Rival Groups Likely to Engage in Fresh Clashes in Syria's Idlib

Rasa - Arab media outlets reported that the ceasefire between Ahrar al-Sham and Tahrir al-Sham Hay'at (the Levant Liberation Board or the Al-Nusra Front) was possibly nothing but a break for reinforcement, adding that the rival terrorist groups are likely to resume infighting soon after Ahrar receives Turkish back up.

News ID: 431168

Date: 23 July 2017 - 21:04

RNA - The Arabic-language al Sharq al Awsat daily quoted an opposition source in Northern Syria as saying that Tahrir a-Sham Hay'at has captured over 70 percent of Idlib province in recent clashes with Ahrar al-Sham.

The source said that the deal over Bab al-Hawa border-crossing between the two rival groups was concluded by Ankara's mediation, but Turkey's final plan is to support Ahrar al-Sham to start battling Tahrir al-Sham.

Based on the agreement, Bab al-Hawa's revenues must be distributed between Ahrar al-Sham and Tahrir al-Sham.

The sources also said that the security situation in Idlib is getting worst, as despite the earlier pause in clashes, Tahrir al-Sham has started attacking positions of Ahrar al-Sham and other militant groups.

Relevant reports said on Saturday that terrorists of Ahrar al-Sham and Tahrir al-Sham Hay'at declared ceasefire after non-stop clashes in Idlib province.

Ahrar al-Sham and Tahrir al-Sham ended fight after the former took up to retreat from its positions in Bab al-Hawa border region in Northern Idlib and pass on control to a non-military council.

The two terrorist groups also agreed to halt clashes, remain committed to the truce and free each other's war captives.

Ahrar al-Sham Commander Abu Amar al-Omar had previously threatened that if Tahrir al-Sham attacked their positions, his forces would retaliate in alliance with other militant groups.

In reaction to the recent intensified clashes between terrorist groups in Idlib, the Turkish Army has deployed several artillery units in front of Bab al-Hawa border passageway in Northern Idlib and the Turkish fighter jets are carrying continued flights over the border region with Syria.

According to reports, over 90 terrorists have been killed and 130 more wounded in the clashes between rival groups in Idlib in recent days.

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