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Tensions high between narcotics division, FSA factions in Syria's al-Bab

An armed group affiliated with the Turkey-backed Free Syrian Army stormed a house in the city of al-Bab belonging to a police officer after one of their drug shipments was confiscated.
Mourners take part in a funeral of people killed in reported artillery fire by Syrian government forces, in the opposition-held city of al-Bab, on the border with Turkey in the northern Aleppo province, Syria, Aug. 19, 2022.

ALEPPO, Syria — Tension has escalated in recent days in al-Bab city in Aleppo’s eastern countryside after a group of armed men belonging to the Hamza Division, affiliated with the Turkish-backed Free Syrian Army (FSA), raided the home of an official from the narcotics division of the police forces and national general security, also backed by Turkey. 

The Sept. 13 raid raised popular anger and sparked angry protests in the streets of al-Bab, with some protesters burning tires and demanding that the aggressors and the group they belong to, which is known for drug trade in the area, be held accountable.

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