Bosnia`s Role in the Syrian Conflict

Report
Bosnia’s Role in the Syrian
Conflict
Peace Research | December 2013
Contents
Authors
Introduction
3
Are there connections between Wahhabi/Salafi communities in Bosnia and Islamist
groups in Syria?
4
Facilitation of fighters and support players in Bosnia
6
The influence of returning fighters from Syria
7
Al Qaeda’s impact in Bosnia – the impact of Al Nusra
8
Conclusion
8
Bibliography
9
Aasta Galli
Sophie Harris
Joshua Hughes
Aino Lisma
Farheen Mohammed
Julia We
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Introduction
During and after the 1992-95 Bosnian war, foreign Muslim volunteers came to Bosnia to fight in the
Bosnian Army’s 3rd Corps (El – Mujahedeen Unit), to protect the Bosnian Muslim civilian population; many
stayed on and received Bosnian citizenship, and may have retained links to Islamist groups. 1 After the war,
there was a rise in Islamic fundamentalism, especially Wahhabisim and Salafism (who believe they are
true followers of Islam, and do not accept other sects), 2 with Bosnia becoming a source of new recruits for
Global Jihad.3 Although the Wahhabi community only constitutes around 3000 out of 1.4 million Muslims
in Bosnia, financial support from Saudi Arabia has helped Wahhabis to violently challenge the Bosnian
Muslim community, and made it possible to develop a network to attract the next generation of Islamic
extremists.4
The purpose of this report is to identify and evaluate Bosnia’s role in Islamic conflict. The report presents
information obtained through research, which focuses on the rise of Islamic fundamentalism in Bosnia.
The report is divided into four main sections. The first section will look at connections between Bosnian
Wahhabi and Salafi communities and Islamic groups in Syria. It will then go on to explore the facilitation of
fighters and possible support players. The third part considers the impact of returning fighters in Bosnian
communities. Finally, the last section will examine if Al Qaeda is present in Bosnia, and if there is potential
for it to launch attacks in Bosnia.
Throughout the report, we use several terms in reference to groups of, and actions by, Islamists. These
terms are: Lesser Jihad (henceforth Jihad) - a war or struggle among Muslims against unbelievers, seen as
a sacred duty by some Muslims.5 Mujahedeen – Islamic militant groups, especially those who are fighting
against non-Muslim forces, often associated with radical Islam. 6 Salafism – Orthodox Sunni Muslim sect,
associated with fundamentalist Islamic thought and imitation of the Prophet. 7 Wahhabism – Unitarian
conservative Sunni Muslim sect, an orientation within Salafism who believe in a literal interpretation of the
Qur’an, and that all non-Wahhabis should be put to death.8 Salafi and Wahhabi communities do not
appreciate being compared. Takfir – Where an individual is deemed un-Islamic or non-Muslim for their
actions and excommunicated.9
K. Morrison, Wahhabism in the Balkans, Shrivenham: Defence Academy of the United Kingdom, 2008, p. 4.
V. Azinovic, ‘Challenges to International Security: The Case of Bosnia – Herzegovina’, The HUMSEC Project. Available
at: http://www.humsec.eu/cms/fileadmin/user_upload/humsec/Workin_Paper_Series/WP_Azinovic.pdf
3 D. Sito-Sucic, ‘Bosnia's U.S. Embassy attacker says sorry, rejects radical Islam“, Reuters, 13th of November 2013.
Available at: http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/11/13/us-bosnia-trial-idUSBRE9AC0XI20131113
4 S. Schlesinger, ‘Wahhabism: A Forgotten Legacy of the Bosnian War’, National Review, 7th of November 2011.
Available at: http://www.nationalreview.com/corner/282482/wahhabism-forgotten-legacy-bosnian-war-sarahschlesinger
5 BBC, ‘Jihad’ , 3rd August 2009. Online. Available at:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/islam/beliefs/jihad_1.shtml
6 A. Zalman, ‘Mujahideen’. Online. Available at: http://terrorism.about.com/od/m/g/Mujahideen.htm
7 Global Security, ‘Salafi Islam’. Online. Available at: http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/intro/islam-salafi.htm
8 Ibid; Global Security, ‘Wahhabi’. Online. Available at: http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/gulf/wahhabi.htm
9P. Tristam, ‘Takfir’. Online. Available at: http://middleeast.about.com/od/glossary/g/me081213.htm
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Are there connections between Wahhabi/Salafi communities in
Bosnia and Islamist groups in Syria?
