The interim government of Syria is planning to relocate thousands of foreign fighters currently serving in its military to various African countries. This information was reported on Wednesday by a source close to the Syrian military leadership.
According to UAE-based news outlet Erem News, the decision was made to ease both internal and international pressure on the interim authorities. The source claims that there are currently 10,000 to 12,000 foreign fighters in Syria, comprising 10 to 20 percent of the total force that helped overthrow the Assad regime.
Analysts believe that the future of these foreign fighters will play a crucial role in Syria’s political restructuring, its pursuit of diplomatic recognition, and efforts to secure reconstruction aid from Western nations.
Previously, the new Syrian administration attempted to legitimize the role of some of these foreign fighters within the national military. However, their presence continues to pose a significant obstacle to Syria’s bid for international legitimacy. Observers suggest that this issue could even hinder attempts to normalize relations with Israel.
The foreign fighter issue is also becoming increasingly complex within Syria. There have been allegations that some fighters, who are beyond the government’s control, have been conducting raids and seizing property from minority communities in Damascus and coastal cities.
The Syrian interim government has not yet issued any official statement on the matter. It also remains unclear how the relocation to Africa will be implemented or whether the involved African nations have agreed to accept the fighters.
