Jump to content

Syrian National Army

Page semi-protected
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
(Redirected from Turkish Free Syrian Army)
Not to be confused with Syrian Armed Forces, Syrian Army, or Free Syrian Army.

Syrian National Army
الجيش الوطني السوري
LeadersHadi al-Bahra
(President of SIG)
Abdurrahman Mustafa
(Prime Minister of SIG)
Brig. Gen. Hasan Hamadah[citation needed]
(Minister of Defense and Chief of Staff)
Brig. Gen. Adnan al-Ahmad
Deputy Chief of Staff)
Brig. Gen. Fadlallah al-Haji
(Deputy Chief of Staff)
Dates of operation2017[5]–present
AllegianceSyrian opposition Syrian Interim Government[5]
HeadquartersAzaz, Aleppo Governorate
Active regionsNorthern Syria

Western Libya[6]

Karabakh (during the 2020 war)[7]
IdeologySyrian opposition
Anti-Assadism
Factions:
Syrian nationalism
Kurdish nationalism
Turkish nationalism
Democracy
Secularism
Size
  • 22,000[8]–35,000[9] (2017–19, prior to merger with NFL)
  • 80,000–100,000 (since October 2019, after merger with NFL, reported)[10][11][12]
Allies Turkey[13]
 Qatar[14]
 Azerbaijan[15]
Libya Government of National Accord[16]
Opponents Syrian Arab Armed Forces[13]
Armenia Armenia[7]
Republic of Artsakh Artsakh (until 2023)[7]
Syrian Democratic Forces[17][18]
Northern Democratic Brigade (sometimes)[19][better source needed]
Tahrir al-Sham (sometimes)[20][21][22]
 Islamic State[23]
Libya Libyan National Army
 Russia[24]
 Iran[24]
Battles and warsSyrian Civil War

Libyan Civil War (2014–2020)[16]

Nagorno-Karabakh conflict[7]

The Syrian National Army (SNA;[28] Arabic: الجيش الوطني السوري, romanized: al-Jayš al-Waṭanī as-Sūrī), previously the Free Syrian Army (FSA) and also known as the Turkish-backed Free Syrian Army (TFSA),[29][30][31] is a coalition of armed Syrian opposition groups in the Syrian Civil War. Comprising various rebel factions that emerged at the start of the war in July 2011, it was officially established in 2017 under the auspices of Turkey, which provides funding, training, and military support.[32]

The SNA has its roots in the Free Syrian Army, a loose collection of armed opposition groups founded on 29 July 2011 by defected Syrian military officers.[33] After Turkey formally condemned the regime of Bashar al-Assad in November 2011,[34] it provided arms, training, and sanctuary to the FSA.[35] Initially the principal opponent of the Syrian government,[36] the FSA was gradually weakened by infighting, lack of funding, and rival Islamist groups.[37] In August 2016, Turkey began assembling a new coalition of Syrian rebel groups, which included many former FSA fighters, in an effort to create a more cohesive and effective opposition force;[32] following Operation Euphrates Shield, the Turkish government coordinated with the Syrian Interim Government to form a "National Army" to secure Turkish territorial gains.[38]

The official aims of the SNA are to create a "safe zone" in northern Syria, consolidate with other rebel factions, and combat both Syrian government forces and Islamists.[39][40] Its presence expanded to the neighboring Idlib Governorate during the Syrian government's 2019 northwestern offensive,[26][27] after which it incorporated the National Front for Liberation on 4 October 2019.[32]

Closely aligned with the Turkish government,[41] the SNA has been described as an auxiliary army of the Turkish Armed Forces[42] and as "mercenaries" by their critics.[43][44] Outside Syria, SNA fighters have been deployed by Turkey as a proxy force[45][46] in conflicts from Libya to the south Caucasus.[47][48] The SNA mostly consists of Arabs and Syrian Turkmen.[49]

Composition

Members of the al-Bab military council, which is part of the SNA's Hawar Kilis Operations Room, during the Battle of al-Bab

The SNA, which includes at least 25,000 fighters, with some sources estimating it to be 70,000,[50] mostly consists of Arabs and Turkmens.[51] The number of Syrian Kurds among the SNA is much smaller. In January 2018, senior SNA commander Azad Shabo said that there were "dozens" among the FSA units[52] such as the Azadî Battalion,[53] while Almodon Online reported about 500 Kurdish fighters overall, including in non-FSA formations such as Ahrar al-Sham, the Levant Front and the Army of Grandchildren.[54] By February 2018, a SNA commander said that 350 Kurds were part of the Syrian National Army.[55]

By the end of June 2017, most Turkish-backed FSA groups reorganized themselves into three military blocs: Victory, Sultan Murad and the Levant. A number of other groups remained independent.[56] On 30 December 2017, the groups unified to form the National Army. By this time, three "legions" (corps) were established as part of the SNA: 1st, 2nd, and 3rd. On 15 March 2018, rebel factions in northern Homs Governorate formed the 4th Legion, though it later transferred to northern Aleppo. Factions also moved from Rif Dimashq Governorate and Damascus to northern Aleppo.

