Foreign extremists launch 'jihad' in Syria

United Nations, April 07: Over 140,000 Syrians have lost their lives and more than 9 million are internally displaced or have fled the country since the conflict between forces loyal to President Bashar al-Assad and those opposed to his rule began in March 2011. The fight is grim as the rebels are outnumbered by Islamists and jihadists linked to Al Qaeda. The country is now facing one of the worst civil wars with rise in crimes including torture, hostage-taking, murder and execution. Al Qaeda and the Taliban from Pakistan-Afghan border are now using Syria as a launching pad to carry out strikes against the West. Syria is an attractive region for them since it lies far from the drone strikes. These fighters are skilled in bomb-making, logistics, religious indoctrination and planning. Experts believe that Pakistan is well aware of al Qaeda's strategy in Syria. It is believed that Pakistan is backing al Qaeda fighters in Syria at the behest of Saudi Arabia. During his recent visit to Pakistan, Saudi Crown Prince Salman bin Abdulaziz asked for anti-aircraft and anti-tank rockets for the rebels fighting in Syria.