Imamović/Ikanovic Group
According to the Middle East Media Research Institute, Jusuf Barčić led Bosnia’s first Salafi community in
the village of Donja Bočinje until it was closed down in 2001, and moved to Gornja Maoča, in the Srebrenik
municipality.10 Barčić, who died in a 2007 car accident, was funded by Muhamed Fadil Porča,
representative of the Saudi High Commission for Aid to Bosnia. 11 After his death, leadership passed to
Sheikh Nusret Imamović, an open supporter of Al-Qaeda, having lectured on the armed struggle to kill
infidels.12
About 20 to 50 families are living in Gornja Maoča under strict Islamic law. 13 There have been repeated
anti-terror raids and most of the residents have been linked to terrorism cases or illegal possession of
weapons;14 including former resident Melvid Jašarević, attacker of the US embassy in Bosnia on 28 th
October 2011,15 and suspects of the Bugojno police station bombing, in June 2010 16. The Bosnian
newspaper ‘Slobodna Bosna’, has written on Gornja Maoča as a waypoint for Wahhabi followers embarking
on Jihad, where visitors are indoctrinated and were transported to jihad fronts in Iraq and Yemen.17
However, ‘There Must Be Justice’ blog, states that Nusret Imamović now lives in Sarajevo suburb Butmir, in
the former house of Montenegrin Wahhabi Sead Redžematović.18
According to ‘Balkan Insights’ and ‘Tandem Post’, fighters from a Wahhabi community in Hadzici, Sarajevo
(around 20 minutes’ drive from Butmir) are active in Syria. This community was set up by Bajro Ikanovic
(37); jailed for 8 years in 2007 for plotting European bombings, he was freed after 4 years. After release,
Ikanovic began organising volunteers to fight in Syria, according to a former official in the Bosnian State
Investigation and Protection Agency.19 The men from Hadzici, including Ikanovic, are fighting for Al-Nusra in
Homs. The other men have been identified by Bosnian security services as: Edin Alijev; Elvedin Memic;
Armen Dzelko, 22; Muaz Šabić, 41 from Puhovac near Zenica; Jasmin Keserovic, 20 from Zavidovici.
Keserovic has returned from Syria. 20
A. Ceresnjes and R. Green, ’The Global Jihad Movement in Bosnia – A Time bomb in the heart of Europe‘, The Middle
East Media Research Institute, 22nd of June 2012. Available at: http://www.memri.org/report/en/print6471.htm; IEDE,
’Balkans feed the Syria Battle’, 2nd of August 2013. Available at: http://www.iede.co.uk/news/2013_2632/balkansfeed-syria-battle; A. Alic, ’Bosnian Forces Conduct Massive Wahhabi Raid’, the International Relations and Security
Network, 8th of February 2010. Available at: http://isn.ch/Digital-Library/Articles/Detail//?lng=en&id=112328.
11A. Ceresnjes and R. Green, op. cit.
12 Ibid. ; Nusret Imamović lecture, ‘The Laws of Jihad’, 7th March 2011. Available at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KiQSnxjaIKU&feature=related [speech in Bosnian]
13 A. Alic, op. cit; V.P. Zimonjic, ‘Balkans Feed the Syria Battle’, IPS, 2nd of August 2013. Available at:
http://www.ipsnews.net/2013/08/balkans-feed-the-syria-battle
14 S. Schlesinger, op. cit.
15B92 news, ‘Bosnian Police Arrest Wahhabi leader’, B92 news, 25th of January 2012. Available at:
http://www.b92.net/eng/news/region-article.php?yyyy=2012&mm=01&dd=25&nav_id=78456; IEDE, op. cit.
16 A. Ceresnjes and R. Green.
17 IEDE, op. cit.
18 G. Carter, ‘Bosnian Mujahideen flooded Syria’, There must be Justice [blog], 23rd May 2013. Available at:
http://theremustbejustice.wordpress.com/2013/05/23/bosnian-mujahideen-floodedsyria/?relatedposts_exclude=1919.
