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.
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.
The FSA is working to mobilize fighters from Tal Rifaat and Manbij under the umbrella of the newly formed military councils whose mission is to participate in the upcoming military operation. These councils will also be responsible for protecting and managing the two areas after controlling them.
The opposition-affiliated Council of Trustees of the Revolution in Manbij issued a statement June 5, saying, “The people of Manbij have met with the military factions and agreed to restructure the city’s military office to lead the operations of liberating Manbij, and appointed Lt. Col. Adnan Haj Mohammed as head of the [newly formed] office.”
