THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Al-Qaeda has infiltrated into Syria and is working to establish footholds in the war-torn northern provinces.
Whilst the militant Islamic organisation's influence remains small, home-grown jihadist groups that are linked with, or sympathetic to the ideals of movement are growing.
The Daily Telegraph has seen al-Qaeda's flag flying openly in some areas of Idlib and Aleppo provinces that straddle the borders with Turkey and Iraq and fighters in the rebel Free Syrian Army have told how representatives of the militant group have tried in past months to win control of towns and villages.
"An al Qaeda group led by a man who called himself Abu Saddiq took control in Der Tezzeh," said one FSA rebel speaking on condition of anonymity.
"I was a member of the Revolution Council there. Suddenly there was a new way of thinking. Abu Saddiq was installed as the 'Emir', or 'Prince' of the area for three months. I was told to put my hand on the Koran and to obey him.
"He wanted to build a religious country. He did not want democracy but a religious leader in power. He wanted to use suicide bombers as a way of fighting government troops in the area." » | Ruth Sherlock, Idlib Province | Thursday, July 12, 2012
