Tensions rise in Syria’s Afrin after Turkish orders to mobilize faction
ALEPPO, Syria (North Press) – A faction of the Turkish-backed armed opposition, aka the Syrian National Army (SNA) mobilized on Thursday its forces in the countryside of Afrin in northwestern Syria following directives from Turkey to prevent infighting.
A military source told North Press that the Sultan Murad faction stationed its forces near the village of Kafr Janneh in the Afrin countryside, north of Aleppo.
This move comes in the wake of Turkey’s decision to dissolve the Soqour al-Shamal (Northern Hawks) faction, amid rising tensions among factions either resisting or supporting this decision.
The source added that the Turkish forces deployed tanks and armored vehicles near a checkpoint in Kafr Janneh, aiming to prevent potential armed clashes between rival factions that could escalate uncontrollably.
Turkish armored vehicles have also been spotted at checkpoints in Deir Balout and Ghazawiyah, which connect to areas controlled by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS, once known as al-Nusra Front) in western Aleppo and Idlib.
This came as reports indicated that the HTS may intervene to support the Levant Front (al-Jabha al-Shamiya), which opposes the dissolution of the Northern Hawks.
Under the guidance of Turkey, Ministry of Defense of the Syrian Interim Government (SIG), affiliated with Turkish-backed Syrian opposition, ordered the disbandment of the Northern Hawks.
The SIG’s Defense Ministry announced the dissolution of the faction was “part of a plan to restructure the Syrian National Army.”
According to local sources, there is a palpable sense of anxiety and anticipation in the Aleppo countryside, particularly following recent disputes between the SIG and the Levant Front.