In a stunning policy shift, the United States has given a cautious green light to a controversial move by Syria’s new leadership: integrating thousands of former foreign jihadist rebels into the country’s regular army.
According to multiple Syrian defense officials, the new plan will see around 3,500 foreign fighters—primarily Uyghurs from China and neighboring Central Asian countries—join a newly established division of the Syrian military called the 84th Division. This new unit will also include Syrian nationals and be part of a broader effort to rebuild the country’s armed forces after years of civil war.
Speaking to Reuters in Damascus, Thomas Barrack, U.S. Ambassador to Turkey and now President Trump’s special envoy to Syria, confirmed Washington’s understanding of the plan, saying it was contingent on “transparency.” Barrack added that it was better to keep these fighters “within a state structure” than risk them returning to extremist networks.
This decision marks a sharp departure from previous U.S. policy. Until recently, the United States had been urging Syria’s interim government to completely exclude foreign fighters—especially those with ties to groups like Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and al Qaeda—from the country’s security apparatus.
However, attitudes began shifting following President Trump’s recent Middle East tour. After meeting with Syrian interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Riyadh, Trump agreed to lift long-standing sanctions against Syria and appointed Barrack to facilitate new diplomatic efforts.
Sources close to the Syrian Defense Ministry said Sharaa’s government had successfully argued that absorbing foreign fighters posed less of a security risk than leaving them vulnerable to recruitment by Islamic State or other radical factions. Many of these fighters have spent years battling Assad’s regime and are considered highly experienced and loyal to the current leadership.
China, however, has raised concerns. Many of the fighters in question are part of the Turkistan Islamic Party (TIP), a group Beijing classifies as a terrorist organization. A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson stated that China expects Syria to combat all forms of extremism and take international security concerns seriously.
In a statement, TIP official Osman Bughra claimed the group has now formally disbanded, integrated into Syria’s defense ministry, and severed ties with all external actors. “We are now fully under the Syrian government’s authority,” he said.
Still, skepticism remains. The West had previously reacted strongly to the appointment of several foreign jihadists to high-ranking positions within Syria’s military. Some critics see this integration as a gamble—one that could either stabilize Syria or backfire by legitimizing former extremists.
Sharaa, however, insists the fighters will not only receive full military training but may eventually be granted Syrian citizenship in recognition of their service. Security experts argue that while the move is bold, it might be Syria’s best bet at long-term stability if handled with strict oversight.
As Syria enters this new era of military restructuring, the world will be watching closely to see whether former foes can truly become forces for national defense.
