First Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Committee on Security and Anti-Corruption Andrei Lugovoi stated the need to strengthen security measures in connection with the increased terrorist risks caused by the events in the Middle East and the fall of the Bashar al-Assad regime. He said this while commenting on the possible consequences of the change in the political situation in Syria.

"The echo of Syria may reach Russia. With the increased freedom for terrorist groups in Syria, there is a real threat of the return of Russian citizens who may have been associated with radical structures," — Lugovoi noted.

According to him, among the leaders of the Syrian opposition there are individuals who were previously involved in recruiting Russian citizens, which increases the risk of terrorists penetrating Russian territory.

Lugovoi stressed that there are still many Russian citizens in Syria who are connected to various radical groups. Now that these structures have gained more freedom, there is a possibility of their return.

"We need to be prepared for the fact that terrorist threats may increase. This requires more active work by all security services," - he added.

The fall of the Assad regime was a major geopolitical event that affected the situation not only in Syria but also beyond its borders. The weakness of the central government and the expansion of the influence of radical groups create new challenges to international security. Experts warn that such destabilization could lead to increased extremist activity in neighboring regions and countries, including Russia.

The fall of the Assad regime has not only changed the balance of power in the Middle East, but has also created new threats that individual countries and the entire global community will have to deal with.