Syria

Maldives Delists HTS as Terrorist Group, Removes Syria from War Zone List

The Maldives government removed Syria from its list of war zones and delisted Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) as a terrorist organization, following an annual review under the Terrorism Act. HTS had been listed since October 2019. The changes align with similar decisions by other countries, including the US, where President Trump met with HTS leader Ahmed al-Shara. The updated list removes HTS from the designation and Syria from prohibited travel zones. No other changes were announced.

Syria: Bashar al-Assad’s Fall and Its Impact on the Region

Bashar al-Assad fled Syria on December 8 after a rebel offensive that began November 27. Russia granted him asylum. His fall is expected to weaken Iran and Russia while strengthening Israel. Internal factional fighting is anticipated, with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) likely to take power, though the US considers it a terrorist group. Assad's 24-year rule was marked by brutal suppression, including a 2013 chemical weapons attack that killed over 1,000. The civil war displaced 50% of Syria's 23 million people. Assad was supported by Russia, Iran, and Hezbollah. Post-Assad, factionalism and radical groups threaten stability.

Progress Made in Rehabilitating Returnees from Syria, Says Homeland Minister Ihusaan

Homeland Security Minister Ali Ihusaan briefed on the repatriation of five Maldivian families (21 individuals, 15 children) from Syrian internment camps. The returnees are at the National Reintegration Centre (NRC) for rehabilitation. Minister Ihusaan stressed the innocence of most, especially children, and said the government is committed to protecting their rights. The government has information about 100 more individuals, mostly children, seeking to return from Syrian conflict zones, but challenges with biometric verification exist. The NRC has four blocks and can treat 72 individuals and five families. Syria conflict zones are banned under the Anti-Terror Act, with penalties of 5-6 years for traveling to participate in foreign conflicts. Over 100 Maldivians in Syria, including IS and al-Qaeda affiliates, have expressed desire to return. The Maldives has implemented counter-terrorism measures including the third amendment to the Anti-Terrorism Act (2021), the Joint Interagency Operations Centre, and the Fifth Amendment to the Penal Code for hate crimes.

US Strikes Kataib Hezbollah Sites

Five Maldivian Families Repatriated From Camps in Syria

The Maldives government repatriated 21 individuals from five families of fighters who had traveled to Syria. Homeland Security Minister Ali Ihsan announced the operation. The individuals were moved via Türkiye on a chartered Beond Airline flight costing $120,000. Prior repatriation efforts involved police and the National Reintegration Centre in Himmafushi, Kaafu Atoll. President Muizzu's visit to Türkiye expedited talks. The group includes 15 children and six women. They will undergo rehabilitation and then be subject to criminal prosecution. The Anti-terror Act classifies Syrian conflict zones as banned; travel there carries 5-6 year sentences. Over 90 Maldivians in Syria have expressed desire to return. The Maldives has high per capita ISIS participation.

Maldives Initiates Operation to Repatriate Citizens in Syria

The Maldives government has chartered a flight to Türkiye to repatriate about 20 Maldivian citizens, mostly wives and children of fighters, from internment camps in Syria. The operation, conducted by the homeland security ministry and police, will place the returnees in the National Reintegration Centre in Hinmafushi, Kaafu Atoll for up to one year. Over 100 Maldivians have gone to Syria, with more than 70 killed. The Maldives has the world's second-highest per capita rate of ISIS fighters. Counter-terrorism measures include amendments to the Anti-Terrorism Act and Penal Code, and establishment of a Joint Interagency Operations Centre. Radicalisation is fueled by foreign preachers, Salafism, and street gangs in Malé.