HTS targets Hizb ut-Tahrir and population in Idlib. The pro-Turkey group opened fire on protesters in Atmah and tried to kill a member of HT. The militiamen fear losing their grip on the province

New chapter in the internal war between militias in Idlib. Members of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham’s security service (HTS) opened fire on a group of civilians in Atmah, who were protesting the group’s pro-Turkey policies in northern Syria. They also tried to assassinate an affiliate of the Islamic Liberation Party (Hizb ut-Tahrir, HT), a rival formation seeking to re-establish a Caliphate in the region. HTS, in fact, believes that the members of HT are trying to extend their influence in the province and to undermine that of their opponents, stirring up the population as confirmed by the protests of the last few days. In reality, the situation for civilians in Idlib has become unsustainable, as the pro al-Qaeda jihadists are imposing ever stricter rules and taking advantage of every opportunity to raid the property of the local inhabitants.