An analysis of text and video messages from jihadis in Idlib reveals over 60 Germans among their ranks, German media report. Syrian President Bashar Assad is determined to retake the region.
Image: Getty Images/AFP/O. Haj Kadour
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More than 60 Germans are fighting in Idlib, the last stronghold of foreign fighters in northwest Syria, according to reports by the German broadcaster SWR on Sunday.
SWRreviewed transcripts of instant messages sent by the fighters and determined that the individuals are largely members of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, a group with ties to al-Qaida. At least one person is working with the group Junud al-Sham.
Using messenger apps such as Telegram, the fighters solicited financial aid from supporters back in Germany by way of text, video and voice messages.
"My brothers," a masked man says in a video message, "if you could help, that would be very good. Even if you're in Germany, [by donating] it's as if you've completed jihad."
Idlib: Syria's last remaining rebel stronghold
Syria's Idlib province has been at the centre of tensions between Russia, Turkey, and the President Bashar al-Assad's regime. What is actually happening the last rebel stronghold?
Image: picture-alliance/AA/I. Idilbi
Nowhere to seek shelter
Many Syrian families have been forced to leave Idlib, which remains the last stronghold of forces opposed to President Assad, and some — like this woman and her children — struggle to find refuge.
Image: picture-alliance/dpa/AA/M. Said
Constant fear of airstrikes
Idlib has been the site for multiple airstrikes from Turkish forces, and pro-regime forces backed by Russia. Here, smoke is seen billowing over the town of Bsaqla, in the southern countryside of the province.
Image: Getty Images/O. H. Kadour
Rubble and glass
Assad's troops, with Russian air support, are trying to capture the province in what they call "the final battle." Here, a Syrian man tries to clear rubble at a damaged ward in a hospital that was hit by a reported regime air strike.
Image: Getty Images/AFP/A. Alhamwe
Making do with little
Idlib has been left devoid of any infrastructure, forcing families into refugee camps at the Turkish border. There, too, there is little in the way of resources and organization to make a normal life — and future — possible.
Image: picture-alliance/Anadolu Agency/E. Musa
Sprawling tent town
According to the United Nations, more than 500,000 people have been displaced from Idlib. This drone shot shows tents at a camp hosting families who have been displaced due to the attacks carried out by Assad regime and Russia.
Image: picture-alliance/AA/E. Turkoglu
Facilities in short supply
Rescuers are kept busy bringing in new patients, but medical authorities say there are no clinics left in the south of the province to treat the injured.
Image: picture-alliance/AA/I. Idilbi
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Supporters are instructed to send donations to an individual in Turkey via Western Union bank transfer or to use cryptocurrencies such as bitcoin.
German security agencies are aware of the practice and report that they have been monitoring the use of cryptocurrency to finance terrorism for some time.
Idlib is the final holdout of rebels in Syria backed by Turkish support. Syrian ruler Bashar Assad, with help from Russia, has vowed to retake control of the region.
