As ISIS tries to reassert itself in Syria they just as often run afoul of rebels as government forces. On Sunday, in the northernmost Idlib Province, that meant a fight with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), formerly the Nusra Front, which is to say al-Qaeda.
Sunday’s fighting near Harim killed at least 13 people, who HTS identified as ISIS militants. They also reported 18 “wanted people” have been captured in the process, and that they are hoping to capture yet more going forward.
Al-Qaeda and ISIS have been at odds for many years. ISIS got its start as al-Qaeda in Iraq (AQI), and tried to absorb the Nusra Front, which was al-Qaeda in Syria. A good chunk of Nusra switched to ISIS at the time, and they’ve been at each others’ throats ever since.
ISIS doesn’t currently control any real territory, but has been trying to reassert out of the deserts where their forces are based. The HTS control only a slim part of northern Idlib, and have been fighting with the military over the rest of the province. HTS officially cut ties with al-Qaeda in 2016, but this was done rather cynically at the behest of al-Qaeda to try to curry Western sympathy.
How do they keep tract? Do they have tattoos on their forehead identifying which group they belong to?
What a mess. We cannot apparently wise up
and see our way out of Syrian paoer- bag.
First — HTS is UK and US funded project. They are funded through White Helmets. What us the purpose for keeping the group in idlib? It is to prevent the area to be consolidated either by coming under Government control or Turkey’s military rule. This way — being holdout, constitutional assembly cannot proceed.
There us NO ISIS there. This RIDICULOUS mantra of ISIS hiding in the DESERT is beyond inane. It is a question of basic INTELLIGENCE. No military group can survive in hunter-gatherer mode. Weapons, munitions, parts, vehicles, food, water, shelter — that is not you create in the desert, nor you can acquire by pilfering from nearby farmers. It all requires money.
I would really like someone to explain how is ISIS living in the desert. Otherwise, this inanity to cease.
HTS is doing what US is doing — inventing ISIS to sound legitimate.
But what EXACTLY are they doing?
Attacking their firmer allies that crossed over to Turkey — and kidnapping their leaders and families to get them back under control.
These groups that switched to Turkey — did it only half way. These groups are resisting accepting full commitment— giving up leadership and group identity. Getting special uniforms given to then by Turkey.
The groups that did not want to dissolve— but separated from HTS — are getting their punishment. That us all that is happening.
Idlib is now at least in no danger of being overrun by HTS — to send population fleeing to Turkey. Turkey has set barriers to such onslaught
This is now only the question of attrition, as HTS is losing territory, is boxed in by Turkey on one end, SAA on another, and broken up by M4 highway which Russia and Turkey patrol.
HTS is figuring out that Turkey is distracted by Azerbaijan. Ir just wants to show it is still relevant.
Status quo is good for Syria. US and its Kurd militia, SDF — are in marginal areas. SDF outside US protected spots is irrelevant -/ as Syrian government military controls most Kurdish populated area, Turkey the rest. Syria is in reconstruction mode.