Foreign Fighters in the Syrian Army: The United States has approved a new plan by Syria’s government to absorb foreign fighters in Syrian army ranks. The announcement came after US President Donald Trump’s envoy, Thomas Barrack, confirmed the approval during a visit to Damascus.
The plan aims to incorporate about 3,500 fighters, mostly Uighurs from China, into a new military division. This move marks a major shift in US-Syria relations. It follows a recent meeting between Trump and Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa in Riyadh. The goal is to prevent these fighters from joining extremist groups like ISIS or al-Qaeda
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Foreign Fighters in the Syrian Army: Insights
- The US supports Syria’s plan to form a unit with 3,500 foreign fighters in the Syrian army.
- Most of these fighters are Uighurs from China and Central Asia.
- They will be part of the new 84th Syrian Army Division.
- Trump’s envoy, Thomas Barrack, called the plan “transparent and safer.”
- Fighters are loyal to Syria’s new leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa.
- Trump restored ties with Syria after a historic meeting in Riyadh.
- The US has lifted most Assad-era sanctions on Syria.
- China is concerned about the role of Uighur militants.
- Syria promises fighters will follow national law and military control.
- Western governments remain cautious about this controversial move.
Background
For over 13 years, Syria’s war attracted thousands of foreign militants. Many joined rebel groups, including Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which overthrew Assad last year. These foreign fighters in the Syrian army previously belonged to factions linked to al-Qaeda and ISIS.
Their presence raised security fears in the West. Syria’s new leadership argues it’s safer to integrate them than leave them outside formal control. Past efforts to expel them failed. Trump’s shift in Middle East policy opened the door for this agreement. The goal is to stabilize Syria and reduce threats from radical groups.
Main Event
Syria has unveiled a plan to include 3,500 foreign fighters in the Syrian army, forming the new 84th Division. This unit will consist of both Syrians and former jihadists, mainly Uighurs from China’s Turkistan Islamic Party. US special envoy Thomas Barrack confirmed that the American government would support the move if it remains transparent. He stressed it is safer to include loyal fighters than risk them returning to terror networks.
President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s government argues that this is a long-term strategy to reduce instability. A key concern was what to do with foreigners who fought under HTS, especially as some held senior roles. These militants once fought against ISIS and rival rebel groups. Their discipline and battlefield experience were considered valuable assets.
The decision comes after Trump’s recent Middle East tour, where he met Sharaa in a rare diplomatic meeting. The US has since removed sanctions and deepened its diplomatic role in Syria.
China expressed concern about Uighur fighters operating in Syria. Beijing fears the spread of extremism to its western regions. A Chinese diplomat urged Syria to address “international concerns.”
According to Osman Bughra, a political official of the now-dissolved TIP, the group now serves under Syria’s Ministry of Defense. They claim to follow Syrian national policies without foreign links.
Some Western nations worry that integration may empower radicals. However, Syrian officials say only “ideologically filtered” fighters are included. Trump has not commented on whether Israel was informed ahead of this policy change.
In this photo released by Syria’s SANA news agency, U.S. President Donald Trump (left), Syrian interim leader Ahmed al-Sharaa (right), and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (center) pose together during meetings in Riyadh on May 14, 2025.
Photo Credits: AFP.
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Implications
Bringing foreign fighters into the Syrian army may ease Syria’s internal security concerns. The move helps prevent radicals from joining terror networks. For the US, it’s a strategic step to limit chaos after years of conflict. However, it may raise tensions with allies like Israel and China. Businesses in the region may face uncertainty due to political shifts.
Meanwhile, human rights groups question the inclusion of former extremists in state forces. Western governments are watching closely to see how the plan is implemented. If successful, it may offer a model for other conflict zones facing similar problems. However, a misstep could renew global security fears and undo diplomatic gains.
Conclusion
The US backing for integrating foreign fighters into the Syrian army marks a turning point in Syrian policy. It reflects Washington’s new focus on stabilization over isolation. The world will watch how Syria manages this new unit. If the fighters truly serve under state command, it could lower the risk of renewed violence.
However, international concerns, especially from China and Israel, won’t fade quickly. Experts say the success of this move depends on strict oversight. Only time will tell if this strategy leads to long-term peace or deeper conflict.
