Tensions Rise Between Algeria and Syria’s New Leadership Over Captured Soldiers
Damascus Rejects Algeria’s Request to Release Troops and Polisario Fighters, Deepening Diplomatic Rift
Watan-Relations between Algeria and the new Syrian administration led by Ahmed Al-Sharaa are experiencing a growing crisis after Damascus rejected an Algerian request to release Algerian soldiers and Polisario fighters who fought alongside Bashar al-Assad’s forces before his regime fell.
According to media reports, these detainees were captured by Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) during the battles in Aleppo and its surroundings last November, which ended with the fall of Assad’s regime and the rise of Ahmed Al-Sharaa as Syria’s new leader.
Crisis Details
The Algerian request was made during a visit by Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf to Damascus, where he demanded the release of 500 Algerian soldiers and Polisario fighters who had fought alongside Assad’s forces.
However, Al-Sharaa firmly refused, insisting that these individuals would stand trial alongside the remnants of the former Syrian regime and would be treated according to international laws regarding prisoners of war.
Algeria’s Reaction and Possible Consequences
Reports indicate that this decision has unsettled Algerian officials, as it could impact relations between Algeria and the new Syrian government, which had been moving toward rebuilding alliances in the region following Assad’s downfall.
Algeria has not yet issued an official response, but analysts believe this development could strain military and political cooperation between the two nations, particularly since Algeria was one of the few countries that maintained ties with Assad until the very end.
Why Is Ahmed Al-Sharaa Insisting on Prosecuting the Algerian Soldiers?
It appears that Al-Sharaa is seeking to solidify his legitimacy as Syria’s new ruler and send a clear message that he will not bow to external pressures related to the legacy of the previous regime.
Moreover, the trial of these soldiers could serve as a bargaining chip in any future negotiations with Algeria, particularly regarding security and diplomatic cooperation.
The Uncertain Future of Algerian-Syrian Relations
The key question remains: How will Algeria respond to this situation?
Will it resort to political and diplomatic pressure to secure the release of its soldiers, or will it accept the reality and avoid escalating tensions with the new Syrian administration?
The coming days may reveal further developments in this sensitive issue.
