The Syrian opposition’s highest body (SNC) elected al-Bahra as its new president, amid allegations he was hand-picked by an Ankara-linked group of politicians.
Some HTS forces that entered northern Aleppo province during recent infighting between Turkish-backed opposition factions withdrew to Idlib this week, but concerns about the hardline faction’s sustained influence remain.
Interests over ideology: Why al-Jolani is expanding into northern Aleppo, and how Turkey might respond syriadirect.org - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from syriadirect.org Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
This week, the Syrian National Army’s Hamza Division was implicated in the assassination of a prominent opposition activist and his pregnant wife, sparking ongoing clashes, protests and calls for the faction to be eliminated.
Signs of an imminent Turkish operation in northern Syria are not apparent. But amid blistering Turkish rhetoric, the shape of things to come depends on Ankara’s resolve, Washington and Moscow’s stances, and what options the SDF has to fight back.