HTS, SNA reach agreement over al-Hamran crossing in Aleppo
ALEPPO, Syria (North Press) – The northern and eastern countryside of Aleppo, northwestern Syria, witnessed on Wednesday relative calm after heavy clashes between Turkish-backed armed opposition, aka the Syrian National Army (SNA), and factions affiliated with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS, formerly al-Nusra Front) amid news of a ceasefire.
A military source within the Third Legion of the SNA told North Press they intervened between both parties based on orders from Turkish forces late on Tuesday. He noted that there is an ceasefire agreement and understanding between both parties regarding the al-Hamran crossing in Jarablus, northern Syria.
The source did not obtain further details about the alleged agreement, which was reached with the attendance of commanders from the Third Legion.
The clashing factions are expected to retreat from posts they controlled in the recent fightings.
Since Sep. 21, clashes erupted between factions affiliated with HTS and the SNA over the control of the al-Hamaran crossing, which is considered an important financial resource.
Military leaders in the Second Legion, affiliated with the SNA held an emergency meeting on Tuesday to form an urgent operations room to stop the expansion of factions affiliated with the HTS in the countryside of al-Bab and Azaz in northern Aleppo.
A military source within the SNA stated to North Press, “A meeting was held in the city of Kilis, southern Turkey, this afternoon[Tuesday afternoon] under the supervision of Turkish intelligence to discuss the current situation. The meeting included leaders of the Second Legion factions, while the Third Legion and First Legion refused to participate in the meeting.”