© 2026 All Rights reserved WUSF
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
Our daily newsletter, delivered first thing weekdays, keeps you connected to your community with news, culture, national NPR headlines, and more.

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 NPR's Beijing correspondent.
Thanks to you, WUSF is here — delivering fact-based news and stories that reflect our community.⁠ Your support powers everything we do.