Rebel source accuses militant group HTS of holding back its firepower as Assad's troops make significant gains (Photo source Reuters). By Harun al-Aswad Pro-Syrian government forces have entered the strategic Idlib town of Maaret al-Numan, dealing a severe blow to the rebel forces defending it. Some sources have reported that forces loyal to President Bashar al-Assad have captured … Continue reading Pro-government forces enter key Syrian rebel town of Maaret al-Numan
An advance by Syrian government forces has left Turkish observation posts surrounded and Ankara in a weaker position in its dealings with Moscow and Damascus (Photo Source AFP). By Harun al-Aswad in Istanbul, Turkey For Muhammad al-Sayyid al-Daghaim, the nearby presence of Turkish forces was once reason to believe that Jarjnaz would be spared the devastation wrought by … Continue reading Battle for Idlib: Syrian government assault leaves Turkey facing tough choices
Civilians and activists in the rebel-held province say the decision to send Turkey-backed rebels to fight against Haftar is a mistake (Photo Source AFP). By Harun al-Aswad Turkey's decision to transfer Syrian rebels to Libya has triggered discontent in Idlib - as the Syrian government and its Russian allies pound the country's last remaining rebel stronghold. … Continue reading For Syrians in Idlib, the road to Damascus does not pass through Libya
Sultan Murad Division, Suqour al-Sham Brigades and Faylaq al-Sham among the armed groups to be deployed in North Africa (Photo source AFP). By Ragip Soylu, Harun al-Aswad Turkey will deploy Syrian rebel fighters in Libya to fight against the forces of Khalifa Haftar, sources told Middle East Eye on Friday. Ankara had already reached out to several … Continue reading Turkey to send Syrian rebel fighters to battle Haftar in Libya
Defections and splits among militant groups in Idlib are happening, since the lines between them are more blurred than is realised (Photo Source AFP). By Harun al-Aswad The death of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi and the appointment of a virtually unknown successor could see some fugitive Islamic State group fighters seeking a return to the ranks of al-Qaeda-aligned … Continue reading After Baghdadi: Will Islamic State fighters seek return to al-Qaeda?