More teenagers joining terrorists in Russia

The average age of Islamist militants in Russia`s North Caucasus region is on a constant decrease, with more and more teenagers joining the terrorists.

Moscow: The average age of newly-recruited Islamist militants in Russia`s volatile North Caucasus region is on a constant decrease, with more and more teenagers joining the terrorists, a presidential envoy said.

"These days, the insurgency is already drawing on 17 to 18-year-old boys, fresh out of school," said Alexander Khloponin, the Kremlin`s envoy to the North Caucasus.

In 2008, the average age of militants killed in the North Caucasus stood between 19 and 23 years, according to official data.

Though law enforcement officials have eliminated many terrorist leaders in recent years, the insurgency`s recruiting system is still functioning, thriving on the youth who have "not yet sorted out their feelings", Khloponin said.
IANS