DAMASCUS - Syria's new rulers have installed some foreign fighters, including Uighurs, a Jordanian and a Turk, in the country's armed forces as Damascus tries to shape a patchwork of rebel groups into a professional military, two Syrian sources said.
The move to give official roles, including senior ones, to several militants may alarm some foreign governments and Syrian citizens fearful about the new administration's intentions, despite its pledges not to export Islamic revolution and to rule with tolerance towards Syria's large minority groups.
A Syrian government spokesperson did not reply to a request for comment on the thinking behind the appointments.
The sources said that out of a total of almost 50 military roles announced by the Defence Ministry on Dec 29, at least six had gone to foreigners.
Reuters was not able to independently verify the nationalities of the individuals appointed.
Thousands of Sunni Muslim foreigners joined Syria's rebels early in the 13-year civil war to fight against the rule of now ousted president Bashar al-Assad and the Iran-backed Shi'ite militias who supported him, giving the conflict a sectarian overtone.
Denne historien er fra January 01, 2025-utgaven av The Straits Times.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra January 01, 2025-utgaven av The Straits Times.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Supporters storm court after Yoon's detention is extended
South Korean President says he sees the deep frustration and anger of citizens
How to thrive at work when you're neurodivergent
In this series, manpower correspondent Tay Hong Yi offers practical answers to candid questions on navigating workplace challenges and getting ahead in your career. Get more tips by signing up to The Straits Times' Headstart newsletter.
Huawei's Pivotal Role in the US-China Tech War
Company is at the center of China's efforts to achieve tech independence from the West
Jeanette Aw back in Japan for patisserie pop-ups
Local actress Jeanette Aw, who in recent years has turned her passion for baking into a patisserie business, is taking her sweet treats to Japan once more.
Schizophrenia patients', caregivers have the hardest time
Hence, the person is in need of treatment, though he may vigorously resist it.
Wolves a different animal: Maresca
Chelsea's leading scorer Cole Palmer is a doubt for the English Premier League clash at home to Wolverhampton Wanderers on Jan 20, manager Enzo Maresca said on Jan 17.
Brighton a thorn in United's side yet again
Manchester United's fleeting uptick in form ended in familiar fashion on Jan 19 with a 3-1 English Premier League defeat by Brighton & Hove Albion at Old Trafford.
Hidden dangers of raw food diet for pets
Feeding pets such as dogs and cats a raw food diet has gained popularity in recent years, with claims that it leads to improved digestion, shinier coats and better dental health.
I Was Never Married, Says Kit Chan
Home-grown singer Kit Chan revealed on the CNA Insider programme The Assembly on Jan 16 that she was never married.
Content creator racks up Snapchat views with LA fire coverage
When social media personality Alex Choi saw the raging wildfire in the Los Angeles neighbourhood of Pacific Palisades, he grabbed his camera and dirt bike and went to document the devastation.