19 IEDE, op.cit.
20 E. M. Jukic, ‘Syria Fighters Identified as Bosnian Islamists, Balkan Insight, 4th of July 2013. Available at:
http://www.balkaninsight.com/en/article/bosnian-muslims-identified-as-martyrs-in-syria; Tandem Post, ‘Muslim
fighters in Syria identified as Bosnian citizens, Tandem Post, 4th of July 2013.
http://www.tandempost.com/TPnews/9883-world/muslim-fighters-in-syria-identified-as-bosnian-cit; B92 news,
‘Another Bosnian Salafi dies in Syrian Conflict’, B92 news, 21st of May 2013. Available at:
http://www.b92.net/eng/news/region.php?yyyy=2013&mm=05&dd=21&nav_id=86284; IEDE, op. cit.
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Srna (Bosnia-Serb news agency), states that Nusret Imamović is the financer of this operation, giving
fighters 3000 Convertible Bosnian Marks ($2084.50/£1277.35). 21 ‘Independent European Daily Express’
(IEDE) mention individuals being paid $600 per month to fight in Syria, disguised as “humanitarian
agencies”. Joining the fight in Syria is seen as an opportunity in an area where unemployment is 45%. 22
Web site ‘Vijesti ummeta’ (News for Muslims), quoted by ‘World Bulletin’, states Emedin Velic, from
Sarajevo met Ikanovic, at some point before Velic died fighting Syrian government forces. Dervis Halilovic
Omar, from Zenica, is also stated to have died fighting the Syrian government.23
Sandžak Group
A group from Bosnia and South-West Serbia (referred to as Sandžak by Islamists), specifically the town of
Novi Pazar, is fighting in Syria, and appear to have met other Jihad fighters at training camps, and in Syria
itself. IEDE state that group members Eldar Kundakovic and Adis Salihovic, under battle names Abu Bera
and Abu Merdia, were two individuals who died during a bomb attack 24 trying to free prisoners from the AlSafira jail near Aleppo.25
Insha’Allah Group
A member of Wahhabi group called ‘Insha’Allah’, apparently a sub-group or affiliate of Al-Nusra has been
quoted on blog ‘SyriaBashar’, stating that recruits do not need training, or religious background to fight, as
all can be given in Syria, specifically Aleppo. However, the group may be low on weapons, having a “waitinglist” of 2-3 months for rifles, and encouraging recruits to buy their own Kalashnikov. ‘SyriaBashar’
mentions bribing Turkish border guards and buying groceries in Turkey, indicating self-sufficiency, rather
than a network.26 The group mentions having around 20 recruits from Sandžak, including Novi Pazar.27
Other Groups
A group led by Semir Telebic (or Čelebić), also known under Internet pseudonym Sammy al Cavalry, meet in
Konjic, and are seen as future Jihadis.28 Toulouse shooter Muhammad Merah spent time in Bosnia before
his attacks, with the Bosnian branch of German organisation ‘Call to Paradise’. 29
B92 news, ‘Another Bosnian Salafi dies in Syrian Conflict’, op. cit.
IEDE, op. cit.
23 World Bulletin, ‘Bosnian Citizens Killed in Syria’, World Bulletin, 26th of September 2013. Available at:
http://www.worldbulletin.net/?aType=haber&ArticleID=119050; IEDE, op. cit.
24 G. Carter, ‘Bosnian Muslims, FSA members from Novi Pazar killed in Syria’, There Must Be Justice [blog], 17th May
2013,. Available at: http://theremustbejustice.wordpress.com/2013/05/17/bosniak-fsa-members-shaheeds-fromnovi-pazar-killed-in-syria/ ; Greg Carter, ‘Bosnian Mujahideen flooded Syria’, op. cit.
25 IEDE, op. cit.
26 Syriabashar, ‘How Wahhabis from Bosina and Sandzak recruit people to embrace Islam, and to come to Syria’,
Syriabashar [blog], 27th of November 2013. Available at: http://syriabashar.wordpress.com/2013/11/27/howwahhabis-from-bosina-and-sandzak-recruit-people-to-embrace-islam-and-to-come-to-syria/
27 Ibid.
28 B92 news, ‘300 ‘Balkan mujahideen’ fighting in Syria’, B92 news, 24 th of May 2013. Available at:
http://www.b92.net/eng/news/region.php?yyyy=2013&mm=05&dd=24&nav_id=86342; Greg Carter, ‘Bosnian
Mujahideen flooded Syria’, op. cit.
