Kadyrov's bid to delist Syrian group stirs controversy
The leader of Chechnya, Ramzan Kadyrov, has proposed initiating the process to remove the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, which played a significant role in attempting to overthrow Bashar al-Assad's regime in Syria, from Russia's list of terrorist organisations. The group is now establishing governmental structures in the country.
"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, and 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 fulfil these aspirations. Without the help of partners, it will be difficult," he stated.
He acknowledged that the most important thing is to prevent a humanitarian disaster in Syria and 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 organisations. Without waiting for the beginning or end of this process, it is important to immediately organise the work of a contact group from both countries, which can establish initial connections and solve 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 enlist Syrians who, for instance, reside 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 able to involve Chechen services to "patrol the streets" in Syria, alongside 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 emphasised that he is ready to send instructors to train the Syrian police. He added that the presence of Russians in Syria is crucial to 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 emerged from the merger of several Syrian formations, primarily the Jabhat al-Nusra movement, a local branch of al-Qaeda. In the ensuing years, HTS severed ties with the jihadist formation and 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 organisation by, among others, the USA and Russia, and a bounty was placed on al-Joulani's head. However, attitudes shifted after the Assad regime's fall, and HTS began establishing governmental structures in Syria.
On 10th December, the State Duma adopted in the first reading amendments allowing the suspension of the ban on activities in Russia of organisations recognised as terrorist. It is believed that the bill was submitted to parliament to exclude the Taliban movement, which came to power in Afghanistan in 2021, from the terrorist register. It could also be used to normalise relations with HTS.
