Foreign Islamist Fighters Given High-Ranking Military Roles in Syria Amid Rising Concerns

Syria's new rulers, under the control of the Islamist militant group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), have reportedly promoted several foreign fighters to high-ranking military positions, sparking concerns in their home countries about the potential export of revolution and terrorism. The move, which includes individuals from North Macedonia, Tajikistan, and China, has alarmed governments fearing the return of radical ideologies and instability.

According to reports from Reuters and AFP, sources within Syria have confirmed that ethnic Albanian Abdul Samrez Jashari from North Macedonia, Tajik citizen Saifiddin Tojiboev, and three ethnic Uyghurs from China have been appointed to key military positions. Jashari, known for his leadership of the Xhemati Alban group and his alignment with HTS, has reportedly been appointed colonel, alongside other foreign nationals. These appointments highlight the growing influence of foreign fighters in Syria's ongoing conflict and the new leadership's effort to consolidate power.

Appointments and Concerns Over Radicalization

Among those promoted, Jashari, a 48-year-old leader from North Macedonia, is well-known for his previous ties to terror organizations, having been designated as a terrorist by the U.S. Treasury Department in 2016. Similarly, Tojiboev, a Tajik fighter, has been linked to terrorist groups and remains a wanted individual in his home country for recruiting fighters and participating in foreign conflicts.

The concern for home governments is that these foreign militants, many of whom come from regions in Central Asia and the Balkans, may seek to export HTS's ideology or engage in violent actions upon their return. Central Asian countries, in particular, have shown growing unease about the potential for returning militants to destabilize their nations, fearing the resurgence of extremist ideologies and the possibility of attacks.

HTS, led by Ahmed al-Sharaa (formerly known as Abu Mohammed al-Golani), has been attempting to transform its various militant factions into a more unified and professional army. While HTS has publicly pledged to adopt more moderate policies on issues like women's rights and national reconciliation, its actions indicate a strong commitment to retaining control over Syria. The group, which was originally a part of the opposition to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, has increasingly integrated foreign fighters, particularly from Russia, Central Asia, and the Balkans, since the rise of the Islamic State (IS) in 2014.

The "Ticking Time Bomb" of Returnees

Governments across Central Asia are particularly concerned about the possibility of these fighters returning home and spreading radical ideologies. In Tajikistan, officials worry that the militants could cause serious security threats, with one source describing them as a "ticking time bomb." These concerns have prompted governments to repatriate citizens involved in past conflicts, especially from the Islamic State (IS), in an effort to reintegrate them into civilian life. Despite these efforts, experts believe there could still be thousands of foreign combatants in Syria, raising fears about their potential return.

Experts like Aaron Zelin from the Washington Institute for Near East Policy suggest that the appointments of foreign fighters by HTS are likely driven by the group's desire to consolidate control over Syria. By integrating foreign militants into the Syrian state structure and potentially offering them citizenship, HTS aims to prevent these individuals from "freelancing" or acting independently, ensuring their loyalty to the new regime. This move may also be seen as an attempt to strengthen the group’s position as it seeks to rebuild the country after years of civil war.

Conclusion

Syria's new leadership, under HTS, continues to evolve as it consolidates power and integrates foreign fighters into key military roles. However, this move has raised alarms in the fighters' home countries, where concerns about the export of extremism and terrorism are growing. With the future of Syria still uncertain, the integration of foreign militants into Syria's power structure could have significant implications for both regional and global security.