From Idlib to Ukraine, Recycling of “Foreign Fighters” Sponsored by “HTS”: Goals and Consequences
Report produced by policy analysis unit of the Syrian dialogue center
Summary:
- “HTS” has recently started to restrict the foreign fighter groups in its areas of influence in north-western Syria. A thing which pressured some of the groups to leave the region wherever the regional and global conditions allowed for it, for example, the “Ajnad Al-Kawkaz” (Caucasus Soldiers) group which headed to Ukraine. Some predictions indicate that the “Junood Assham” (Soldiers of the Levant) group could also leave soon.
- Some of the individuals leaving Idlib were in “HTS” detainment centers, where they were given the choice of joining “HTS” or leaving; which indicates the group’s role in pushing them out of Syria.
- “HTS” tries to present itself as in control of the movements of foreign fighters to deliver a message to the actors in the Syrian issue, particularly the United States and the European Union. A message saying that the group is an authority that can be depended on with regards to controlling the effect of these foreign fighters, as well as trying to show alignment with the west with regards to the Ukrainian issue.
- It seems that the case of Caucasian and Albanian fighters does not apply to some other foreign groups in north-western Syria, the “Turkestan Islamic Party” in particular.
- The expulsion of foreign fighters from north-western Syria, despite serving “HTS” policies, could still have a positive effect on the region; as it reduces the number of foreign fighters in Idlib.
Introduction:
The past months have witnessed a lot of controversy after videos showing the transportation of foreign fighters from north-western Syria to Ukraine in order to participate in the fight against Russian forces. Which opens the door to many questions about the role of “HTS” in that operation given that these fighters were concentrated in the group’s areas of influence and in the context of its old alliances, not to mention the positions of regional and global actors towards that and its consequences on the region.
This report discusses the aspects of foreign fighters leaving Idlib to Ukraine and its consequences in north-western Syria, as well as the benefiting parties or the ones that had a role in aiding that operation. Finally predicting the future of the other extremist groups and the possible scenarios of them leaving the region.
مؤسسة بحثية سورية تسعى إلى الإسهام في بناء الرؤى والمعارف بما يساعد السوريين على إنضاج حلول عملية لمواجهة التحديات الوطنية المشتركة وتحقيق التنمية المستدامة
