New oil refineries fan flames between SNA’s factions in NW Syria
ALEPPO, Syria (North Press) – New clashes have erupted in recent days between Sultan Murad Division and Ahrar al-Sham faction, affiliated with the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army (SNA), after establishing new oil refineries near the town of al-Rai in Aleppo countryside, northwest Syria.
An exclusive source told North Press, under condition of anonymity, that the establishment of oil refineries by the Sultan Murad Division means their intention to compete with Ahrar al-Sham for oil refinery market in the region.
The source mentioned that Ahrar al-Sham, the eastern sector, currently control the oil refinery market in the village of Tarhin, northern the city of al-Bab, eastern Aleppo. This sector is affiliated with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS – formerly al-Nusra Front) in the SNA-held areas of Aleppo’s countryside.
The source added that the new location for the oil refineries is in the village of Kensuli, near the town of al-Rai, and the Sultan Murad Division, which currently operates 20 oil refineries, is controlling it.
Tarhin is considered the largest crude oil refining center in northwest Syria and the main source of fuel materials in the region. The Ahrar al-Sham eastern sector controls Tarhin and its oil refineries. This sector is an arm of the HTS in the areas under the control of the interim government in Aleppo’s countryside.