29 IEDE, op. cit.
21
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Facilitation of fighters and support players in Bosnia
The Wahhabi community in Gornja Maoča is also said to serve for frequent stays of Bosnian Salafis from
Austria, Germany, Serbia, and the Sandžak region, who intend to be trained by Nusret Imamović. Moreover
it is assumed to be a stopover for Muslim fighters who are on their way to conflict zones like Iraq or Syria30.
Reports state that 14031, 300,32 or up to 50033 Balkan Muslims are fighting in Syria, including 52 34-6035
Bosnian Muslims. However, 32 of the Bosnian fighters are reported to have returned from Syria. 36 Many
are believed to fight for Al-Nusra (or Jabhat Al-Nusra), designated a terrorist organization by the U.S. 37
According to the statement of Goran Zubac, director of the Bosnian State Investigation and Protection
Agency (SIPA), at least eight Bosnian Salafists are suspected to be linked with the organised transport of
Bosnians to Syria.38 This includes Bajro Ikanovic39, it is assumed that he may gather fighters at his house,
and then transport them. 40
The main transit route for Bosnian Jihadis appears to begin with meeting in either Sarajevo or Zenica, 41
moving to Mostar (Bosnia). Then travelling to Istanbul, and to Anatakya (Turkey). Finally, illegally 42 crossing
the border at Bab el-Hawa43 and into Sarmadā (Syria) (around 35 miles). Recruits are given directions for
their journey via Facebook.44 However, these movements may change for different groups/individuals; for
example, Muaz Šabić may not have been to Mostar. 45 Dževad Gološ (from the Daru-l-Quran Foundation46),
in Mostar is the middleman in sending Bosnian Muslims to Syria. 47 Mostar appears to be in disarray,
according to the International Crisis Group. 48Recruits receive training in Sarmadā from the Free Syrian
Army (FSA).49 Some fighters stay with the FSA, 50 or go on to join Al-Nursa.51 There is also dispute as to
whether the FSA provide “religious training”. 52
30A.
Ceresnjes and R. Green, op. cit; V.P. Zimonjic, op. cit.
World Bulletin, op. cit.
32 IEDE, op. cit.
33 CNN, ‘Syria‘s foreign fighter’, CNN, 4th of November 2013. Available at:
http://edition.cnn.com/video/data/2.0/video/world/2013/11/04/ctw-syria-foreign-fighters-jihadis-anderson-dekerchove.cnn.html; I. Michaletos, ‘Balkan jihadists in Syria’, Serbianna, 3rd of October 2013. Available at:
http://serbianna.com/analysis/archives/2362
34 B92 news, ‘Another Bosnian Salafi dies in Syrian Conflict’, op. cit; IEDE, op. cit; V. Nincovic, ‘From YouTube to Jihad –
Balkan volunteers in Syria’, Transconflict, 18th of July 2013. Available at:
http://www.transconflict.com/2013/07/from-youtube-to-jihad-balkan-volunteers-in-syria-187/; V.P. Zimonjic, op. cit.
35 World Bulletin, op. cit.
36 Dalje.com, ‘Bosnian radical Islamists preparing to join Syrian rebels’, Dalje.com, 26 th of June 2013. Available at:
http://dalje.com/en-world/bosnian-radical-islamists-preparing-to-join-syrian-rebels/473536.
37 Zimonjic, op. cit ; T. Milos and R. Synovitz, ‘Balkan Militants Join Syria’s Rebel Cause’, The Atlantic, 10th of June
2013. Available at: http://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2013/06/balkan-militants-join-syrias-rebelcause/276701/
38 T. Milos and R. Synovitz, op. cit.
39 V.P. Zimonjic, op. cit.
40 B92 news, ‘300 ‘Balkan mujahideen’ fighting in Syria’, op. cit.
41 G. Carter, ‘Bosnian Mujahideen flooded Syria’, op. cit.
42 CNN, op. cit.
43 92 news, ‘Another Bosnian Salafi dies in Syrian Conflict’, op. cit.
