© Amer Almohibany / ReutersJaysh al-Islam militant
According to Churkin the reason "for this step was the evidence that these organizations, fighting in Syria, are closely linked to terrorist organizations, first of all Islamic State (formerly ISIS/ISIL) and Al-Qaeda, and provide and receive from them financial, material, technical and military support." Groups listed by the UN as terrorist organizations are not included in the Russia-US brokered ceasefire in Syria, and can still be attacked.
Should Russia's move be supported by all members of the UN Security Council, Ahrar Al-Sham and Jaysh al-Islam, fighting government forces in Syria, will not be part of the truce, which was meant to pave the way to reconciliation between the Syrian government and moderate rebel forces.
"As of now, in conditions of regular violations of the Syrian ceasefire by Ahrar Al-Sham and Jaysh al-Islam groups, the Russian side has decided to resume the progress of our application for including these organizations under the sanctions regime," Churkin said, adding that Moscow started working on its request several months ago, but paused in order not to "interrupt the peace process and the dialogue," which are not moving along easily.
Last week, Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov also said that Russia wanted groups sabotaging the Syrian cease-fire to be put on the UN terror list, citing evidence it had received through its sources. Lavrov also mentioned that Moscow had wanted them to be put on the terrorist list from the start, but had, as part of a compromise measure, agreed to hold off on demanding it.
On April 22, Churkin told TASS news agency that the process to add more militant groups to the terrorist list was not an easy one, stressing that it does take some time. "All members [of the UN Security Council] should agree," he said. "There needs to be a consensus."
Comment: Jaysh al-Islam, is a creation of and beneficiary of arms and training from Saudi Arabia. It's more notable exploits: the attack and occupation of Adra Prison in 2015, the usage of caged captives as human shields in Eastern Ghouta against the Syrian government air raids, and the use of chemical weapons against Kurdish militia and civilians in Aleppo. It is the melding of over 40 rebel entities.
Ahrar ash-Sham, also a coalition of multiple Islamist and Salafist groups intent to fight against the Syrian government, was the second most powerful force in 2013 and operating under the Syrian Islamic Front. It is now supported by Turkey and Saudi Arabia and is one of the best-armed and powerful factions, with alleged links to al-Qaeda. Notable exploits: the car bomb detonated at the Russian military base in Idlib, Syria with dozens of casualties among Russian officials, and the executions of Christians in the city of Idlib.