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

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 an international correspondent for NPR covering China, Taiwan and beyond from her base in Washington D.C.

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