Syria Folds Former Jihadists Into Army With Quiet US Nod
In a striking shift in regional policy, Syria’s transitional government is integrating about 3,500 former foreign fighters—mostly Uyghurs—into its military ranks, with quiet backing from the United States. The Media Line’s Rizik Alabi reports that the former jihadists are joining the newly formed 84th Division under a program the Syrian government is calling the National Integration Program.
These fighters, many of whom were previously linked to the Turkistan Islamic Party and Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, are being offered Syrian citizenship in exchange for loyalty, military academy training, and a clean break from their past affiliations. Officials say the program is meant to stabilize post-Assad Syria by bringing armed actors into the fold of the state rather than letting them operate independently.
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Washington isn’t cheering from the rooftops, but it’s not objecting either. A US official told The Media Line, “It’s better for them to be inside a monitored institution than roaming free in search of a new front.” Quiet coordination appears to be happening through back channels, including a prior meeting between President Donald Trump and Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Riyadh.
While some see this as a bold effort at national reconciliation, others warn it could backfire if these fighters aren’t thoroughly reformed. China, in particular, is uneasy about Uyghur combatants gaining protection in Syria and has issued warnings about potential extremist resurgence.
Alabi’s reporting brings readers deep into the evolving landscape of Syria’s security apparatus and its new regional balancing act. For more on the implications—including reactions from China, Turkey, and international analysts—read the full article.
