity Association (ETESA) that push for independence for Chinas Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region,where Uyghur Muslims of Turkic-origin opposed settlements of Hans. Since May,ETIM and ETESA members have been going to Syria and linking up with organisations like al-Qaeda to fight against the Syrian government,the report said.

The ETIM is being helped by al-Qaeda. They are collecting funds through drug,gun trafficking,kidnapping and robbery. ETIM recruited separatists,criminals and terrorists who fled from Xinjiang to receive secret terrorism training, an official said.