Ajnad al-Kavkaz and the Challenge of North Caucasian Foreign Fighters in Syria

This report analyses the recent tensions between the jihadist group Ajnad al-Kavkaz and Syria’s interim administration under Ahmed al-Sharaa. In a recent statement published online, Ajnad al-Kavkaz criticised targeted repression by the current Syrian authorities.
Al-Naba 495: Islamic State’s Propaganda Against al-Sharaa and the Syrian-Israeli Normalisation Tracks

This report examines the resurgence of the Islamic State’s propaganda against Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in the latest issue of al-Naba, a response to his attempts to engage with the United States, Saudi Arabia, and Israel. . The report details internal security threats, geopolitical shifts, and the dangers of jihadist insurgency.
Central Asian Fighters in Syria Called for Jihad Against Russia and Iran

This report evaluates recent Central Asian fighters’ jihadist mobilisation efforts in Syria and the dissemination of related propaganda targeting Russian Muslims. Drawing on open-source information, including Telegram content in Russian, the report outlines the security risks posed to Syria, Russia, and Central Asia.
Afghanistan: Is Iran Seeking an Alternative to Syria?

This report examines Iran’s evolving strategic posture in Afghanistan following the erosion of its influence in Syria. The loss of key proxy leaders, Israel’s war in Gaza, and Syria’s collapse as a reliable geographical link force Tehran to seek alternative arenas. The aim of this report is to assess whether Afghanistan could emerge as Iran’s…
Islamic State’s Video Accused al-Sharaa and the Syrian Transition Government of Apostasy

The Islamic State has issued a new propaganda video denouncing the Syrian transitional leadership under Ahmed al-Sharaa, also known by his nom de guerre Abu Muhammad al-Jolani, to be apostate and illegitimate under Islamic law. This report analyse the video’s narrative and its impact on Syrian and regional security.
The Kurds’ Gamble for Survival in The New Syria

The developments in the Middle East over the past year have been rapid and surprising. One of these surprises is the friendship between two former rivals. The Syrian transitional president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, held a meeting with the commander of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), Mazloum Abdi.
Syria: Violence Against the Alawites Underlines the Country’s Security and Sectarian Problems

This report assesses the security risks in Syria following recent sectarian violence in Latakia and Tartus, where factions linked to the transitional government reportedly targeted Alawite civilians. Local sources report hundreds killed in what they describe as mass executions.
Syria: Turkey’s Growing Influence and Military Cooperation with Transitional Government

Following the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s regime, Turkey has solidified its strategic position in Syria through a series of agreements with the new transitional government led by Ahmed al-Sharaa.
Sayfiddin Tajibayev’s Role in the Syrian Defence Apparatus: Repercussions for Tajikistan and Central Asia

Sayfiddin Tajibayev’s appointment to a senior position in the Syrian Ministry of Defence highlights a serious security risk to Tajikistan and Central Asia. This development could catalyse the movement of more extremists from Central Asia to Syria, facilitating the establishment of new foreign fighter networks and training centres.
Assessing Russia’s Strategic Realignment in Syria and the Middle East: Insights from Alexander Hoffmann

SpecialEurasia had an exclusive conversation with Alexander Hoffmann, a Military Adviser from the Russian Federation. His analysis sheds light on the Kremlin’s military, diplomatic, and strategic recalibrations, offering a comprehensive perspective on Russia’s current and future approach in Syria and the broader Middle East.
Threat Assessment of Post-Assad Syria’s Impact on Central Asia

This report synthesises international and local data, together with previous SpecialEurasia assessments, to analyse the consequences of Assad’s downfall in Syria and the potential contribution of Central Asian foreign fighters.
Islamic State Narrative on Recent Events in Syria: Analysis of al-Naba Issue 473

The Islamic State has utilised the recent collapse of the Assad regime and the rise of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) to intensify its ideological campaign. Through its latest issue of al-Naba (issue 473), released in recent days, the group has disseminated a narrative portraying these events as betrayals of Islamic principles and evidence of external…
Syria: Assad’s Fall, Iran and Russia’s “Strategic and Military” Defeat, and HTS Victory

The Assad regime’s sudden collapse in Syria marks a profound and far-reaching geopolitical shift. The rapid Syrian opposition military gains, spearheaded by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), have significantly altered regional political and military conditions.
Intel Brief: Syrian Conflict and the Escalation around Homs, Daraa, and As-Suwayda

This intel brief, based on local and international sources and SpecialEurasia’s previous monitoring reports, examines the regional and Syrian dynamics, integrating recent developments in Daraa and As-Suwayda to analyse the risks and strategic considerations.
Syrian Rebels’ Offensive Against Aleppo and the Potential Death of HTS Leader Abu Mohammad al-Julani

This report assesses the implications of the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) offensive in Aleppo, the potential death of its leader Abu Mohammad al-Julani, and the broader geopolitical impact on regional stability and key state actors.

Tag: Syria