44 Syriabashar, op. cit.
45 IEDE, op. cit.
46 V. Nincovic, op. cit.; Milos and R. Synovitz, op. cit.
47 b92 news, ‘Another Bosnian Salafi dies in Syrian Conflict’, op. cit; IEDE, op. cit.
48 International Crisis Group, ‘Bosnia’s Dangerous Tango: Islam and Nationalism’, International Crisis Group, 26th
February 2013. Available at: http://www.crisisgroup.org/en/regions/europe/balkans/bosnia-herzegovina/b070bosnias-dangerous-tango-islam-and-nationalism.aspx.
49 IEDE, op. cit.
50 N. Benotman and B. Roisin, ‘Jabhat Al – Nusra: A strategic Briefing’, Quilliam. Available at:
http://www.quilliamfoundation.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/publications/free/jabhat-al-nusra-a-strategic-briefing.pdf
51 IEDE, op. cit.
52 b92 news, ‘Another Bosnian Salafi dies in Syrian Conflict’, op. cit.
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A popular medium to propagate global jihad and celebrating fighting in Syria are websites. Nusret
Imamović is said to spread his teachings about takfir, jihad and the relation between Muslims and infidels
on the websites ‘Put Vjernika’ ("The Way of the Believer") and ‘Stazom Islama’ ("In the Path of Islam"). ‘Put
Vjernika’ practices the most active propaganda on the Syrian war, posting pictures of killed fighters from
the Balkans, glorifying them as martyrs. All movements by the rebel forces, especially those by Al Qaida
affiliated groups and foreign mujahedeen are documented and celebrated by ‘Put Vjernika’. Bajro Ikanovic
has also glorified jihadists in Syria on this website53. Through this propaganda, they are motivating Bosnian
Muslims to global, and particularly Syrian jihad. Some of those pictures from Serbians were recently
published by the Serbian website ‘Sandzak Press’ with the headline “See the smiles of the martyrs in
Syria”54.
The influence of returning fighters from Syria
In July this year, EU interior ministers discussed potential security threats that may be posed by young
Europeans returning from fighting alongside rebels in Syria. Adding to the threat is the unemployment rate
of around 20 percent in Bosnia, fostering support for radical movements 55. Ivan Babamovski, former chief
of the Macedonia State Security Service estimates foreign militants who join Jihadis are paid $10,000$15,000 a month. Re-integration upon their return becomes problematic when faced with joining the
Wahhabi community, with rewards of papers, work and money, 56 or staying unemployed.
De-radicalization is more difficult than radicalization. ‘The Daily Newspaper’ in Kosovo was worried that
“these young people will return home with military experience inspired by … jihad” 57. Serbian Police noted
that fighters are going to Syria as extremists, but coming back as terrorists 58. These individuals are coming
back with potential to be “lone-wolves”,59 such as Muhammad Merah. 60 Fighters’ involvement with
dangerous global Islamic networks may facilitate Islamist infiltration of the Balkans, and may pose a threat
to Bosnia according to Babamovski; it is likely that once returned “[the fighters] will be doing what they
have learned in Syria”.61 The importance of preventive means is emphasized in the fight against terrorism.
Prof. Xhavit Shala, and security expert in Tirana suggests that the individuals returning home from Syria
should be identified and monitored upon their return as many of them have been ranked in the radical
groups with a “clear extremist religious inspiration”62.
V. Nincovic, op. cit.
G. Carter, ‘Holy War: dead Bosnian Muslims laugh and call for jihad in the middle of Serbia‘, There Must Be justice
[blog], 22nd of August 2013. Available at: http://theremustbejustice.wordpress.com/2013/08/22/holy-war-the-deadbosnian-muslims-laugh-and-call-for-jihad-in-the-middle-of-serbia/.
55 AFP, Pristina, ‘Balkan former guerrillas join Syria rebels’. Al Arabiya News, 7th of August 2013. Available at:
http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2013/08/07/-Balkan-former-guerrillas-join-Syria-rebels.html.
