Idlib Governorate clashes (January–March 2017)

The Idlib Governorate clashes (January–March 2017) were military confrontations between Syrian rebel factions led by Ahrar al-Sham and their allies on one side and the al-Qaeda-affiliated Jabhat Fatah al-Sham (later as Tahrir al-Sham) and their allies on the other. After 7 February, the clashes also included Jund al-Aqsa as a third belligerent, which had re-branded itself as Liwa al-Aqsa and was attacking the other combatants. The battles were fought in the Idlib Governorate and the western countryside of the Aleppo Governorate.

Idlib Governorate clashes (January–March 2017)
Part of the Syrian Civil War, and the
Inter-rebel conflict during the Syrian Civil War

Map of region of Idlib and western Aleppo where the conflict took place
Date20 January – 9 March 2017
(1 month, 2 weeks and 3 days)
Location
Idlib Governorate, western Aleppo Governorate, and north Hama Governorate, Syria
Status

HTS victory over Liwa al-Aqsa and FSA groups

Belligerents

Ahrar al-Sham[12][13]
Suqour al-Sham Brigade (part of AAS since 26 January)
Sham Legion (splintered into 3 groups as of 2 March)[14][15][16]
Jaysh al-Islam[17] (some members joined AAS on 26 January)[18]
Ajnad al-Sham[5]
Saraya al-Ghuraba[5]

Free Syrian Army

Tahrir al-Sham[19]

Turkistan Islamic Party[17]

Jund al-Aqsa (Until 7 February)

Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant

Commanders and leaders

Abu Ammar al-Omar[20]
(Ahrar al-Sham general commander)
Rawad al-Khalifa †[21]
(Ahrar al-Sham commander)

Lt. Col. Muhammad Bakr[22]
(Army of Mujahideen commander, resigned)
Capt. Tariq Jadou [23]
(Army of Victory military commander)
1st Lt. Mohammed Dukhan [23]
(Army of Victory commander)
Lt. Col. Ammar Dayoub [24]
(Free Idlib Army commander)
Mustafa Abu al-Hadid [23]
(Central Division commander)
Saddam al-Mohammed [23]
(FSA commander)
Eagle Abu Qusay Hussein Khalil [23]

(FSA commander)		 Abdul-Rahim Attoun[25] "Karmo"[25]
Units involved

Ahrar al-Sham

Free Syrian Army

 Unknown Unknown
Strength
Several thousand fighters 400 Zenki fighters[31] Up to 2,100 militants[9]
Casualties and losses
250 captured[32] (160–197 executed)[33][23] 107 killed[34][35] 52 killed[35]
2+ civilians killed[22]
  1. Jund al-Aqsa was part of Jabhat Fateh al-Sham (JFS) until 23 January; it also became known as Liwa al-Aqsa since 7 February. The group was allied with HTS until 13 February, when clashes erupted between the two groups

Background
Main articles: October 2016 Idlib Governorate clashes and Second Battle of Maarat al-Nu'man

In October 2016, major clashes erupted between Ahrar al-Sham and Jund al-Aqsa in the Idlib province. This resulted in most of Jund al-Aqsa pledging allegiance to Jabhat Fatah al-Sham (JFS) on 13 October 2016. Sporadic clashes continued for the next few months.[36]

Another reason for the recent attacks by JFS were airstrikes conducted by the United States Air Force earlier in January, which killed more than 100 Jihadists belonging to the group.[37] Fatah al-Sham accused rival opposition groups of providing targeting information to the United States. In a statement released by Fatah al-Sham, the group claimed its attacks were to "prevent conspiracies" against them.[38]

One of the rebel groups involved in the conflict, the Army of Mujahideen, is a party to the peace talks in Astana, Kazakhstan. Representatives from Jaysh al-Islam and the Sham Legion, along with 13 more factions are also involved.[39] Ahrar al-Sham, on the other hand, refused to participate in Astana due to their relations with JFS.[21] Negotiations between Syrian government and opposition representatives began on 23 January.

