HTS arrests own members on charges of dealing with Coalition, government
IDLIB, Syria (North Press) – On Thursday, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) launched a raid and arrest campaign in Idlib and its countryside targeting its own members, including security and military personnel, on charges of dealing with the US-led Coalition and the Syrian government.
A source, who spoke on condition of anonymity for security reasons, told North Press, “The arrests targeted 11 security and military members in the town of Maarrat Misrin and Kefraya in northern Idlib, adding that eight members managed to flee.”
The source explained that those who escaped headed in two directions, the first towards the Turkish border to flee Syria, and the second towards Afrin which is held by the Turkish-backed opposition factions, also known as the Syrian National Army (SNA).
In addition, Turkish intelligence handed over two HTS security personnel who were detained yesterday trying to cross the border towards Turkey. They were arrested by Turkish border guards off the village of Khirbat al-Jouz in northwest Idlib, along with some civilians.