Syrian and regional media report growing tensions between the Syrian government and groups of Uzbek foreign fighters after the fighters accused authorities of pressuring and defaming them. In a reported statement, the fighters claimed they faced threats of deportation, imprisonment and false accusations of links to the Islamic State (IS) group, with some members considering leaving the Ministry of Defence.
According to reports by 7al and Al-Modon, the fighters said Syrian authorities had subjected them to “severe pressure” and labelled those who refused to participate in government actions as extremists or criminals. They also alleged that several foreign nationals had been handed over to their home countries over suspected IS ties.
The dispute follows an incident in Idlib in May, when security forces arrested an Uzbek fighter. Reports said armed Uzbek fighters surrounded a security branch in the city and demanded his release, escalating tensions with authorities.
Syrian analyst Muhammad al-Abdallah said the government distinguishes between Uzbek fighters integrated into the military and independent groups operating outside state control. He said some fighters accused officials of threatening deportation and warning that those who refused to join the Ministry of Defence could face allegations of extremist links.
Security sources cited by Al-Modon said authorities had recently encouraged independent Uzbek fighters to join the Syrian army’s 84th Division, arguing that remaining outside official structures could increase the risk of recruitment by extremist organisations.
Around 1,500 Uzbek fighters are believed to remain in Syria, many of whom previously fought alongside HTS in Idlib and later took part in the offensive that led to the fall of former President Bashar al-Assad in December 2024.
Researchers say the issue of foreign fighters will remain a major challenge for Damascus. Continued tensions could complicate efforts to consolidate state control and integrate armed groups as the government seeks to stabilise the country and strengthen its international standing.