The clashes

January 2017

On 20 January 2017, the al-Nusra Front (Jabhat Fateh al-Sham (JFS)) launched several coordinated attacks against Ahrar al-Sham headquarters and positions in the northern Idlib Governorate, near the Bab al-Hawa Border Crossing. In addition, al-Nusra also attacked Ahrar al-Sham outposts in Darkush and Jisr al-Shughur.[40] On the same day, Jund al-Aqsa raided an Ahrar al-Sham prison in Jabal Zawiya and freed 13 of their prisoners.[41] Meanwhile, in the same area, al-Nusra attacked the Mountain Hawks Brigade of the Free Idlib Army and captured a commander and his equipment.[42]

On 23 January, JFS announced that it has expelled Jund al-Aqsa from its ranks. Clashes then continued.[21] JFS fighters, with support from the Nour al-Din al-Zenki Movement, captured the headquarters of the Army of Mujahideen in western Aleppo. They also proceeded to attack the Levant Front in Haritan.[31]

By 24 January, the Army of Mujahideen joined Ahrar al-Sham after its defeat by JFS.[26] Ahrar al-Sham then deployed several military convoys to the countryside of Idlib and western Aleppo in order to deter attacks by JFS.[43] Meanwhile, the Sham Legion repelled a JFS attack against a Mujahideen Army base in rural Idlib.[27]

On 25 January, JFS militants captured the Idlib central prison from the Suqour al-Sham Brigade.[20]

By 26 January, Ahrar al-Sham and its allies had captured multiple villages in the northern part of the Jabal Zawiya region from JFS, in a region between Balyin, Kafr Naya, and Maarrat al-Nu'man.[3] On the same day, militants loyal to JFS captured the strategic town of Halfaya from rival opposition forces.[44] The next day, JFS forces attacked the headquarters of Jaysh al-Islam in northern Idlib.[45] By 27 January, it was reported that JFS had lost over 35 fighters in the clashes with other rebel groups.[34]

During the clashes, it was reported that civilians gathered near settlements caught in the conflict and protested against Fatah al-Sham's attacks on rival opposition forces, and called on the conflict to end in order to save civilian lives.[46]

On 28 January, JFS and several other Jihadist groups formed Tahrir al-Sham (Levant Liberation Body).[47] The overall mission for this new front is likely to consolidate power in northwestern Syria against rival opposition groups, most prominently Ahrar al-Sham.

On 30 January, there were reports of mobilizations by Tahrir al-Sham and Ahrar ash-Sham at the Bab al-Hawa Border Crossing and other nearby areas, and that the 2 groups were preparing for another round of clashes.[48]

February 2017

On 2 February, Tahrir al-Sham's former JFS forces attempted to occupy a bakery in Atarib, the largest bakery in western Aleppo, but withdrew after protests by residents.[49] Several days later, the Uzbek Jihadist group Katibat al-Tawhid wal-Jihad pledged its allegiance to Tahrir al-Sham.[50]

On 7 February 2017, Jund al-Aqsa attacked the headquarters of Jaysh al-Nasr near the town of Murak, in northern Hama. Jund al-Aqsa then captured the town of Kafr Zita and stormed Taybat al-Imam,[6] capturing more than 250 fighters and weapons from Jaysh al-Nasr.[32] On 9 February, Jund al-Aqsa attacked the headquarters of Ajnad al-Sham, Saraya al-Ghuraba, Liwa al-Maghawir and several other rebel units around Kafr Zita and in other areas in the northern Hama countryside, expanding its influence and capturing weapons, supplies and vehicles. By then, Jund al-Aqsa had taken full control of 17 towns and villages overall.[5][51]

During the afternoon of 11 February, local civilians expelled Islamist rebels of Ahrar al-Sham and Jaysh al-Nasr from the town of Kafr Nabudah. The rebels were mobilizing in the town to prepare for an offensive in northern Hama. Protesters threw stones and attacked the rebel convoy, killing 3 and injuring 20 of the rebel fighters.[10]

On 13 February, clashes erupted between the previously-allied Tahrir al-Sham and Jund al-Aqsa in northern Hama and southern Idlib.[52] HTS declared war on Jund al-Aqsa as a result, and the clashes resulted in the deaths of almost 70 fighters on both sides.[25] At least 17 of those killed were Jund al-Aqsa fighters,[53] Abu Bakr Tamanna, who led a group of suicide bombers for JFS during the rebel the attempt to break the siege of Aleppo, at the 3000 apartments, was killed by Liwa al-Aqsa.[54] During the fighting, Kafers Jonah village was captured by Liwa al-Aqsa after its general security leader Abu Rihana was killed by Tahrir al-Sham.[55]

