The Foreign Fighters File in the Syrian Arab Army: Risks of Expansion and Threat to Stability
April 9, 2025, 4:50 pm

The Foreign Fighters File in the Syrian Arab Army: Risks of Expansion and Threat to Stability

ملف المقاتلين الأجانب في الجيش العربي السوري: مخاطر التوسع وتهديد الاستقرار

In a development that raises concern and controversy, the current situation of foreign fighters in the Syrian Arab Army points to a trend that goes against the demands of the Syrian people and the international community. For several weeks, a new phase known as "reunion" has begun, with large numbers of families of foreign fighters from various nationalities, particularly from Central Asia, arriving in Syrian territory through southern Turkey's airports, especially Hatay Airport.

Over the past three weeks, 22 Uzbek families crossed the border into Syria via the Bab al-Hawa crossing. Estimates suggest that the number of foreign fighters in Syria is around 21,000, belonging to cross-border Islamic projects, representing extremist factions that include a faction affiliated with Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham, while another faction is considered outside the authority of the group and has a more equal relationship than one of subordination.

After the regime lost control of several areas, Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham attempted to relocate these fighters to the coastal and Ghab regions, aiming to distance them from the Syrian capital and the Badia region, as there are fears they might integrate or collaborate with ISIS.

The resettlement of the families of these fighters in Syria poses a serious indicator that could turn the country into a focal point for global jihad in the future. The presence of a radical organization controlling the state and creating a safe jihadist environment could make Syria a hub for all those who hold extremist ideologies, reminiscent of 2014 when ISIS took control of cities like Raqqa and Mosul.

Today, Syria faces profound and complex challenges, grappling with thousands of political, economic, and social issues. Under these circumstances, it is not appropriate to engage in new adventures of this kind, which may exacerbate crises rather than resolve them.

Analysts observing the situation in Syria believe that the ruling authority in Damascus must recognize the seriousness of this situation. It is essential to find suitable mechanisms to address this issue instead of supporting it, as turning Syria into a place that attracts foreign fighters could have dire consequences for regional security and stability. The current situation requires a genuine and effective response that works to protect the country from potential risks that may arise as a result of these repercussions.

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BENEFIT, the Kingdom’s innovator and leading company in Fintech and electronic financial transactions service, held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the company’s headquarters in the Seef District.
During the meeting, shareholders approved all items listed on the agenda, including the ratification of the minutes of the previous AGM held on 26 March 2024. The session reviewed and approved the Board’s Annual Report on the company’s activities and financial performance for the fiscal year ended 31 December 2024, and the shareholders expressed their satisfaction with the company’s operational and financial results during the reporting period.
The meeting also reviewed the Independent External Auditor’s Report on the company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024. Subsequently, the shareholders approved the audited financial statements for the fiscal year. Based on the Board’s recommendation, the shareholders approved the distribution of a cash dividend equivalent to 10% of the paid-up share capital.
Furthermore, the shareholders endorsed the allocation of a total amount of BD 172,500 as remuneration to the members of the Board for the year ended 31 December 2024, subject to prior clearance by related authorities.
The extension of the current composition of the Board was approved, which includes ten members and one CBB observer, for a further six-month term, expiring in September 2025, pending no objection from the CBB.
The meeting reviewed and approved the Corporate Governance Report for 2024, which affirmed the company’s full compliance with the corporate governance directives issued by the CBB and other applicable regulatory frameworks. The AGM absolved the Board Members of liability for any of their actions during the year ending on 31st December 2024, in accordance with the Commercial Companies Law.
In alignment with regulatory requirements, the session approved the reappointment of Ernst & Young (EY) as the company’s External Auditors for the fiscal year 2025, covering both the parent company and its subsidiaries—Sinnad and Bahrain FinTech Bay. The Board was authorised to determine the external auditors’ professional fees, subject to approval from the CBB, and the meeting concluded with a discussion of any additional issues as per Article (207) of the Commercial Companies Law.
Speaking on the company’s performance, Mr. Mohamed Al Bastaki, Chairman BENEFIT , stated: “In terms of the financial results for 2024, I am pleased to say that the year gone by has also been proved to be a success in delivering tangible results. Growth rate for 2024 was 19 per cent. Revenue for the year was BD 17 M (US$ 45.3 Million) and net profit was 2 Million ($ 5.3 Million).

Mr. Al Bastaki also announced that the Board had formally adopted a new three-year strategic roadmap to commence in 2025. The strategy encompasses a phased international expansion, optimisation of internal operations, enhanced revenue diversification, long-term sustainability initiatives, and the advancement of innovation and digital transformation initiatives across all service lines.
“I extend my sincere appreciation to the CBB for its continued support of BENEFIT and its pivotal role in fostering a stable and progressive regulatory environment for the Kingdom’s banking and financial sector—an environment that has significantly reinforced Bahrain’s standing as a leading financial hub in the region,” said Mr. Al Bastaki. “I would also like to thank our partner banks and valued customers for their trust, and our shareholders for their ongoing encouragement. The achievements of 2024 set a strong precedent, and I am confident they will serve as a foundation for yet another successful and impactful year ahead.”
Chief Executive of BENEFIT; Mr. Abdulwahed AlJanahi commented, “The year 2024 represented another pivotal chapter in BENEFIT ’s evolution. We achieved substantial progress in advancing our digital strategy across multiple sectors, while reinforcing our long-term commitment to the development of Bahrain’s financial services and payments landscape. Throughout the year, we remained firmly aligned with our objective of delivering measurable value to our shareholders, strategic partners, and customers. At the same time, we continued to play an active role in enabling Bahrain’s digital economy by introducing innovative solutions and service enhancements that directly address market needs and future opportunities.”
Mr. AlJanahi affirmed that BENEFIT has successfully developed a robust and well-integrated payment network that connects individuals and businesses across Bahrain, accelerating the adoption of emerging technologies in the banking and financial services sector and reinforcing Bahrain’s position as a growing fintech hub, and added, “Our achievements of the past year reflect a long-term vision to establish a resilient electronic payment infrastructure that supports the Kingdom’s digital economy. Key developments in 2024 included the implementation of central authentication for open banking via BENEFIT Pay”
Mr. AlJanahi concluded by thanking the Board for its strategic direction, the company’s staff for their continued dedication, and the Central Bank of Bahrain, member banks, and shareholders for their valuable partnership and confidence in the company’s long-term vision.