Damascus – SABA:
Well-informed Syrian sources revealed on Thursday that foreign fighters, who have joined extremist armed groups in Syria, have taken control of 19 areas across the country.
According to the Al-Ma’louma news website, fighters from seven foreign nationalities, including Azeris, Chechens, Tajiks, and Uyghurs, form the core of these extremist groups and have asserted dominance over nine regions in Syria, particularly in five areas of Idlib, in addition to other locations scattered across Syrian territory.
The sources stated that these fighters are primarily affiliated with Jabhat al-Nusra, a U.S.-designated terrorist organization, as well as other extremist factions. Many of them have integrated into the so-called "New Syrian Security Apparatus" through alliances with Julani’s factions.
These militants are reportedly enforcing their ideology in the areas they control and have started forming social enclaves to serve as support bases. This, the sources warn, could lead to radicalized communities similar to Al-Hol Camp, known for housing extremist elements. Additionally, they are attempting to expand into Damascus and its suburbs by forcibly displacing residents and seizing homes under the pretext of being close to Julani’s leadership.
The sources emphasized that these groups operate without any deterrence, treating the situation as if they are in complete control.
It is worth noting that Syria has attracted thousands of extremists over the years from various Arab and Islamic countries, particularly from South and East Asia.