On 14 February, Jund al-Aqsa announced the execution[56] of 150–200 prisoners of war, including both HTS and FSA fighters. More than 160 of those executed were FSA fighters, including more than 70 from Jaysh al-Nasr, while 43 were HTS members who were killed after a Sharia Court was stormed[33] in Idlib's rural countryside in Moqa village by Liwa al-Aqsa.[57] In order to secure a potential withdraw the Syrian opposition and Liwa Aqsa engaged in talks.[58] Still, on the next day, HTS captured the village of Heish from Jund al-Aqsa, and then besieged the retreating Jund al-Aqsa forces in Khan Shaykhun and Murak.[8] The Turkistan Islamic Party and Tahrir al-Sham surrounded Liwa Al-Aqsa in Mourak and Khan Shaykhoun.[59] Turkistan Islamic Party and Liwa al-Aqsa negotiated an agreement.[60][61][62]

On 19 February, it was reported that 600 Jund al-Aqsa militants would be transported to the Ar-Raqqah Governorate to join ISIL, while the remaining Jund al-Aqsa forces would surrender their heavy weapons and join the Turkistan Islamic Party within 72 hours. By this point, it was reported that over 250 Free Syrian Army and Tahrir al-Sham fighters had been killed in clashes by Jund al-Aqsa.[63] That afternoon, a convoy of Jund al-Aqsa members and their relatives tried to cross from Idlib Province into the Raqqa Governorate, across a Syrian government supply route to Aleppo, stretching from Ithriyah to Salamiyah, in order to escape the rebel infighting. However, they were ambushed by the National Defence Forces, resulting in several deaths, with rest of the militants surrendering themselves.[64] On the same day, Tahir al-Sham stormed Jaysh al-Islam positions near the Bab al-Hawa Border Crossing and captured heavy weapons. HTS also occupied several abandoned warehouses formerly belonging to the Hazzm Movement.[65]

On 22 February, the last of Liwa al-Aqsa's 2,100 militants left their final positions in Khan Skaykhun, to join ISIL in Ar-Raqqah province, after a negotiated withdrawal deal with Tahrir al-Sham and the Turkistan Islamic Party.[9][11] Armored vehicles, tanks, and heavy weapons were all burned by Liwa al-Aqsa during their withdrawal.[66][67][68] Afterward, Tahrir al-Sham declared the termination Liwa al-Aqsa, and promised to watch for any remaining cells.[69]

On 23 February, the relatives of the FSA prisoners executed by Liwa al-Aqsa accused the group of treating them worse than the Syria government ever did.[70] Around Khan Seikhoun, mass graves were discovered following Liwa al-Aqsa's retreat.[71][72][73] Between 22 and 23 February, two separate mass graves containing the bodies of at least 131 executed rebels were found near the town. This was in addition to the discovery of the bodies of 41 fighters the previous week.[74]

On 25 February, Ahrar al-Sham raided the Free Idlib Army's headquarters and warehouses in the village of Aqrab, Idlib. The AaS fighters occupied the area under the pretext of "protecting" the FIA from a potential HTS attack. The Free Idlib Army, however, denied that they were under attack by Ahrar al-Sham.[75] Three days later, HTS attacked a Sham Legion headquarters in northern Idlib, and captured an arms depot.[76]

March 2017

On 2 March, according to pro-government sources, the Sham Legion split into three armed groups, while fighting erupted in town of Saraqib, after a brigade in Ahrar al-Sham defected to Tahrir al-Sham.[77][78] The former Ahrar al-Sham brigade had reportedly been responsible for manufacturing and maintaining Ahrar al-Sham's weapons.[79] On 3 March, the clashes escalated, with clashes erupting between Ahrar al-Sham and Tahrir al-Sham in the city of Salqin.[80]

On 4 March, it was reported that the Syrian Government had taken a high interest in the inter-rebel conflict, and that they were watching the clashes closely.[81] On 6 March, Tahrir al-Sham attacked Ahrar al-Sham inside of Al-Mastoumeh and Kafr Yahmoul, to the south of Idlib, and captured several checkpoints inside of those villages, severing the main Idlib-Ariha road.[82]

