Turkish-backed factions outmaneuver Syrian jihadist group in Idlib
The Turkish-backed Syrian National Army in north Syria announced a series of mergers recently, derailing plans by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham to seek rapprochement with some of the factions affiliated with the Syrian National Army.
IDLIB, Syria — The Azm Operations Room, which consists of a number of Turkish-backed Free Syrian Army (FSA) factions, recently announced the merger of six FSA factions with the new Third Legion.
The new formation is expected to be led by Al-Jabha al-Shamiya leader Abu Ahmad Nour.
The Azm Operations Room said in a statement published on Oct. 18, “As part of [our] quest to unify [our] components for full integration with the factions, we announce the merger of Jaish al-Islam, Al-Jabha al-Shamiya, al-Majd Corps, Al-Salam Brigade, the Sultan Malik-Shah Brigade and the 51st Brigade to the ranks of the Third Legion.”
This new merger gives the Azm Operations Room greater power and influence in the areas under the control of the FSA in north Syria.
