Soldiers of the Islamic State terrorist group could get the status of official authority, Russia’s President Vladimir Putin said.

“Only think of it: in case of seizing Damascus or Baghdad, terrorist bands could get the status of an actually official authority. Foothold for global expansion would have been created. Does anyone think of this or not?” he said.

According to the President, it’s time for the international community to understand that it is dealing with the “enemy of civilization, humanity and world culture,” Gazeta reports.