Turkey intends to reorganize Syrian opposition factions
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – Reports talked about Turkish plan to merge Turkish-backed armed Syrian opposition factions, also known as Syrian National Army (SNA), into a unified army under a single command.
Turkey intends to reorganize the SNA factions in order to end the state of constant infighting and criminal incidents among the factions, according to sources.
Middle East Eye said, citing Turkish security sources, that a single command and a single army will be established, excluding the HTS as it is not part of the SNA.
Previously, Turkey carried out many failed attempts to implement this plan, according to the source.
It noted that all SNA factions will withdraw from civilian areas and a regular army led by a central command will be established.
Recently, the SNA-held city of Afrin and its countryside witnessed fighting between the HTS along with Sultan Suleiman Shah (al-Amshat) faction and al-Hamza Division (Turkish-backed Syrian opposition factions) on one hand, and Levant Front along with Third Legion and Ahrar al-Sham faction on the other.
On October 13, the HTS took full control of the city of Afrin, following the withdrawal of Third Legion from the city toward the city of Azaz.
On October 18, military columns of the HTS withdrew from areas in Afrin and its countryside towards Idlib, while maintaining its security forces there.