There is open war in Idlib and Aleppo between HTS and rival pro-Turkey militias. The Qaedists arrest several members of the other groups, sparking family protests and subsequent repressions

Open warfare broke out in Idlib and Aleppo between Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and rival pro-Turkish militias. The Qaedists have arrested several members of Hurras al-Din and the Islamic Party of Liberation in recent days. This sparked protests from the wives and mothers of those arrested in Telaada, Al-Sahara and other cities of the two Syrian provinces. The demonstrations were quickly suppressed by HTS, but they are nonetheless an indicative sign. The situation in the quadrant is about to explode. Ankara recently cut aid to all groups and the few that it sends through the TAF are managed exclusively by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, who decides whether and how to distribute them to smaller formations. These, however, are no longer able to survive and have begun to fight each other to find resources and not lose those conquered. The clashes, however, from Idlib reached Kurdistan.

The situation in the two Syrian provinces, up to Kurdistan, is increasingly incandescent

Turkey recently noted that Hayat Tahrir al-Sham is no longer able to guarantee the safety of TAF, especially on the M4. As a result, it reduced confidence and support for allied Qaedists. Rival militias then began attacking HTS positions in Idlib and Aleppo in revenge and to increase pressure on the group. They hope to take advantage of the situation to “disengage” from an increasingly bulky owner and gain weight in the area. This sparked the reaction of HTS, which launched a maxi-campaign of arrests of “traitors” across the quadrant.