The much-vaunted US created Syrian rebel faction, Division 30, has recovered seven of its fighters from al-Qaeda’s Nusra Front, a move that is being described as a “good will” gesture pending an agreement on cooperation between the two factions.
Division 30 issued a statement after the release of the fighters praising their “brothers” in al-Qaeda, and declaring that they are “on the same page with all holy warriors in Syria.” The group was meant to have been a secular, pro-US faction.
Division 30 only ever had 54 members, and 3 were killed in fighting with al-Qaeda. Another 13 were captured, though the group expressed hope that the remaining six will also be released. Al-Qaeda had initially condemned the group as serving US interests.
Al-Qaeda in Syria is seen extremely cozy with the Turkish government, and the talk of a joint US-Turkey “safe zone” in northern Syria may be playing a role in convincing al-Qaeda that being more cooperative with Division 30 will keep the safe zone covering less of their territory.
Well at least they're good for one thing. And now they and their US patrons have unmasked themselves as brothers in arms of AQ.
Division 30…more like "Car 54" – not to date myself.
I wonder how the families of those killed on 9/11 feel about the US funding and training groups aligned with AQ? Has anyone asked Obama how he explains that to them?