New Split in Turkish-backed SNA north of Syria’s Aleppo
ALEPPO, Syria (North Press) – The leadership of the Turkish-backed Malik Shah faction announced on Thursday that it had left the formation of the Third Legion in the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army (SNA).
A special source told North Press, “The faction announced joining Hayat Thaeroon for Liberation [another military formation in the SNA] after announcing its defection from the Third Legion.”
The split followed the defection of Sultan Suleiman Shah, also known as al-Amshat, and Hamza Division on Tuesday evening from Hayat Thaeroon for Liberation.
The Malik Shah faction is headed by the so-called Mahmoud al-Baz, who is close to Turkish intelligence, according to the source.
The defections of the Turkish-backed SNA comes in tandem with Turkey’s intention to launch a military operation in north and east of Aleppo, in the cities of Tel Rifaat and Manbij respectively.
Thaeroon was formed in October 2021, after the integration of Faylaq al-Sham, Sultan Murad, al-Muntaser Billah, Thuwar al-Sham factions, in addition to Liwa al-Shamal, Nineth Squad and Liwa 112.