HTS arrests 5 militants in NW Syria
IDLIB, Syria (North Press) – Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS – formerly al-Nusra Front) raided on Sunday al-Ghazawiyah crossing, which separates the Turkish-occupied city of Afrin, northwest Syria, and HTS-held areas in Idlib Governorate, northwest the country, and arrested five of its own militants and leaders.
The HTS arrested those responsible for inspection and security checks at the crossing, as well as some guards, on charges of facilitating the escape of wanted individuals.
A special source told North Press that the HTS arrested the officials in charge of inspection and security checks along with three guards of the crossing on charges of involvement in smuggling militants and security leaders affiliated with the group who are wanted in security cases.
The source further added that the detainees were transferred to one of the HTS’s prisons in the town of Sarmada in the northern countryside of Idlib.
The source indicated that the HTS continues its security campaign against its opponents, with the number of detainees reaching 390 individuals, including leaders.
The HTS has been experiencing internal divisions for over two months, with one faction supporting Abu Maria al-Qahtani, a prominent leader within the HTS, and another supporting the HTS leader, Abu Muhammad al-Julani. These divisions became evident during a recent security campaign that targeted numerous leaders and militants affiliated with the group, particularly within the General Security Service (GSS).