“In general, money’s the motivation,” said Bassam Alahmad. As the head of the advocacy group Syrians for Truth and Justice, he claims to have researched the Syrian mercenary trade. And found that some Syrians feel loyalty to Russia because it supported President al-Assad.
Other candidates desperately need the money. And believe recruiters’ promises who promise they will be non-combatants. And they will be guarding bases or oil facilities.
“Some people don’t mind fighting, but there are groups that are definitely taking advantage of people’s needs,” Mr. Alahmad said. “The result is the same: People are paying this price. People are participating in wars that aren’t theirs.”
.
