Uyghur opposition: The Uyghur fighters were integrated into the Syrian army was a false pretext and they were exploited by Türkiye
The Uyghur opposition issued a statement regarding the naturalization of Uyghur fighters in Syria.
The East Turkestan Government-in-Exile expresses deep concern over reports that Uyghur fighters are being integrated into the new formation of the Syrian Army under US-backed arrangements.
The so-called “Turkestan Islamic Party” has nothing to do with the legitimate cause of East Turkestan independence.
Since its founding, this party has served as a vehicle for extremist Islamic ideology and an intelligence tool aimed at distorting the image of the Turkestan national movement by associating it with terrorism and global jihad.
Thousands of Uyghurs were lured to Syria under false pretenses and exploited in a coordinated operation, including by Turkish intelligence services.
Upon their arrival, many of them were used as expendable tools in regional proxy wars, not for the cause of East Turkestan, but for the interests of foreign powers.
The presence of these fighters serves as a pretext to justify their ongoing campaign of genocide in East Turkestan, claiming to be fighting extremism, while in reality, they are waging a war against our people’s identity, religion, and right to exist.
Most Uyghurs in Syria are victims—misled, radicalized, and exploited.
We’re particularly concerned that the leadership of the Turkestan Islamic Party remains directly or indirectly controlled by Chinese intelligence.
It’s morally and strategically imperative to separate these naive fighters from their infiltrated leadership, which consists of Islamist ideologues and intelligence agents, and subject them to deradicalization and rehabilitation programs, in accordance with authentic Islamic principles and the spirit of Turkestani nationalism.
We’re open to working with the United States and partner governments to find a better solution for the Uyghurs in Syria, and a safer one for the world.
One that is consistent with global security interests and the aspirations of the East Turkestan people to regain their freedom, independence, and national sovereignty.
