Syria is able to proceed because it enjoys increased support from the US, as well as from Turkey and Qatar, both US allies.
Syria might integrate thousands of foreign fighters into its ranks under a new agreement, Reuters reported Monday. That possibility is being watched with interest in the region and also in the US and China.
The US has green-lighted the decision, which could lead to former fighters joining Syria’s new army, according to Levant24, an independent Syrian news site.
The Syrian army is growing every day and taking shape. The 56th Division had a graduation ceremony over the weekend for new trainees. It took place near Hama, one of Syria’s four largest cities. In addition, the 70th Division now contains elements of the US-backed Syrian Free Army that had been based at Tanf in southern Syria.
There are some controversies regarding the appointments to the new army. The new commander of the 86th Division operating in Deir Ezzor is a man named Ahmed al-Hayes, who previously was involved in human-rights abuses against Kurds.
As many as 3,500 foreign fighters, who some label “jihadists,” will be integrated into the 84th Division of the new Syrian army.
These fighters include Uyghurs who came to Syria as volunteers during the civil war. They are mainly from China or other Turkish-speaking areas. They are reputed to be members of the Turkistan Islamic Party (TIP). This group is banned by China and viewed as terrorists by Beijing.
TIP leader Abu Muhammad al-Turkistani received the rank of brigadier-general and command of the 133rd Division back in December 2024 when the new Syrian government was just taking shape after the fall of the Assad regime.
Syria might integrate thousands of foreign fighters into its ranks under a new agreement, Reuters reported Monday. That possibility is being watched with interest in the region and also in the US and China.
The US has green-lighted the decision, which could lead to former fighters joining Syria’s new army, according to Levant24, an independent Syrian news site.
The Syrian army is growing every day and taking shape. The 56th Division had a graduation ceremony over the weekend for new trainees. It took place near Hama, one of Syria’s four largest cities. In addition, the 70th Division now contains elements of the US-backed Syrian Free Army that had been based at Tanf in southern Syria.
There are some controversies regarding the appointments to the new army. The new commander of the 86th Division operating in Deir Ezzor is a man named Ahmed al-Hayes, who previously was involved in human-rights abuses against Kurds.
As many as 3,500 foreign fighters, who some label “jihadists,” will be integrated into the 84th Division of the new Syrian army.
These fighters include Uyghurs who came to Syria as volunteers during the civil war. They are mainly from China or other Turkish-speaking areas. They are reputed to be members of the Turkistan Islamic Party (TIP). This group is banned by China and viewed as terrorists by Beijing.
TIP leader Abu Muhammad al-Turkistani received the rank of brigadier-general and command of the 133rd Division back in December 2024 when the new Syrian government was just taking shape after the fall of the Assad regime.
24 days ago
