HTS explores rapprochement with Turkey-backed factions in north Syria
Regular meetings between the Turkish-backed Free Syrian Army factions and Hayat Tahrir al-Sham leaders in northwestern Syria will open a new page in relations between the two parties and might pave the way for military integration in the future.
ALEPPO, Syria — After gaining full control in the Idlib province in northwest Syria, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) is now reportedly seeking rapprochement with several Turkish-backed Free Syrian Army (FSA) factions in Aleppo countryside.
It seems that HTS is seriously trying to coordinate with the factions on security and military issues as a prelude to bigger steps that may reach full integration with the FSA factions. This would constitute the bedrock for a single civil and military administration that would govern the areas outside the control of the Syrian government in northwestern Syria.
Opposition circles and jihadis opposing HTS have been recently circulating leaks about regular meetings between HTS and FSA leaders. The meetings are reportedly being held particularly with a number of leaders from the FSA-affiliated Hayat Thaeroon for Liberation (Uprising for the Liberation), which includes the major factions backed by Turkey in Aleppo countryside.
These meetings and attempts at rapprochement have raised the ire of jihadis opposed to HTS as well as many FSA supporters who blame HTS for weakening the FSA and describe its fighters as infidels who have harmed the Syrian revolution during the past years.
