Syrian President Al-Share Refuses Algerian Request to Release Detained Soldiers and Polisario Militiamen
On February 9, 2025, Syrian President Ahmad al-Share denied a request from Algerian Foreign Minister Attaf to release captured Algerian soldiers and Polisario fighters held by Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham. Al-Share stated these detainees would face trial, emphasizing their treatment follows international laws regarding prisoners of war.
hassan benyoub 
February 9, 2025 – Syrian sources report that President Ahmad al-Share has refused a request from Algerian Foreign Minister Attaf to release Algerian soldiers and Polisario militiamen captured by Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) while fighting alongside Assad regime forces near Aleppo.
Details of the Request
According to Syrian sources, Algerian Foreign Minister Attaf conveyed a request from President Tebboune for the release of Algerian military personnel and Polisario fighters captured by Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham.
Syrian Refusal
President al-Share reportedly rejected the request, informing Attaf that a high-ranking Algerian officer (reportedly a Brigadier General) and approximately 500 soldiers from the Algerian army and Polisario militias would be tried alongside captured Assad regime remnants. Al-Share emphasized that the detainees were being treated according to international rules governing prisoners of war.
Context
- Algerian Support for Assad: The reported presence of Algerian soldiers fighting alongside Assad regime forces near Aleppo would be a significant development, potentially indicating a deeper level of Algerian involvement in the Syrian conflict than previously known.
- HTS Control: Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (formerly Jabhat al-Nusra) is a powerful Islamist group that controls significant territory in northwestern Syria, including areas near Aleppo.
- Possible Reason for Confusion: Sources suggest that Attaf's reported confusion during his press statements in Syria may stem from al-Share's refusal to release the Algerian soldiers and Polisario fighters.
