US Approves Syria’s Recruitment of Foreign Takfiri Militants into Military: Report
The United States has reportedly authorized Syria to include thousands of foreign Takfiri militants into its new military structure. This development comes after the leader of the HTS-led regime indicated a willingness to normalize relations with Israel, according to the report.
On Monday, reports from Reuters, citing three Syrian military officials, indicated that the new administration plans to incorporate approximately 3,500 foreign militants into a newly-established unit termed “the 84th Syrian army division.” These militants previously aligned with the Syrian opposition against former leader Bashar al-Assad.
When queried by Reuters about Washington’s stance on the decision, US special envoy to Syria, Thomas Barrack, remarked, “I would say there is an understanding, with transparency.”
He suggested that it would be more advantageous to include the militants, many of whom demonstrate strong allegiance to Syria’s HTS-led administration, within a state-led initiative rather than marginalize them.
The United States had been resistant to the move; however, its stance on Syria has significantly shifted following a meeting between Trump and Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, the leader of the HTS-led administration in Syria. This meeting took place in Saudi Arabia in May.
During a visit to Riyadh, Trump declared the removal of all U.S. sanctions against Syria.
According to the report, thousands of foreign Takfiri militants engaged in combat against the government of former leader Bashar al-Assad over the course of a 13-year conflict.
Certain militants have established their own factions, while others have aligned themselves with well-known organizations, including the Daesh terrorist group.
Jolani has announced that foreign combatants and their families could be eligible for Syrian citizenship, acknowledging their contributions in opposing the previous regime.
Abu Mohamad al-Jolani, previously a high-ranking leader in both al-Qaeda and Daesh, has emerged as the de facto leader of Syria.
In December, factions led by Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) militants declared full control over the Syrian capital, signaling the collapse of President Bashar al-Assad’s regime.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently elaborated on the role played by the Israeli military in facilitating the takeover of Syria by HTS forces in December.
The security landscape in Syria under the control of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a faction stemming from the al-Qaeda terrorist organization, remains unstable. Instances of sectarian violence, such as the massacre of hundreds of Alawites in March, have intensified concerns among minority communities about the increasingly powerful militants.
