The Syrian Observatory For Human Rights

Commander of “Maghawir Al-Thawra” escapes with members of his group to regime-held areas after involvement in drug smuggling with Hezbollah affiliates

Reliable sources have informed the Syrian Observatory that a commander of “Maghawir Al-Thawra Division” and his group of nearly 18 escorts have escaped to regime-held areas in the Syrian desert.

According to SOHR sources, the commander, known by his initials as A.G., had worked for “Jaysh Ahrar Al-Ashayer” before he joined “Maghawir Al-Thawra”. The faction operates in an area, known as the “55th kilometer area”, controlled by the International Coalition near Al-Rukban camp close to the triangle of Iraq-Syria-Jordan border.

The commander and his group have escaped in nearly eight vehicles to areas held by regime forces in the Syrian desert. SOHR sources have reported that the commander is involved with other people affiliated to the Lebanese Hezbollah in drug smuggling operations to Jordan.

This development comes in the wake of a heightened security campaign by the International Coalition to contain smuggling operation, especially narcotics smuggling.