HTS receives defectors from Turkish authorities via Bab al-Hawa crossing
IDLIB, Syria (North Press) – On Wednesday, Turkish authorities handed over 18 individuals, including three defectors from Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS, formerly al-Nusra Front), to HTS at the Bab al-Hawa border crossing. These people had attempted to cross the Syrian-Turkish border from Idlib Governorate, in northwestern Syria.
An exclusive source informed North Press, “The HTS’ General Security Services (GSS) received from the Turkish authorities 18 individuals, including three defectors from HTS. The three defectors had escaped from the recent campaign launched by the HTS against its own members.”
On June 18, HTS has launched an arrest campaign against some leaders and militants within its own ranks, as well as members of the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army (SNA), on charges of espionage for foreign entities.
The three defectors were taken to an investigation center, called Base 106.
The source further stated that the handover is the second of its kind this month through the Bab al-Hawa crossing. It took place as part of established security coordination protocols between HTS and the Turkish authorities.