Turkish journalist Deniz Kahraman of left liberal Aydinlik interviewed an ISIS militant who is in Ankara for medical care. During the interview the ISIS militant who came out of the recent fighting in Musul, said, "Since the beginning of the Syrian crisis AKP government has helped us a lot."
He continued, "It's been 12 years that I am with Jihadist groups. Initially I took part in the resistance in Fallujah against the Americans. (...) Later, I established relationships with some in the Iraqi branch of Al Qaeda. I received training within small groups. I learned to fight, to gather intelligence. I received political education and learned Sunni jurisprudence. I joined the system of cells in 2010 and moved into Syria in 2011. At that time all groups fighting against Assad were joining forces. We fought in multiple fronts with different groups and under different commanders. But when the lack of faith among the Free Syrian Army became apparent, we changed our paths.
"When ISIS declared itself, we started fighting under its banner. I participated in 12 operations against the Kurds, and personally directed the three raids into Kamishli.
"We will build the Islamic state in the territories from Tigris to Jordan and Palestine and to Lebanon. Sunni Law will rule.
"Many foreign intelligence services are making attempts to contact us. Especially France and Germany, and the Dutch recently. Rather than being interested in what we do in Syria or Iraq, these countries want to learn about our mujahadeen's activities in their countries.
"We have a large number of foreign mujahedeen. They come from 21 countries, not all Muslim countries. We have mujahedeen who come from England, France, Germany, Netherlands and Spain. Also from Turkey. There are many from Russia. We have Chechens trained in Russian special forces. They lead the raids. There are those from Afghanistan, Pakistan and Algeria. They come through Turkey. And even this is very important for us.
"Turkey paved the way for us. Had Turkey not shown such understanding for us, ISIS would not be in its current place. It (Turkey) showed us affection. Large number of our mujahedeen received medical treatment in Turkey. I don't know what is ahead from now onward. We do not have the support of Saudi Arabia, but many Saudi families who believe in jihad do assist us. But anyhow, we will no longer need it, soon."
Source: Deniz Kahraman, Aydinlik and OdaTv, July 22, 2014
