Several old Albanian children, previously recruited by jihadist extremists, have now offered detailed accounts of their harrowing experiences. This marks the first time these young individuals have shared such specific details following the influence of radical parents and imams. One such child, Abdi, who was just eight years old when he was sent to Syria by his parents, spoke to Top Channel journalist Anila Hoxha.
He provided specific details about his time there. “I remember my grandfather fought against the Kurds and he was killed by them, and then we were in their hands. He also fought against Assad,” Abdi explained.
“My father simply stayed with us at home. When you are young, whether small or large, you will learn how to do things and how to be amazed, when they bomb you capture a moment of fear.”
Abdi spent ten years in Syria, initially eight years old, and returned at eighteen. During that time, he witnessed massacres that a child of that age should never have seen.
The accounts highlight the devastating impact of radicalization on vulnerable Albanian youth who were recruited into extremist groups.
Topics: #old #albanian #recruited
The narrative centers on an eighteen-year-old Albanian who was recruited by ISIS in Syria: My father was killed, I witnessed the slaughter.