SOME ISIS COMMANDERS JOINED US-BACKED ‘MODERATE OPPOSITION’ IN SOUTHEASTERN SYRIA

SOME ISIS COMMANDERS JOINED US-BACKED ‘MODERATE OPPOSITION’ IN SOUTHEASTERN SYRIA – REPORTS

US-backed Syrian rebels run in an unknown place in Syria, June 28, 2016. The New Syrian Army via AP

Some ISIS commanders have joined the US-backed Free Syrian Army (FSA) operating in the Al-Tanf area on the Syrian-Iraqi border, according to pro-government sources.

According to reports, two former commanders of ISIS, “Ghassan al-Sanki” and “Mahmoud Faraj” have arrived to the area controlled by the FSA and the US Special Forces in the Syrian desert from Deir Ezzour.

It is believed that “Ghassan al-Sanki” was one of ISIS most prominent commanders in the town of Al-Bukamal located near the Syrian-Iraqi border. Many ISIS fighters in Deir Ezzor are believed to be ex-FSA fighters who joined ISIS when it captured the oil fields in the area. Now they are leaving ISIS that is losing a major part of its financial resources.

The FSA in Deir Ezzor was known for its strong relationship with ISIS in Iraq and Syria and its work on smuggling fighters and arms into Iraqi territory, where it played a key role in strengthening the presence of the terrorist group. The FSA in Deir Ezzor was the first to establish illegal oil trade with Turkey.

In 2013, the FSA and ISIS launched a joint attack on positions of the Iraqi Army at the Al-Yarobiah border crossing, So it is believed that the FSA in Deir Ezzor is not the best choice if somebody is really searching an ally to for a battle against ISIS at the Syrian-Iraqi border.

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