Renewed clashes have erupted among Syrian opposition factions in northern Syria, highlighting the chaos in the Aleppo countryside. Civilians were injured in the Bulbul area of Afrin as fighting broke out between the disbanded Suqour al-Sham Brigades faction and other groups. The Levant Front intervened on behalf of Suqour al-Sham Brigades after they merged following the Ministry of Defense’s decision to dissolve the faction.
The decision sparked tension among Syrian opposition groups competing for influence in a resource-scarce region. The Ministry of Defense cited a restructuring plan for the Syrian National Army, leading to Turkey’s attempt to reorganize the military landscape in northern Syria amidst pressure from the Syrian regime.
Despite years of experience, factionalism persists within the National Army, illustrated by a checkpoint attack on Colonel Hassan Marei Hamada. This ongoing infighting raises concerns about the Syrian revolution’s future and public support for factions. Opposition leader Colonel Mustafa al-Bakour warned against the lack of central leadership and emphasized the role of local communities in preventing violence.
While potential conflict looms, Bakour believes wise leaders within factions could facilitate peaceful resolutions and prevent further unrest amidst Turkish pressure to dissolve factions.