During a Secret Meeting in Turkey, Severe Divisions Shake the Syrian Opposition

During a Secret Meeting in Turkey, Severe Divisions Shake the Syrian Opposition
Turkey's limited role in the meeting highlights Ankara's inability to control the warring factions, signaling a decline in its influence and capacity to shape events in northern Syria
September 21, 2024, 11:03 pm

شمال سوريا ومليشيات أنقرة \ ليفانت نيوز

A media report has revealed details of a controversial meeting that brought together military and political factions of the Syrian opposition and Turkish officials at Gaziantep Airport in southern Turkey. The report, published by Syria TV, indicated that the four-hour meeting would be "pivotal, with its results directly impacting northern Syria."

The meeting included representatives from Turkey’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the intelligence agency, alongside members of the Syrian National Coalition, the Interim Government, the Negotiations Committee, the Tribal and Clan Council, as well as leaders from the Syrian National Army (SNA). The meeting revealed a significant split within the Syrian opposition.

Turkey’s role was limited to facilitating the session and providing a brief on Ankara’s efforts concerning the Syrian issue. A Turkish intelligence official stated that Turkey and Qatar remain the only two countries still supporting the Syrian opposition.

Regarding the "Abu al-Zendin Crossing," the Turkish side emphasized that its reopening was purely for commercial reasons, noting that trade exchanges continue through smuggling operations conducted by some factions of the Syrian National Army.

The head of the Syrian National Coalition, Hadi al-Bahra, discussed the challenges facing civilians in northern Syria, viewing the protests as a natural reaction reflecting the concerns of Syrians. Meanwhile, the head of the Syrian Interim Government, Abdurrahman Mustafa, presented what he called "achievements" in northern Syria.

The meeting witnessed unexpected tension when Saif Boulad, commander of the "Hamza Division," praised the work of the Interim Government and blamed the National Coalition. Additionally, leaders of the "Joint Force" criticized the performance of the Tribal and Clan Council.

A clear rift emerged between the leaders of the "Liberation and Construction Movement" and the "Sham Front" on one side, and the Interim Government on the other. The commander of the "Sham Front" accused the head of the Interim Government of failure, claiming that his presence in office was the main reason for the protests.

In response, the head of the Interim Government accused the "Sham Front" of stealing $17 million from the Bab al-Salamah crossing, threatening to revoke the legitimacy of two factions accused of inciting protests and sit-ins in northern Syria.

By the end of the meeting, a clear division was evident among the parties involved, with expectations of potential escalation against the Interim Government in the areas of Azaz, al-Bab, and Afrin in rural Aleppo.

It is worth noting that the Syrian opposition and its armed factions have committed severe human rights violations in the areas under their control. Human Rights Watch documented in a 2023 report that opposition factions supported by Turkey were involved in arbitrary detention, torture, and enforced disappearances of civilians in northern Syria. The report also highlighted the factions' role in looting civilian properties and seizing their lands.

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