HTS preparing false flag operation in Syria’s Idlib – Russian Reconciliation
IDLIB, Syria (North press) – On Wednesday, Russian Reconciliation Center for Syria, affiliated with the Russian Ministry of Defense, claimed that Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS, formerly al-Nusra Front) intends to carry out a false flag chemical attack in Idlib governorate, north Syria.
The HTS intends to carry out the operation aiming at accusing Syrian government forces of using chemical weapons against civilians, according to the center.
“Terrorists of the former al-Nusra Front (outlawed in Russia) are planning a provocation with toxic substances in Syria’s Idlib province in order to accuse Syrian forces of using poisonous substances against civilians,” TTAS agency cited the deputy head of the Russian Reconciliation Center Rear Admiral Yevgeni Gerasimov as saying.
Gerasimov said, citing local residents, militants of the HTS transformed containers of toxic substances to the towns of Ahsem and Balshon in Idlib.
In July 2021, the Russian Reconciliation Center in Syria accused Turkish-backed armed factions of preparing for provocative acts regarding the use of toxic substances in areas in Idlib, northwest Syria by HTS in coordination with White Helmets Organization.