The Syrian Observatory For Human Rights

Popular anger prevails areas held by Turkish-backed factions in Aleppo, after swapping civilians involved in crimes with regime army defectors

SOHR sources have reported that the prisoners-swap deal, which took place yesterday between regime forces and the “National Army” at Abu Al-Zindayn crossing in the eastern countryside of Aleppo, under Russian-Turkish guarantee, has ignited a state of popular discontent in areas under the control of Turkish-backed factions in Aleppo countryside, after disclosing new details on this deal.

 

According to sources, the prisoners released by regime forces were civilians living in regime-held areas, and they had been arrested a few months ago. Some of these people were arrested for involving in crimes, while the others were arrested arbitrarily. Meanwhile, the prisoners released by the factions of the Turkish-backed “National Army” were regime army defectors who sneaked into Aleppo, attempting to cross into Turkey then to Europe, and they were not captured during battles, as the factions claimed.

 

It is worth noting that the civilians released by regime forces have stated that they would return to live with their families in regime-controlled areas, as they have never been related to any opposition bodies.

 

Yesterday, SOHR sources reported a new prisoners-swap deal between regime forces and the “National Army” at Abu Al-Zindayn crossing in the eastern countryside of Aleppo. Under Russian-Turkish guarantee, five members held by regime forces were released in return for the release of five others in the National Army’s custody.