The Syrian Observatory For Human Rights

“Ahrar al-Sharqiya” and “Idlib Army” | Fight over crossings used for smuggling continues at expense of Syrian civilians’ tragedy

Hardly a day passes by without infighting among Turkish-backed factions in the areas of “Euphrates Shield” and “Olive Branch”. Infighting between these factions break out over the crossings’ revenues with Turkey, which are used for smuggling and profiteering, triggering infighting and intimidation and bloodshed of civilians.

The infighting between these factions is not related to the crossings with regime-controlled areas or SDF-held areas.  The village of Al-Nissriya in rural Afrin, adjacent to the town of Atma, is witnessing constant clashes between the “Free Idlib Army” and “Ahrar al-Sharqiya”, because of the village’s geographical location and its proximity to Turkish villages, making it one of the most suitable areas for smuggling to Turkey.

Furthermore, as a result of repeated clashes and skirmishes, “Ahrar al-Sharqiya” faction has set up a checkpoint near the village on the new Jandiras highway, with the aim of restricting “Free Idlib Army” fighters, as well as arresting or imprisoning the faction members for a while.

Moreover, “Ahrar al-Sharqiya” had targeted several vehicles belonging to the other faction, destroying them and injuring a number of members. The “Free Idlib Army” leadership rejects smuggling from its areas, while “Ahrar al-Sharqiya” insists on using these areas for smuggling, as these areas have convenient roads for smuggling, allowing them to demand large amounts of up to $1,000 per person. These crossings are also used for drug smuggling.

After months of fighting over the control of Al-Nissriya village, no faction managed to open the crossing used for smuggling with Turkey in this area, after the Turks replaced “Al-Jabha Al-Shamiyah” faction with the “Free Idlib Army”.