Turkey-backed rebel factions may join Ahrar al-Sham in its fight against the former al-Qaeda branch in Syria as fierce clashes take place in northern Idlib province since Tuesday, sources told Ammar Johmani.
Turkey-backed Euphrates Shield, an alliance of moderate rebel groups, has voiced concerns as Tahrir al-Sham reached Bab al-Hawa, the border crossing with Turkey, after taking Sarmada town and an array of villages from Ahrar al-Sham.
Turkey announced in early July of possible deployment for its troop in Idlib in coordination with its allied factions. Observers say Tahrir al-Sham believes that it will be the next target of uprooting ISIS from eastern Syria.
The rival Islamist groups engaged in heavy fighting for the second day ending 2-day-old truce amid fears of widespread violence in the whole province.
On Wednesday, car bomb struck Ahrar al-Sham's base in Armanaz town, killing five people, including three fighters from Ahrar al-Sham, medics and commander told Ammar Johmani.
Omar Khattab, spokesman for Ahrar al-Sham said three fighters were among the casualties of Tahrir al-Sham's blast. Two more civilians were killed and 10 wounded in the attack, Dr. Hussam Qara Mohamed said.
Clashes erupted when militants of Tahrir al-Sham opened fire on civilians raised the revolution flag in Idlib square. The ‘independence’ flag that has been adopted by Ahrar al-Sham as its new banner. Such a stance set the alarm bells of Tahrir al-Sham from the former ally.
The fight extended to 14 towns and villages in the northern and southern countryside, leaving casualties from both warring parties
At least 10 fighters from both sides and two civilians were killed on Wednesday.
Zaman al-Wasl reporter said Tahrir al-Sham had also taken control of the villages of Hazazin, Abdeen and al-Dana town as well took ground in Saraqeb in the southern countryside, using heavy guns and artillery.
Meanwhile, life has been paralyzed in Idlib, activists say, demanding an immediate ceasefire before further escalations.
Idlib is one of the most important strongholds of rebels, including jihadist factions, who seek to overthrow Bashar al-Assad, whose air force, along with that of his ally Russia, has been heavily bombarding rebel there.
