Scores of Saudi citizens who joined ISIS have been killed in fights with Kurdish forces, al-Hayat daily reported.

ISIS had selected Saudis as military leaders for the skirmishes with the Kurds, a source said. The majority of people killed in the fights were Saudi but there were Iraqis and Syrians among the dead.

A Syrian human rights activist, who preferred anonymity, said the western Syrian city of Ayn al-Arab is controlled by Saudis who are members of ISIS.

He added all military leaders of most cities and towns are Saudis selected by the militant group.

The source noted that Saudis speak standard Arabic in order not to give away their accent and identity.

However, most Syrians can recognize the Saudi accent, the source said. He believed the majority of people who carried out these attacks were young Saudis who were not even 18.

Al-Hayat published a report earlier about young Saudis who blew themselves up in different places in Syria. All terrorists who join ISIS use nicknames.

However, it is obvious that ISIS relies on Iraqi leaders in matters related to security and on Saudis in matters related to battle and religious issues, the source said.

The reason behind this is that the Saudis gained experience in fighting when they were members of al-Qaeda.

The source said Saudi members are also responsible for everything related to media and information.

It is Saudis who speak for ISIS and recruit new members for the organization, according to the source.

This article was first published in the Saudi Gazette on December 29, 2014.

Last Update: Wednesday, 20 May 2020 KSA 09:43 - GMT 06:43