56 I. Jovanovic, L. Karadaku and M. Trajkovski, “Identification, regional co-operation will stem threat of extremists “,
Southeast European Times, Belgrade, Tirana and Skopje, 28th of October 2013. Available at:
http://www.setimes.com/cocoon/setimes/xhtml/sr_Cyrl/features/setimes/articles/2013/10/28/reportage-01
57 H. Somun, ‘‘Mujahideen’ from Balkans in Syria’, Today’s Zaman, 23rd of June 2013. Available at:
http://www.todayszaman.com/newsDetail_getNewsById.action;jsessionid=7E45FCE61DAF03D1DCCD307E9FBB121
5?newsId=318952&columnistId=0.
58 Friends of Kosova, ‘Muslim Brotherhood Erdogan, Spreading Terrorism’, Friends of Kosovo, 28 th of October 2013.
Available at:http://friendsofkosovo.com/2013/11/28/2013/.
59 59 I. Jovanovic, L. Karadaku and M. Trajkovski, op. cit.
60 IEDE, op. cit.
61 I. Jovanovic, L. Karadaku and M. Trajkovski, op. cit.
62 Ibid..
53
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Al Qaeda’s impact in Bosnia – the impact of Al Nusra
Michael Scheuer, a former CIA analyst, has stated that radicalized fighters will pose a threat to their home
countries when they return.63 Fighters’ knowledge is important in boosting mood and recruitment. They will
most likely have a list of contacts among their fellow mujahedeen from whom they can seek advice or
more material forms of assistance.
Mention of “Al-Qaeda affiliated groups” being active in Bosnia is often made in a variety of sources.
However, there is no evidence of an organized group which has formed in Bosnia – there is never any
mention of a specific group, except Al–Nusra.
Al–Nusra forms platoons based on ethnicity. The single - nationality units help create “a core jihadist group
to take back to their own country”,64 allowing Al–Nusra to export the jihadist ideology (and with Bosnians
fighting with Al–Nusra65 there is a possible risk of Al-Qaeda inspired action in Bosnia). Reports suggest
Bosnia is now a ‘transit or recuperation’ zone for the mujahedeen fighting in Syria.66
Conclusion
There is evidence of fighters from the Balkans in Syria, many of whom are fighting with Al-Nusra. There are
two groups of fighters who left Bosnia, one originating in Gornja Maoča, facilitated by Nusret Imamović and
led by Bajro Ikanovic in Syria, the other from the Sandžak region. Some Bosnian fighters have joined a
group already in Syria called Insha’Allah.
Many potential foreign fighters stop off in Gornja Maoča, run by Nusret Imamović, to receive support, and
rest on their way to battlefields. Nusret Imamović is active on jihadist website ‘Put Vjernika’, encouraging
Muslims to become more radical and fight for Islamist causes.
Most Bosnian fighters travel from Sarajevo or Zenica, to Mostar (facilitated by Dževad Gološ). To Istanbul,
then Anatakya, crossing the Turkey-Syrian border at Bab el- Hawa, and into the town of Sarmadā. Training
is probably given by the Free Syrian Army, with jihadis joining Al-Nusra later.
Bosnian fighters may pose a threat once they return. Due to the number of contacts they will have made
during the Syrian conflict, skills they will have learnt, and low employment rate, there is an expectation of
Islamist action in Bosnia in the future.
Bosnian fighters appear to have only been in contact with Al-Nusra, and not al-Qaeda. Whether the
potential Islamist threat from returning fighters will be linked to al-Qaeda is unknown.
K. Wong, ‘Foreign jihadists surpass Afghan-Soviet war storm Syria in record numbers’. The Washington Times, 20th
of October 2013. Available at:
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2013/oct/20/foreign-jihadists-surpass-afghan-soviet-war-storm-/?page=all
64 N. Benotman and B. Roisin, op. cit.
65 E. M. Jukic, ‘Syria Fighters Identified as Bosnian Islamists’, Balkan Insight, 4th of July 2013. Available at:
http://www.balkaninsight.com/en/article/bosnian-muslims-identified-as-martyrs-in-syria.
66S. Plana, ‘Syria/ Bosnia, Part II: Islamic Fighters’, Notes on the periphery [blog], 28th of March 2013. Available at:
http://noteontheperiphery.wordpress.com/2013/03/28/syriabosnia-part-ii-islamic-fighters/.
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