Chechen leader Kadyrov calls to delist Syrian group as terrorist
The leader of Chechnya, Ramzan Kadyrov, has proposed initiating the procedure to remove the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham from Russia's list of terrorist organizations. The group, which played a major role in efforts to overthrow Bashar al-Assad's regime in Syria, is now engaged in building government structures in the country.
3:38 PM EST, December 17, 2024
"The collective West is trying to escalate tensions between Russia and the new Syrian authorities, but we will not allow such a scenario," Kadyrov wrote on his Telegram channel.
"The citizens of Syria are expecting stability and a peaceful life. The decisions of the country's new authorities—such as the refusal to persecute journalists and officials and the elimination of all armed groups—will fulfill these aspirations. However, achieving this will be difficult without the help of partners," he stated.
He acknowledged that the most crucial task is to prevent a humanitarian disaster in Syria, asserting that Russia has the "strength and means" to help resolve the issue.
"To initiate positive processes, it is necessary to launch the procedure to remove Hayat Tahrir al-Sham and its representatives from Russia's list of terrorist organizations. Without waiting for the beginning or end of this process, it's important to immediately organize the work of a contact group from both countries. This group can establish initial connections and begin solving problems. This global practice allows us to exit the crisis as quickly as possible and help society," he wrote.
He stated that the contact group could include Syrians who, for instance, live in Chechnya. "Their work experience in both countries will help build strong horizontal relationships and further improve the social situation in the republic," he wrote.
Kadyrov announced that he is prepared to involve Chechen services to "patrol the streets" in Syria and local law enforcement. "The Chechen Republic's police have already ensured order in some parts of Syria, protecting the population from looting and violence," he wrote.
He emphasized his readiness to send instructors to train the Syrian police, adding that the presence of Russians in Syria is crucial for ensuring "stability and security."
"The Chechen people have always been loyal helpers and friends to the long-suffering Syrian nation. They remain so," he wrote.
Roots in al-Qaeda
Hayat Tahrir al-Sham is a group that formed from the merger of several Syrian formations, primarily the Jabhat al-Nusra movement, which was a local branch of al-Qaeda. HTS severed ties with the jihadist organization and, over the years, increasingly distanced itself from its Islamist image. The group’s leader, Abu Muhammad al-Joulani, even established relationships with Christian and Druze minorities.
The group was considered a terrorist organization by, among others, the USA and Russia, and a bounty was placed on al-Joulani's head. However, attitudes shifted after the Assad regime fell, and HTS began establishing governmental structures in Syria.
On December 10, the State Duma adopted in the first reading amendments allowing the suspension of the ban on activities in Russia of organizations recognized as terrorist. It is believed that the bill was submitted to exclude the Taliban movement, which came to power in Afghanistan in 2021, from the terrorist register. It could also be used to normalize relations with HTS.
