Publication

This paper explores the combat role ethnic Chechens are playing in the civil war in Syria. The fighters include 1) descendants of the late 19th century Chechen diaspora, who settled in the area; 2) transplanted Chechen muwaḥḥidun aligned with the so-called Islamic State; and 3) Chechen jihadists fighting for Jabhat al-Nusra. The paper also discusses whether these fighters will expand the Syrian conflict into Turkey or, in some cases, pose a risk to Russia by returning to their places of origin.