Could ex-ISIL fighters be used against Iran, as a Russian official claimed?
Alexander Bortnikov, head of Russia’s Federal Security Service, claimed late in May that the West is trying to use ex-fighters of the ISIL (ISIS) armed group against Iran. “Western intelligence serv…
Alexander Bortnikov, head of Russia’s Federal Security Service, claimed late in May that the West is trying to use ex-fighters of the ISIL (ISIS) arme
Read Full Story at Al Jazeera →Why This Matters
The claim that Western intelligence services might mobilize former ISIL fighters against Iran exposes a high-stakes gamble in the Middle East’s shadow wars, where proxy conflicts have blurred the lines between terrorism and geopolitical strategy. If true, it would represent a dangerous escalation in a region already destabilized by decades of intervention and covert operations, with potential consequences for global security architectures.
Background Context
The specter of ex-ISIL fighters being repurposed as proxies is not without precedent; similar tactics were allegedly employed in Syria’s civil war, where foreign fighters were channeled into various armed factions. Russia has long accused the West of exploiting militant groups to weaken adversaries, a narrative that aligns with its own use of Syrian militias in support of Damascus. Meanwhile, Iran’s regional influence—bolstered by its nuclear program and proxy networks—makes it a prime target for such asymmetrical warfare.
What Happens Next
The allegations could signal a new phase of covert operations, where battle-hardened militants are funneled into Iran’s border regions or allied territories. Observers should watch for shifts in drone strikes, sabotage campaigns, or sudden flare-ups along Iran’s borders with Iraq and Syria, as these often precede larger destabilization efforts. The credibility of Bortnikov’s claim may hinge on corroborating intelligence or visible actions on the ground.
Bigger Picture
This episode reflects a broader trend of weaponizing non-state actors as tools of statecraft, a practice that undermines the post-9/11 security framework. As great powers increasingly resort to irregular warfare, the risk of unintended escalation—whether through miscalculation or blowback—grows exponentially, threatening to unravel fragile regional balances.
