Militias operating in Syria locking horns for Turkey’s benefit

Aya Ezz

Rifts are increasing within Ahrar al-Sham, one of the militias controlling northern Syria, especially Idlib province.

This militia is the strongest rival of Tahrir al-Sham, according to the London-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

Tensions

Tensions started within Ahrar al-Sham on Oct. 12 when the militia’s police arrested some of its members, including leading figure Abu Bakr Maghaweer.

Ahrar al-Sham Commander Abi Jaber al-Sheikh then issued a decision to sack Abi Fres Daraa who was responsible for the coast area. However, Daraa rejected the commander’s decision and staged what amount to munity inside the militia.

The commander then sent an armed group to force Daraa to succumb to his decision. This opened the door for clashes.

Things getting worse

Rifts increased within the militia. The group staging the mutiny is besieging some Ahrar al-Sham command centers.

This prompted Tahrir al-Sham commanders to order the evacuation of the command centers to Afrin, northwestern Aleppo.

Turkish sponsorship

Tahrir al-Sham works to serve Turkey’s interests in Syria, according to Syrian think tank Omran Center for Strategic Studies.

It said Ahrar al-Sham opposed the agreement hammered out by Russia and Turkey in Sochi, Russia.

This is why Turkey wants to take revenge on Ahrar al-Sham now, the center said.

It added that Turkey tries to do this by enlisting support from militias backing it in Syria.

The center noted that Turkey has so far succeeded in disbanding Ahrar al-Sham.

This is giving Tahrir al-Sham full leverage over Idlib, the center said.