Escalating tensions between Turkey, gangs in occupied areas 

Tensions and disputes between mercenaries have increased recently in the areas of Afrin, Azaz, Al-Bab and Jarabulus occupied by the Turkish state. Pressure on the people has also increased and popular protests against the mercenaries have escalated.

Yesterday evening (March 17, 2024) a demonstration took place in Azaz against the mercenary leaders organized by Turkey in the name of the government and the coalition when they wanted to enter the region coming from Turkey.

They did not allow the mercenary leaders to cross

According to reports, the people blocked the path of both the head of the “interim government,” Abdul Rahman Mustafa, and the head of the coalition (head of the National Coalition for Syrian Opposition Forces!) Hadi al-Bahra, along with a group of mercenaries, when they wanted to enter Azaz.

Citizens seized the mercenaries' cars and did not allow them to enter the area. The recorded footage shows that the people of the area are protesting, while the mercenaries are shooting randomly.

Because of the protests, the mercenaries were forced to return. It was said that after the incident, a delegation from the Turkish army and intelligence responsible for the occupied areas entered the area, accompanied by a large group of people, and met with groups of mercenaries. But tension in the region still continues.

These protests were preceded by events and disturbances in Al-Bab and Jarabulus on different dates.

Struggle over thefts

According to information received from security sources, people, and institutions monitoring the situation, the main cause of disputes and conflicts is the struggle for power and the plundering of the region.

Conflicts between Turkey and mercenaries

The sources indicated that the Turkish occupation state does not want any group of mercenaries to escape its control. According to the sources, the group most witnessing conflicts with Turkey is Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham, which was formerly known as the Jabhet al-Nusra.

As is known, Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham mostly controls the Idlib region, but last year it also spread to Afrin, Azaz and the Al-Bab region. Most other groups are organized by Turkey and act according to orders from the Turkish intelligence service. But the power of Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham is greater than theirs. According to some information, Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham also receives support from Western powers and has many disagreements with Turkey. Therefore, Turkey wants to reduce its power and bring it under its control.

The two sides are turning people against each other

According to the information, Turkey is promoting that Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham is the reason for the Russian and Damascus government bombing and raids on the region, and is promoting among the people of the region statements such as "Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham is the reason for the bombing. If it did not exist, there would be no bombing." Thus, it seeks to incite residents against the authority.

The sources stated that the group of mercenaries that wanted to enter Azaz last night came for this purpose and wanted to hold a meeting with the groups present in the region.

In response to the Turkish efforts, Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham also began to move and organize its ranks among the people of the region. The sources stated that the people who protested yesterday were also from Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham.

According to the latest information, the delegation of the Turkish occupation state that entered Azaz asked its affiliated groups to arrest all participants in the protest demonstration.

While tension still prevails in the region.

T/ Satt.

ANHA