HTS arrests former opposition leader in Syria’s Idlib
IDLIB, Syria (North Press) – On Monday, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS, formerly al-Nusra Front) arrested a former military leader of the Syrian opposition near the city of Ma’arrat Misrin north of Idlib, northwest Syria.
Military sources from the opposition told North Press that the HTS General Security Apparatus arrested on Monday the former military leader of Ahrar al-Sham, an Islamist armed faction operating in northwest Syria, “Muhammad Khaled Naasan” on a route linking between Idlib and Ma’arrat Misrin.
The source added that “Naasan,” who hails from the town of al-Hwaiz in Ghab Plain west of Hama, is one of the pioneers to defect from the Syrian Army in 2012 and has involved in dozens battles against the government forces in Idlib and Hama.
Since early May, the HTS has been launching an arrest campaign in different areas in northwest Syria against people affiliated with Hizb Attahrir-Syria in the region.
Hizb Attahrir-Syria was founded at the beginning of the Syrian conflict. It calls for the establishment of the Islamic Caliphate. The party does not have a military wing, however, its activities are limited to just statements, brochures, and calling for demonstrations.
Lately, various areas in Idlib and Aleppo countryside have witnessed protests against arrests carried out by the HTS.
The HTS, founded in 2017, controls the city of Idlib and the western countryside of Aleppo, using the Salvation Government as a political and administrative umbrella since.