Syria's new authorities have embedded several foreign fighters, including a Uighur, a Jordanian and a Turk, in the country's armed forces as Damascus tries to turn the motley rebel groups into a professional military, Reuters reported, citing a Syrian source.

The decision to give several jihadists official positions, including leadership positions, could alarm some foreign governments and Syrian citizens wary of the new administration's intentions despite its promises not to export the Islamic revolution and to rule with tolerance toward Syria's many minorities, the media outlet said.

The sources said at least six of the nearly 50 military posts announced by the Defense Ministry on Sunday were given to foreigners. 

Syria's Defense Ministry on Sunday announced 49 military appointments, including among leaders of key Syrian armed groups.

Among them were several foreign fighters, three of whom were promoted to the ranks of brigadier generals and at least three others to colonels, a Syrian military source said.