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

NPR | By Emily Feng
Published May 25, 2026 at 4:23 PM EDT

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.

Copyright 2026 NPR
Emily Feng
Emily Feng is NPR's Beijing correspondent.
See stories by Emily Feng