HTS notifies IDPs to evacuate makeshift camp in Syria’s Idlib
IDLIB, Syria (North Press) – Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS, formerly al-Nusra Front) informed on Wednesday residents of a makeshift camp in the countryside of Idlib, northwestern Syria, to evacuate within 48 hours, claiming the land is the property of its Zakat Office.
Tarad al-Lahib, an official at the al-Kuheil camp near the town of Maarrat Misrin in the north of Idlib, told North Press that a patrol of HTS’ General Security Service (GSS) informed families in the camp to evacuate within 48 hours or otherwise face penalties.
Al-Lahib pointed out that the camp houses 68 displaced families, adding that the HTS demands the evacuation of the camp under the pretext that the land belongs to its Zakat Office.
The HTS has previously evacuated another makeshift camp that housed about 40 families on the outskirts of Haranabush village, northwestern Idlib, for similar reasons.
HTS frequently evicts IDPs from camps in the western and northern countryside of Idlib for various reasons, including financial gains and as a punishment for IDPs who oppose the HTS.