How Uyghurs from China helped Syrian rebels overthrow Bashar al-Assad

NPR | By Emily Feng

Published May 25, 2026 at 3:23 PM CDT

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Motivated to avenge their families in China, Uyghur mercenaries became valued fighting partners for Syria's rebels. Their participation helped Syria's new president ultimately win Syria's civil war.

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Emily Feng

Emily Feng is NPR's Beijing correspondent.

See stories by Emily Feng