CHELYABINSK (Sputnik) — Russian security services are registering many cases of militants returning to the Ural region from crisis spots abroad, deputy secretary of the Russian Federation Security Council said Wednesday.
"The secret services are aware of militants, who sided with terrorists in various conflicts, and returned from 'hot spots' [to Russia]," Vladimir Nazarov said at a meeting in Russia's Ural Federal District.
Nazarov said that it was essential that the efficiency of the response be improved to impede conflicts.
He added that Russia's security services should cut off terrorist groups’ financing and strengthen counterterrorism efforts on the Internet.
According to recent UN estimates, some 30,000 people are fighting alongside Daesh, which is outlawed in many countries, including Russia and the United States.
The Russian Interior Ministry reported in December that up to 2,000 Russian citizens were involved in Daesh military activities.
