Kadyrov proposes removing Syrian group HTS from Russia’s list of terrorist organizations

Chechnya Governor Ramzan Kadyrov has proposed removing Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the rebel group that overthrew Bashar al-Assad’s regime in Syria, from Russia’s list of terrorist organizations.

According to Kadyrov, the measure is necessary for Russia to prevent a humanitarian crisis in Syria. “The collective West is trying to provoke an escalation between Russia and Syria’s new authorities, but we will not allow such a scenario,” he wrote on Telegram.

Kadyrov also stated that Moscow and HTS need to establish a “contact group that can build initial connections and start addressing problems.” Among his proposals is to send Chechen police to Syria to patrol the streets alongside local law enforcement. “Any Russian presence in Syria will aim to ensure the stability and security of the people,” he said.