On 7 March, three Tahrir al-Sham fighters died when their vehicle hit an IED in the eastern Hama province; one of the fighters was reportedly as young as 14 years old.[83] Later that day, Tahrir al-Sham and Ahrar al-Sham signed a ceasefire deal to end the fighting between them, and to create a new council to resolve their issues diplomatically instead of fighting.[84] However, two days later, clashes broke out between Ahrar al-Sham and Tahrir al-Sham again in the Jabal Zawiya region, after Tahrir al-Sham attempted to arrest a senior Ahrar al-Sham leader in the area.[85]

US aid for Syrian rebels

During the infighting, CIA military aid was frozen, due to the Islamist attacks on FSA groups in the Idlib Governorate. Salaries, training, and ammunition were halted, due to fears of falling into Islamist hands.[86]

On 10 March 2017, United States labeled the Tahrir a terrorist organization, although in the past it supported and provided military assistance to some rebel groups which are now part of this alliance, most notably Harakat Nour al-Din al-Zenki.[87]

Aftermath
Further information: Idlib Governorate clashes (July 2017)
See also: Hama offensive (March–April 2017)

After the inter-rebel clashes, HTS grew further in size and launched the 2017 Hama offensive in March 2017.

On 5 April 2017, a vehicle carrying Lt. Col. Ahmed al-Saud of the 13th Division and Col. Ali al-Samahi, the chief of staff of the Free Idlib Army, came under fire from Tahrir al-Sham fighters at a checkpoint near Khan al-Subul, which was under complete control of HTS. Al-Samahi and another FSA fighter was killed in the shootout, while al-Saud was wounded and was transferred to Turkey for treatment.[88]

On 29 May, Ahrar al-Sham reportedly executed at least 6 fighters of Tahrir al-Sham after capturing them in southern Idlib province.[89] On 4 June, 5 fighters of the Sham Legion were killed and 2 wounded after their vehicle hit a roadside bomb.[90]

From 6 to 8 June, clashes broke out between Tahrir al-Sham and Sham Legion in Maarrat al-Nu'man. The Free Idlib Army's 13th Division and the Free Police joined the fighting on 8 June. By the evening of 8 June, HTS captured both the 13th Division and the Sham Legion's headquarters in Maarat al-Nu'man and killed Col. Tayser al-Samahi, the brother of Col. Ali al-Samahi and the head of the Free Police in the town.[91] Ahrar al-Sham reportedly deployed fighters to the town during the fighting.[92] On 9 June, Tahrir al-Sham announced the completion of their operations against the FSA and took full control of the town.[93] Later that day, a ceasefire agreement was signed between the Free Idlib Army and Tahrir al-Sham in the town and the latter ordered the 13th Division to be disbanded.[94]

From 14–23 July, clashes erupted between Ahrar al-Sham and Suqour al-Sham against Tahrir al-Sham in multiple locations in the Idlib Governorate, including Saraqib and Jabal Zawiya.[95] These clashes resulted in HTS capturing Idlib city and most of the areas bordering Turkey.

gollark: Yes.
gollark: Does PotatOS do that? Huh.
gollark: Enjoy that in general, but don't enjoy that in this case as it does not apply.
gollark: Enjoy being wrong!
gollark: Alternatively, potatOS computers have a `potatOS` folder for user data.

