Turkish-backed factions form military councils in north Syria ahead of possible Turkish operation

The Turkish-backed Free Syrian Army factions are getting ready to manage Tal Rifaat and Manbij in the countryside of Aleppo after expelling the Kurdish forces following an expected Turkish military operation.
Turkish-backed Syrian rebel fighters are pictured in the border town of Azaz in the rebel-held northern part of the Aleppo province, as they head toward an area facing the Kurdish-controlled town of Tal Rifaat, Syria, June 9, 2022.
Turkish-backed Syrian rebel fighters are pictured in the border town of Azaz in the rebel-held northern part of the Aleppo province, as they head toward an area facing the Kurdish-controlled town of Tal Rifaat, Syria, June 9, 2022. - Bakr Alkasem/AFP via Getty Images
KhaledAlKhateb.jpg
Khaled al-Khateb
@khaleedalkhteb

ALEPPO, Syria — The Turkish-backed Free Syrian Army (FSA) factions in northern Syria have seriously started considering how to manage Tal Rifaat and Manbij in the countryside of Aleppo, which they plan to take over after expelling the Kurdish forces as part of an imminent Turkish military operation in the area. 

Two military councils have so far been established in Tal Rifaat and Manbij for this purpose. 

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