Syria, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) creates its own private army
The Hamza bin Abdul Muttalib Brigade should include all the allied militias in Idlib and Aleppo. Objective: to have more control over the sub-groups to avoid surprises.
Syria, HTS tries to protect itself in Afrin by weakening rival militias
The pro al-Qaeda group, struggling over Turkey’s ultimatum that forced it to withdraw most of its men, has launched a campaign of arrests among rival factions.
Syria, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham increasingly in crisis in the North
HTS today faces a request for general mobilization of the population in Aleppo, in addition to the Russian raids on Idlib and the clashes between pro-Turkey militias.
Syria, there is a mysterious hemorrhage of HTS judges in Idlib
Three of them leave in a few months. The latest is Abu Al-Hareth Al-Masri, member of the Supreme Council for Fatwa and a close advisor to Zawahiri with al Qaeda.
Syria, clashes between pro-Turkey militias continue in Idlib
HTS arrests the deputy emir of Ansar al-Islam in Harim. The internal war for Ankara's resources intensifies.
Syria, the people of Idlib rebel against Hayat Tahrir al-Sham
Violent protest in Atma following the killing of a woman by HTS. Pro al-Qaeda militiamen have pulled too hard with local civilians.
Syria, the women of Idlib take to the streets against HTS
Objective: to stop the wave of arbitrary arrests of opponents and “uncomfortable” people, as the internal war between militias intensifies.
Syria, Idlib militias will train in Turkey
Ankara will hold in-house courses for the "special forces" of guerrillas allied to the TAF, presumably members of HTS. The move also serves to ease tensions with the population.
Syria, the risks of a new violent conflict in Afrin are growing
Turkey and allied militias send reinforcements to Tel Abyad. The SAA and SDF do likewise east of Ain Issa. Ankara must drive the enemy away from Idlib, but the price could be very high.
Syria, HTS could join the TAF or SNA in Idlib
In this way Turkey would control the front line and the SAA could no longer attack without violating the truce. The option, however, is unlikely to have Russia's okay.