See also

References
  1. Illingworth, Andrew (24 January 2017). "Jabhat Fateh al-Sham launches a general offensive against rebel groups in Aleppo, Idlib CS".
  2. Fadel, Leith (26 January 2017). "Situation in northern Hama becomes worrisome as jihadists take over".
  3. "Idlib governorate clashes". Retrieved 5 March 2017.
  4. @Lawrence1918x (24 January 2017). "Reports that Ahrar is now in full control of Saraqib – a very strategic place in Idlib CS since it used to supply S Aleppo and Hama" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  5. "Jund al-Aqsa organization controls 17 villages, towns and cities in the countryside of Idlib and Hama". SOHR. 9 February 2017. Retrieved 9 February 2017.
  6. ""Jund al-Aqsa" seize the headquarters of the "free" and declared a military zone in Hama and Idlib". Al-Hadath News. 8 February 2017. Archived from the original on 9 October 2017. Retrieved 9 February 2017.
  7. اشتباكات هيئة تحرير الشام وتنظيم جند الأقصى تخلف نحو 70 قتيل بين الطرفين… والأخير يخسر 9 بلدات وقرى خلال الـ 48 ساعة الفائتة
  8. Chris Tomson (16 February 2017). "Jund al-Aqsa completely besieged by rival rebel factions around two towns in Idlib". al-Masdar News.
  9. Charkatli, Izat (23 February 2017). "Over 2,000 radical rebels defect to ISIS following intra-rebel deal".
  10. Chris Tomson (12 February 2017). "Civilians take up arms, chase Islamist rebels out of town in northern Hama [Videos]". Al-Masdar News.
  11. "Search for the dead begins in Idlib after Islamic State-linked brigade leaves for Raqqa".
  12. Lister, Charles (2 March 2017). Twitter https://twitter.com/Charles_Lister/status/837328790569234432. Missing or empty |title= (help)
  13. Lister, Charles (3 March 2017). Twitter https://twitter.com/Charles_Lister/status/837665402603843584. Missing or empty |title= (help)
  14. Wintour, Patrick (24 January 2017). "Sponsors of Syria talks in Astana strike deal to protect fragile ceasefire". The Guardian.
  15. "Charles Lister on Twitter".
  16. "Faylaq al-Sham group descends into bitter civil war in militant-held Idlib governorate". Al Masdar News.
  17. "اللالا بعد الحذف 🤖 on Twitter".
  18. "هادي العبدالله Hadi on Twitter". Retrieved 29 January 2017.
  19. The Gathering of Tahrir al-Sham Body the newly formed and led by former commanding general of Harakat Ahrar Sham puts the last mentioned in a confrontation trouble
  20. Tom Perry (25 January 2017). "Jihadists crush Syria rebel group, in a blow to diplomacy". Reuters.
  21. Alex MacDonald (23 January 2017). "Syrian rebels threaten to 'annihilate' rivals as Idlib infighting rages". Middle East Eye.
  22. "شهيدان مدنيان بقصف لجبهة النصرة في ريف إدلب". Al-Etihad Press (in Arabic). 27 January 2017. Archived from the original on 29 January 2017. Retrieved 28 January 2017.
  23. "Al-Aqsa Brigade fighters executed 197 Free Army in Hama and retreat to tenderness". Akhbar Alaan. 23 February 2017.
  24. "Found the body of an officer kidnapped "Al-Aqsa Brigade" south of Idlib". Enab Baladi. 2 March 2017.
  25. Bassem Mroue (14 February 2017). "Clashes between 2 extremist groups kill scores in Syria". Associated Press.
  26. "Mujahideen Army announces joining Freedom Movement Sham". Qasioun News Agency. 24 January 2017.
  27. "Fateh Al-Sham Fail To Raid Jayesh Al-Mujahdeen Centres". Qasioun News Agency. 24 January 2017.
  28. "Syrian Rebellion Obs on Twitter". Retrieved 29 January 2017.
  29. "FSA News on Twitter".
  30. Zen Adra (9 February 2017). "Salafist jihadists overrun FSA in northern Syria as rebel infighting intensifies". Al-Masdar News.
  31. @Dalatrm (23 January 2017). "Zinki allegedly sent 400 fighters to back JFS action vs FSA @army_moj, some of whom besieging Shamiyah HQ at Hritan, N. Aleppo" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  32. "Al-Aqsa Brigade attacked the headquarters of an army victory Brive northern Hama". Al-Etihad Press. 7 February 2017. Archived from the original on 11 February 2017. Retrieved 9 February 2017.
  33. "Syrian jihadists kill scores of rival insurgents: rebel official, SITE". 16 February 2017 – via Reuters.
  34. Al-Alam (27 January 2017). "Al-Nusra lost 35 members in inter-terrorist clashes in Idlib, Aleppo".
