The Syrian Observatory For Human Rights

Tense calm prevails in Sarmada after an agreement between HTS and city’s dignitaries

Syrian Observatory activists say that tense calm returned to Sarmada city in the northern countryside of Idlib, following an agreement between Hayyaat Tahrir Al-Sham and the city’s dignitaries after yesterday’s bloody actions in the city.

The agreement reads “Concerning to the dispute which took place at a checkpoint in Sarmada on the 12th of March 2020, the attendance agreed on that the conflict which took place that day was not between HTS and the people of Sarmada or one of its families, but, it was among some people. The following items have been agreed upon to break up the disagreement:

1- Weapons to be handed over.

2- An investigation to be opened and perpetrators to be held accountable.

3- It was agreed on sending some persons, who recently came from “Euphrates Shield” factions-held areas, back after being involved in the conflict.

SOHR sources reported yesterday that clashes renewed in Sarmada city between local gunmen in the city and HTS security forces, as HTS brought in reinforcement to storm a neighborhood in Sarmada city. Six people were injured among both sides, one of whom sustained serious injuries, while another woman and a little girl were hit with indiscriminate gunshots.

SOHR sources reported earlier that day that clashes erupted between HTS and local gunmen on the outskirts of Sarmada city, north of Idlib. HTS brought in military reinforcement from surrounding checkpoints.

Observatory sources added that the clashes broke out following an attack by HTS on a resident of the city at the security checkpoint at the city’s southern entrance.

Meanwhile, dozens of residents of the border area gathered near HTS security checkpoint in the evening, while HTS members opened fire in the air to disperse the gatherings. No casualties were reported.