Syrian jihadist group HTS, armed groups agree to uneasy truce
Hayat Tahrir al-Sham has seized several cities and towns in areas under the control of the Turkish-backed factions after days of clashes between rival factions.
Areas controlled by the Syrian National Army (SNA) — which is affiliated with the Turkish-backed Free Syrian Army (FSA) — in the eastern and northern countrysides of Aleppo witnessed violent confrontations in recent days between factions belonging to the SNA.
Clashes erupted on Oct. 10 between the Third Legion on one hand and al-Hamza Division and the Suleiman Shah Brigade on the other — all of which are affiliated with the SNA — in several parts of both al-Bab and Kafr Jannah, which separates the city of Afrin from Azaz — which is under control of the Third Legion.
Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which controls Idlib province, intervened in support of al-Hamza Division and the Suleiman Shah Brigade.
During the dayslong clashes, HTS and its allies seized the cities of Afrin, Jindires and Maabatli, as well as the towns of Ain Dara, Basoota, Qorzayhel and Kfarshhil Hill. In light of these advances, the Third Legion was to retreat to the Kafr Jannah axis — Azaz — the first line of defense for the city of Azaz, the stronghold of the Third Legion.