  35. ارتفاع حصيلة الاقتتال الدامي بين تحرير الشام وجند الأقصى لأكثر من 125 مقاتل بينهم 40 أعدمهم الأخير والحزب التركستاني ينتشر بريفي إدلب وحماة
  36. "Tension return between Jund al-Aqsa and Ahrar al-Sham in the countryside of Idlib and shooting in al-Suwaidaa". Syria HR. 22 October 2016.
  37. "U.S. Airstrike Kills More Than 100 al-Qaida Fighters in Syria". US Department of Defense. 20 January 2017.
  38. "Analysis: Why Jabhat Fatah al-Sham Is Lashing Out at Syrian Rebels".
  39. "Syrian government and opposition factions begin talks". Geopol Monitor. 23 January 2017. Archived from the original on 9 October 2017. Retrieved 24 January 2017.
  40. Al-Hamra (20 January 2017). "Why Al-Qaeda/JFS Is Attacking Ahrar al-Sham: @charles_lister's Take". Medium Corporation.
  41. Leith Fadel (20 January 2017). "Trouble in jihadist paradise as rival factions battle in Idlib". Al-Masdar News.
  42. "Clashes in the countryside of Idlib between the "Brigade Hawks Mountain" and "Front victory"". Nour Radio. 21 January 2017. Archived from the original on 2 February 2017. Retrieved 24 January 2017.
  43. "Ahrar al-Sham calls on people to take to the streets& blocking roads". Eldorar alShamia. 24 January 2017. Archived from the original on 30 January 2017. Retrieved 25 January 2017.
  44. Fadel, Leith (26 January 2017). "Situation in northern Hama becomes worrisome as jihadists take over".
  45. "(Fatah al-Sham) are attacking the headquarters of the (Army of Islam) in the northern Idlib Babsaga". All4Syria. 27 January 2017.
  46. "Jihadists, Syrian rebels in heavy clashes in northwest: rebel, monitors". Reuters. 27 January 2017. Retrieved 29 January 2017.
  47. "Syria Islamist factions, including former al Qaeda branch, join forces: statement". Reuters. 28 January 2017.
  48. ""Unmingled" jihadis in Syria prepare to clash in Idlib -- Sott.net".
  49. "The Jabhat Fateh Al-Sham are attempting to capture the bread oven of Atarib city as a means to control the possession of bread in the region". Aleppo 24 Organization. 2 February 2017. Archived from the original on 9 October 2017. Retrieved 3 February 2017.
  50. Fadel, Leith (5 February 2017). "Uzbek jihadists join newest rebel coalition in Syria".
  51. Adra, Zen (9 February 2017). "Salafist jihadists overrun FSA in northern Syria as rebel infighting intensifies". Retrieved 11 March 2017.
  52. "Jihadist rebel groups clash in northwest Syria – monitor". Reuters. 13 February 2017.
  53. "In the most violent clashes between the major factions … 46 fighters at least were killed and unknown fate of tens of other fighters of Hayyaat Tahrir al-Sham and Jund al-Aqsa is in the countryside of Idlib and Hama". Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. 13 February 2017.
  54. العمر, موسى (13 February 2017). Twitter https://twitter.com/MousaAlomar/status/831210919212568579. Missing or empty |title= (help)
  55. Twitter. Step News Agency. 13 February 2017 https://twitter.com/Step_Agency/status/831166145466101761. Missing or empty |title= (help)
  56. Leith Fadel (14 February 2017). "Syrian Al-Qaeda group slaughters over 100 jihadist rebels in Idlib". al-Masdar News.
  57. ""لواء الأقصى" ينفذ أكبر عملية "إعدام جماعي" بحق مقاتلي الجيش الحر". أورينت نت. 18 February 2017.
  58. Twitter. 14 February 2017 https://twitter.com/archicivilians/status/831602952884350976. Missing or empty |title= (help)
  59. Twitter. 15 February 2017 https://twitter.com/azmorai1/status/832022862852653056. Missing or empty |title= (help)
  60. أليسار, أبو (16 February 2017). Twitter https://twitter.com/khaled181968/status/832337444573941760. Missing or empty |title= (help)
  61. Twitter. 18 February 2017 https://twitter.com/faracha_z/status/833141853180534784. Missing or empty |title= (help)
  62. Twitter. 18 February 2017 https://twitter.com/faracha_z/status/833142771716349952. Missing or empty |title= (help)
  63. Mulhem, Suliman (19 February 2017). "250+ fighters killed in rebel infighting across Syria".
  64. Tomson, Chris (19 February 2017). "Syrian Army ambushes scores of Islamist rebels trying to defect to ISIS". AMN – Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز. Retrieved 19 February 2017.
