By Hani Salem
IDLIB, Syria (North Press) – As part of negotiations to resolve the dispute over the al-Hamran crossing in the city of Jarablus, located in the eastern countryside of Aleppo, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) has been granted control over the crossing, said an official in the Second Legion of the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army (SNA).
The official stated to North Press that following negotiations mediated by Turkish officers to end the dispute between the HTS and the SNA’s Second Legion over the crossing, the former was allowed to run the crossing through the two factions of Ahrar Olan and Shahba Gathering.
The crossing, which is a financial resource for opposition-held areas, links areas held by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) with those controlled by SNA factions.
Researchers and analysts have estimated that the crossing generates $2 million in revenue per month.
He added that the Turkish-backed SNA had employed military and political means to prevent the HTS top leader, Abu Muhammad al-Jolani, from taking control over the crossing.
However, the Turkish stance has changed, allowing the HTS to have a greater role than before in running the crossing in contrast to Turkey’s previous approach.
The official noted that the agreement reached stipulates that the HTS will collect fees from fuel trucks passing through the crossing, while the SNA will take fees from commercial trucks.
Additionally, it stipulates that the Ahrar Olan faction will be responsible for the crossing in terms both economic and security aspects. On the other hand, the SNA will be tasked with monitoring duties and providing the needed support under Turkish pressure.
In September, clashes erupted between factions affiliated with HTS and the SNA over the control of the al-Hamran crossing, an important financial resource. However, a ceasefire agreement and understanding were subsequently reached between both parties.
The official further explained that everyone was initially shocked by Turkey’s support for these measures, which provided an opportunity for al-Jolani to gain even more power.
The official stated that, according to information from Turkish officers, the internal divisions within the SNA and the lack of political and leadership foresight among its officials have allowed al-Jolani to strengthen his position.
From another perspective, an official at the al-Hamran crossing emphasized that the significance of the crossing extends beyond its financial role. The official highlighted that HTS perceives the proximity of the crossing to SDF-held areas, with Turkey’s approval, as a clear indication of Turkish consent for HTS’ potential involvement in any military operation against the SDF.
According to a financial official in the Turkey-affiliated local council of the city of al-Bab, in eastern Aleppo, HTS revenues witnessed a 100 percent increase since they gained control of the strategically important al-Hamran crossing in the region. The official expressed dissatisfaction with the increased control of HTS over the region’s economy and political decisions. He emphasized that HTS was able to gain this influence with the support of the Turkish government which, as usual, has once again deceived others and pursued its own agendas.