HTS arrests 11 Turkish-backed SNA militants in Syria’s Idlib
IDLIB, Syria (North Press) – Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS, formerly al-Nusra Front) arrested on Wednesday 11 militants of Sham Legion (Faylaq al-Sham), a faction affiliated with the Turkish-backed factions of the Syrian National Army (SNA), in southern Idlib, northwest Syria.
In response, Sham Legion condemned the arrest in a statement.
Military sources linked to Sham Legion told North Press that HTS attacked posts of Sham Legion on contact lines with Syrian government forces in Zawiya Mountain in southern Idlib and arrested several of its militants.
HTS arrested 11 militants of Sham Legion presented in guard posts on contact lines near the town of al-Bara in Zawiya Mountain, the sources added.
The arrest happened due to disagreements over smuggling operations in the region.
The source noted that HTS militants surrounded the region, pushed out militants of other factions, and seized their weapons and gear.
They also assaulted several militants of the Sham Legion affiliated with the National Front for Liberation, a Turkish-backed Syrian opposition coalition.
Sham Legion released a statement condemning HTS’ actions and accusing them of assaulting, beating, and arresting its militants, seizing their weapons, and taking control of their posts in southern Idlib.