By Uyghur Times Staff
June 2, 2025 – Washington, DC
Syria will integrate thousands of foreign fighters—including Uyghur members of the Turkistan Islamic Party (TIP)—into its newly formed national army as part of a U.S.-supported initiative, Reuters reported Monday.
These fighters, many from the China-occupied Uyghur homeland and Turkic nations like Uzbekistan, initially came to Syria as volunteers during the civil war and fought alongside rebel and jihadist groups. The TIP, once active in Syria, claims to have disbanded after its members joined the national defense forces. China labels the group a terrorist organization, a designation the TIP rejects.
Around 3,500 foreign fighters are expected to be absorbed into Syria’s 84th Division. TIP leader Abu Muhammad al-Turkistani has reportedly been appointed brigadier-general and now commands the 133rd Division, a post he assumed in December 2024 as Syria transitioned away from Assad’s rule.
The integration is backed by the U.S. envoy to Syria, Tom Barrack, who also serves as ambassador to Turkey. The plan has gained support from Turkey and Qatar, signaling a shift away from reliance on Russia and China in post-war Syria.
