An ISIS bombing attack targeted the Atmeh Province, which connects Turkey to the Nusra Front-held Idlib Province of Syria, targeting a group of Fallaq al-Sham rebels, part of the rebel coalition participating in Turkey’s invasion of ISIS territory.
At least 25 people were killed in the attack, mostly rebels, and locals reported a substantial number of wounded, though exact figures on that were not released. A top rebel involved in military operations in Eastern Aleppo was also reported among the slain.
While ISIS has regularly targeted rival rebel factions, particularly those who are allied with foreign forces who are fighting against them, the fact that they were still able to infiltrate and carry out an attack in Idlib, now far from any ISIS-held cities, suggests they retain considerable capacity despite recent territory losses.
It also underscores the close relationship between Turkey and the Nusra Front, an al-Qaeda ally, that they are allowing Turkish-backed rebel forces to use border crossings into Nusra territory as an entry point. Why Turkey is still doing this, despite capturing considerable border territory during its own invasion, is unclear.
This article is missing a number of things. The groups in question have DEFECTED TO TURKEY, and are now fiercely anti-American. This process of defections has been taking place ever since Turkey entered Syria. First, various units of Turkmen, then Free Syrian Army, and later Al-Nusra associated groups. They are FLEEING Al-Nusra, and are seeking a way to get protection from Turkey when everything is said and done. This is a major blow to US — because in one fell swoop lost Kurdish hoped-for state along Turkish border, lost means of supplying Al-Nusra — that is feeding itself from humanitarian help given to population, then taken away. Now, that the groups embedded with Al-Nusra are abandoning the sinking ship, there will be nobody left to be “protected” in Aleppo. This attack is another sign that ISIS is working with US . First time, after US bombed Syrian base close to ISIS territory — then ISIS immediately followed up with an attempt to overrun the base. When Russia complained that nobody answered the emergency phone meant to be used in case of errors — US replied that it was unreasonable to expect for someone to sit there by the phone all day! This time, this is actually an attack on Turkey — as these groups are now working for Turkey. ISIS will not have the capacity to strike there, as this may have been done by US assets. It is not clear what this will accomplish — other then show that we are mad at Turkey for foiling our plans, and having all these groups flee to Turkish protection — willing to fight under its banner. But all that this will do — create both a higher anti-Americanism among those formerly US allied groups, and then create an excuse for Turkey to strike at ISIS. Turkey is opening the corridor for both civilians and militants of all stripes to come out. It is very much expected that the militants, unless they leave their weapons and come out as civilians will be fighting against both Kurds and ISIS. It is rather strange that these groups — like Free Syrian Army that we supposedly helped — is so viciously anti-American today. When US special ops came to join Turkish operations — as US offered help — Free Syrian Army stationed in the area staged a rather menacing protests, telling Americans that they are not needed in Syria, and to go home. These are some of the more polite requests. All recorded — and widely seen around the globe.