HTS funds M4 road’s protests after earlier violent repression of the border demonstrations

Reliable sources have informed the Syrian Observatory that HTS and the “Syrian Salvation Government” funded today’s demonstrations, providing transportation for protesters from towns, villages and cities to Aleppo-Latakia  international highway, as well distribution of tents, drinks and food to some demonstrators in order to prevent Russian and Turkish forces from conducting joint patrols on the international highway.

On December 20, SOHR sources reported that security members affiliated to “Hayyaat Tahrir Al-Sham” arrested four activists while covering the mass demonstration against the Turkish government at Bab Al-Hawa crossing border, where HTS managed to disperse the protesters by firing tear gas and intensive shooting.

Protesters chanted anti-HTS slogans during the demonstration after its members’ practices of opening heavy fire and using tear gas as well as beating and arbitrary arrests.

SOHR monitored hundreds of demonstrators heading towards Bab Al-Hawa crossing at the border with Turkey in the north of Idlib, meanwhile, “Hayyaat Tahrir Al-Sham” blocked the roads to the crossing by putting cement blocks and deploying tens of masked security members. The demonstrators tried to reach the border gate to call upon Turkey to fulfill its responsibilities and obligations as a guarantor towards Idlib and to stop the military operations in the areas of Idlib countryside.

HTS fired live bullets to prevent the demonstrators from approaching, bringing military reinforcement of gears and members to deal with the demonstration.