AHRAR AL-SHAM CLASHES WITH OTHER MILITANT GROUPS IN TURKISH-OCCUPIED SYRIAN TOWN OF JARABULUS

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On May 31, the northern Syrian city of Jarabulus witnessed heavy clashes between the Ahrar al-Sham Movement on one side, and other Turkish-backed groups – the Northern Brigade, Ahrar al-Sharqiyah and the Sultan Murad Division – on the other side, according to Syrian opposition sources. Reportedly, a disagreement over money sparked the clashes.

The Syrian pro-opposition news outlet Eldorar al-Shamia reported that three civilians had been killed and more than twenty others had been injured in the clashes. Several fighters of the Ahrar al-Sham Movement and other Turkish-backed groups were also killed.

After four hours of clashes, the Turkish-backed Suqur al-Shamal group and civilian figures of Jarabulus proposed a ceasefire agreement that was accepted by the Ahrar al-Sham Movement and the three other groups.

The Turkish-held areas in northern Aleppo witnessed several similar incidents this month. On May 6, fighters of Ahrar al-Sharqiyah attacked gunmen from the al-Waki family in the city of al-Bab. Later on May 26, al-Bab witnessed a new round of clashes, this time between the Sultan Murad Division and gunmen from the Tamru family.

Syrian opposition activists believe that Turkey is responsible for the deteriorating security situation in northern Aleppo as the Turkish Army continues to allow its proxies to move freely with their weapons in the civilian areas.

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