SNA factions, HTS clash over crossing in Syria’s Jarabulus
ALEPPO, Syria (North Press) – On Sunday, many militants were killed and wounded in clashes over al-Hamran crossing in the city of Jarabulus, northern Syria, between Ahrar al-Sham, a faction loyal to Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), and factions of the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army (SNA).
Al-Hamran crossing links between the areas held by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) with those controlled by SNA factions. It is considered a financial resource for opposition-held areas; researchers and analysts have estimated the monthly income to be at least $2 million.
North Press correspondent stated citing military sources as saying, “Ahrar al-Sham faction captured villages and towns in the countryside of al-Bab, blocking the road to the city of Jarabulus.”
Sources informed that the renewed clashes resulted in the killing of 11 militants and caused injuries to unknown number of gunmen in both sides.
Sixteen militants were killed or injured as a result of clashes between the two parties during the past Thursday and Friday. Nine members of the SNA’s Second Legion were killed, while seven members of Ahrar al-Sham were killed, in addition to dozens of injuries on both sides, amid ongoing clashes.
HTS demands 50 percent of the crossing revenue in addition to keeping a presence of Ahrar al-Sham at the crossing, but the defense ministry of the opposition’s Interim Government, affiliated with Turkey, rejected these demands.