Syria Reportedly Appoints Tajik National to Military Leadership

Saifiddin Tadjiboev, a 41-year-old Tajik wanted in his home country for terrorism and mercenary activities, has reportedly been appointed commander of the operational headquarters in Syria's new Defense Ministry, Orda reports, citing Radio Ozodi.

On December 31, Reuters reported that foreign fighters had been given positions in the country's armed forces, though there is no specific mention of Tabjidboev.

Hailing Spitamen district in the Sughd region, Ozodi radio writes that Tadjiboev was once a commander of a Jamaat al-Tawhid wal-Jihad* combat wing, which fought alongside Hayat Tahrir al-Sham against Assad's forces. 

Jamaat al-Tawhid wal-Jihad* is banned in Kazakhstan.

It is unknown if he has received Syrian citizenship.

On January 3, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham-affiliated bloggers announced his appointment and subsequent promotion to colonel, which Tadjiboev himself confirmed.

Syria's new transitional government, established after Assad's overthrow on December 9, 2024, hasn't officially commented.

Meanwhile, Tajik security forces have confirmed to Radio Ozodi that they know of Tadjiboev's reported appointment.

According to Tajik authorities, Tadjiboev has been in Syria since 2013, recruiting others while fighting with terrorist groups.

He appears on the National Bank of Tajikistan's terrorist watchlist, which prohibits financial transactions with him. 

Before leaving for Syria, he reportedly led a local branch of the Islamic Renaissance Party but later abandoned its ranks.

The party is banned in Tajikistan.

Tajikistan's authorities report that over 2,000 of its citizens joined fights in Syria and Iraq between 2013-2017, with approximately 400 currently in Idlib province. 

Idlib has been under Hayat Tahrir al-Sham's control since 2015.