  65. Leith Fadel (19 February 2017). "Rebel infighting continues as new coalition raids Jaysh Al-Islam's positions in Idlib". Al-Masdar News.
  66. العمر, موسى (22 February 2016). Twitter https://twitter.com/MousaAlomar/status/834403959230038016. Missing or empty |title= (help)
  67. Ridha, Hassan (22 February 2017). Twitter https://twitter.com/sayed_ridha/status/834532477834194944. Missing or empty |title= (help)
  68. Ridha, Hassan (22 February 2017). Twitter https://twitter.com/sayed_ridha/status/834530569597771776. Missing or empty |title= (help)
  69. SITE. "Tahrir al-Sham Declare Terminating Liwa al-Aqsa".
  70. "Relatives of executed rebels speak out: 'The regime hasn't even done what Liwa al-Aqsa did to us'".
  71. Ridha, Hassan (22 February 2017). Twitter https://twitter.com/sayed_ridha/status/834524848562909185. Missing or empty |title= (help)
  72. Ridha, Hassan (22 February 2017). Twitter https://twitter.com/sayed_ridha/status/834524213050372099. Missing or empty |title= (help)
  73. Twitter. 22 February 2017 https://twitter.com/NorthernStork/status/834479373864538112. Missing or empty |title= (help)
  74. "130 bodies found in Syria mass graves".
  75. "جيش ادلب الحر ينفي استيلاء أحرار الشام على مستودعاته بريف ادلب". Al-Etihad Press. 26 February 2017. Archived from the original on 19 October 2017. Retrieved 21 January 2020.
  76. Lister, Charles (28 February 2017). Twitter https://twitter.com/Charles_Lister/status/836651268693188608. Missing or empty |title= (help)
  77. Antonopoulos, Paul (2 March 2017). "Faylaq al-Sham group descends into bitter civil war in militant-held Idlib governorate". AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز. Retrieved 3 March 2017.
  78. Antonopoulos, Paul (2 March 2017). "Idlib province descends into further chaos as inter-jihadist war intensifies". AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز. Retrieved 3 March 2017.
  79. Antonopoulos, Paul (2 March 2017). "Vital Idlib-based Ahrar al-Sham faction announces defection to Tahrir Al-Sham". Al-Masdar. Retrieved 5 March 2017.
  80. Fadel, Leith (3 March 2017). "Jihadist rebels clash with one another in rural Idlib". Retrieved 5 March 2017.
  81. Fadel, Leith (4 March 2017). "Jihadist civil war being watched closely by Syrian Army". Al-Masdar. Retrieved 11 March 2017.
  82. Antonopoulos, Paul (6 March 2017). "Chaos continues in Idlib as terrorist forces descend further into civil war". Retrieved 11 March 2017.
  83. Antonopoulos, Paul (7 March 2017). "Photos: 3 Tahrir al-Sham fighters assassinated, including child soldier". AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز. Retrieved 8 March 2017.
  84. Antonopoulos, Paul (7 March 2017). "Inter-jihadist war in Idlib ends as rival groups sign a deal, announce new Aleppo campaign". Retrieved 11 March 2017.
  85. Antonopoulos, Paul (9 March 2017). "Idlib descends back into civil war one day after ceasefire is made between jihadists". Al-Masdar. Retrieved 11 March 2017.
  86. "Exclusive: CIA-backed aid for Syrian rebels frozen after Islamist attack - sources". 21 February 2017 – via Reuters.
  87. US denies reports Syria rebels Nusra off terror list, Al-Araby, 16 May 2017
  88. "Activists: Sham Liberation Army assassinated a senior commander of Idlib Free (Photos)". Arabi 21. 5 April 2017.
  89. Fadel, Leith (29 May 2017). "Trouble in paradise: Two jihadist groups clash in southern Idlib". AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز. Retrieved 29 May 2017.
  90. Adra, Zen (4 June 2017). "+18 Graphic Pictures: Roadside bomb kills 6 jihadists in Idlib amid rising tensions". AMN - Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز. Retrieved 4 June 2017.
  91. "(Edit Sham) controls the headquarters of the band (13) and Sham Corps in Maart". All4Syria. 8 June 2017.
  92. Al-Masdar
  93. "(Edit Sham) announces halt its offensive on Maart and liquidates Prime Mkhvrha". All4Syria. 9 June 2017.
  94. "Agreement ending the clashes Maart on his head solution band 13". All4Syria. 10 June 2017.
  95. "Rival Groups Clash in Syria's Rebel-Packed Idlib". Associated Press. 15 July 2017.
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.