Syrian recruit describes role of foreign fighters in Nagorno-Karabakh

Deployment of 1,000 Syrians to Azerbaijan-Armenia conflict shows Ankara's rise in region

A Syrian fighter sent into combat with Azerbaijani forces in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh has detailed the extent of foreign involvement in the new conflict with Armenia that, after six days of clashes, is taking on a regional dimension.

The deployment of 1,000 Syrian fighters working for a private Turkish security firm, as well as Ankara's outspoken support for Azerbaijan in the worst fighting between the two neighbours since 1994, confirms Turkey's rise as a regional power - and threatens to upset the fragile status quo in the Caucasus, long seen as Russia's domain.