The United States has given its approval to the new Syrian government led by President Ahmed al-Sharaa to incorporate thousands of former jihadist fighters into the country’s armed forces, Reuters reported Monday.
3,500 Fighters
The plan, which received the green light from U.S. Special Envoy to Syria Thomas Barrack, is set to integrate approximately 3,500 foreign fighters—most of them Uyghurs from China and Central Asian nations—into the Syrian army’s new 84th Division. The purpose, according to American officials, is to keep these fighters from joining terrorist groups such as ISIS and al-Qaeda.
According to Barrack, the fighters are “very loyal” to the new regime, have demonstrated commitment, and have even undergone ideological screening. A Damascus-based expert, Abbas Sharifa, told Reuters that the fighters had passed a thorough vetting process, and may even receive Syrian citizenship—along with their families—as a token of appreciation for their role in toppling the Assad regime.
The primary group involved is the Turkistan Islamic Party (TIP), which has been designated a terrorist organization by China. A TIP source stated that the group has officially disbanded and is now fully subordinated to Syria’s Ministry of Defense, with no external ties.
A Shift in U.S. Policy
Until early May, the United States strongly opposed the integration of foreign fighters into the Syrian military. However, following President Trump’s visit to the Middle East, Washington adopted a markedly different stance: Trump lifted sanctions previously imposed on Damascus during Assad’s rule, met with al-Sharaa, and appointed Barrack as special envoy.