On 4 October 2019, the National Front for Liberation joined the National Army's command structure, planning to become its 4th, 5th, 6th, and 7th legions.[57] Both NFL and SNA fighters were uninformed of the merger, which took place in a press conference in Urfa, southern Turkey, amid Turkish plans to launch an offensive against the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).[58]

According to a 2019 research paper published by the pro-government Turkish think tank SETA, "Out of the 28 factions [in the Syrian National Army], 21 were previously supported by the United States, three of them via the Pentagon’s program to combat Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL). Eighteen of these factions were supplied by the CIA via the MOM Operations Room in Turkey, a joint intelligence operation room of the ‘Friends of Syria’ to support the armed opposition. Fourteen factions of the 28 were also recipients of the U.S.-supplied TOW anti-tank guided missiles."[59]

In April 2021, an additional military formation was made in Idlib, named 'al-Quwat al-Radifa' (Auxiliary Forces).[60]

By September 2021, groups under the Syrian National Army have coalesced into two main blocs: the Azm Operations Room and the Syrian Front for Liberation.[61] Speaking of these blocs, a freelance journalist based in the region said that "These formations are only for show and they are not united in reality. Each faction still has its own leaders and members who do not take orders from the leaders of other factions. These formations only aim to protect themselves. Whenever factions feel threatened, they form new military bodies to protect themselves, but once the threat is gone, the formations fall apart."[62]

List of member groups
Syrian National Army
Hawar Kilis Operations Room
Military councils
  • Al-Bab Military Council
  • Mare' Military Council[54]
  • Qabasin Military Council
  • Akhtarin Military Council
  • Menagh Military Council[99]
  • Tell Rifaat Military Council[100]
  • Deir ez-Zor Unified Military Council[101]
  • Raqqa Military Council[102]
Other Turkish-backed rebel groups in the area
  • Army of Glory elements[103]
  • Army of al-Jazeera and Euphrates[104]
  • Eastern Shield Army[105]
  • Hasakah Shield Brigade
  • Sons of Hasaka Union[106]
  • Unified Syrian Army (northern Aleppo branch)[107][108]
  • Azaz Revolutionaries Battalions[109][110]
    • Liberation Brigade
    • Dhi Qar Brigade
    • Al-Mu'tasim Brigade
    • Revolutionary Shield Brigade
    • Dignity Battalion
    • Abbas Battalion
    • Sons of Islam Movement
    • Brigade of God
    • Omar Battalions
    • Ali ibn Abi Talib Battalion
    • Ansar Battalions
    • Descendants of Mustafa Battalion
    • Sword of Justice Battalion
    • Badr Brigade
    • Special Forces Brigade
    • Sa`d ibn Abi Waqqas Battalions
    • Euphrates Commando Battalion
    • Muhajir Brigade
    • 64th Brigade
    • Muhammad Brigades
  • Ahrar al-Tabqa Gathering[102]
  • Glory to God Brigade
  • Lions of Islam Brigade
  • Bara Battalion
  • Glory Battalions[111]
  • Lions of the East Army (Eastern Qalamoun branch)
  • Forces of Martyr Ahmad al-Abdo (Eastern Qalamoun branch)
  • Company of the People of the Levant
    • Hold on to God Union
    • Men of Qalamoun
    • Strangers Brigade
    • Qalamoun Shield Brigade
    • Al-Nabek Martyrs' Brigade
    • Ibn Taymiyyah Brigade
    • Martyr Abu Jaafar Brigade
    • Martyr Ali Diyab Brigade
    • United in the Love of God Brigade
    • Al-Qastal Martyrs' Brigades
    • Qalamoun Liberation Brigades
      • Western Qalamoun Union
      • Levant Liberation Division
        • Levant Liberation Brigade[112]
        • Sadik Unit[112]
        • Martyr Mohammed Qassem Brigade
      • al-Ghouta Martyrs Battalion
      • Omar Haider Brigade
      • 11th Special Forces Division (formerly part of the Southern Front)
Former member group

Background

Connection with Turkey

The Turkish Army bombards the SDF using heavy artillery in the northern Aleppo countryside in July 2017. The Turkish Armed Forces often directly support the SNA during military operations.

The Free Syrian Army (FSA) was the Syrian rebel faction most aligned with the Turkish state since the beginning of the Turkish involvement in the Syrian Civil War.[114] For the FSA, Turkey was a sanctuary and a source of supplies. In the aftermath of the Kurdish-Turkish conflict restarting in 2015, the Turkish government became more influential throughout 2016, as other countries began to scale back their involvement and the rebel groups became more dependent on Turkish help.[115] The Turkey-backed FSA's wages are paid for by the Turkish government, they operate alongside the Turkish Armed Forces.[116] Injured Turkey-backed FSA troops have been treated in Turkey.[117]

The Free Police have more overt connections to Turkey, reportedly wearing Turkish police uniforms decorated with the word "Polis" (Turkish for "Police"),[118] while Special Forces wear distinctive light blue berets also worn by Turkish Gendarmerie. Some wore a Turkish flag patch on their uniforms at the inauguration ceremony on 24 January 2017.[119]

On 18 April 2018, the Raqqa Military Council, which consists of 6 groups, was announced in the city of Urfa in southeastern Turkey.[102]

Operational history

See also: Hawar Kilis Operations Room § History

2016: Operation Euphrates Shield

The organization's first known engagement was a joint operation with the Turkish Armed Forces. In the first day, they took control of Jarabulus from ISIL.[120] After this, they expanded northeast, meeting with units of the Syrian Democratic Forces north of Manbij. They successfully pushed the SDF out of the Jarablus area and captured all its settlements; the Euphrates river was used as a demarcation line, with forces on the opposing sides.[121][122] On at least one occasion, American troops came to form a joint operation with Turkey; however after the TFSA's Ahrar al-Sharqiya Brigade's verbal attacks ("crusaders", "pigs") against them, the US troops withdrew, being escorted from the area by US-backed units in the TFSA, including the Hamza Division and the al-Mu'tasim Brigade.[123] A U.S. defense official confirmed the event, but said that U.S. soldiers were still deployed in the area.[124] The joint forces pushed ISIL to the south. After this success, Turkey-backed FSA made contact near Mare with the SDF forces from the Afrin Canton. Contact between the two saw the group attack some SDF-held towns with Turkish artillery support. The attacks were repelled, with casualties on both sides.[125]

Rebel fighter opening fire with a machine gun during the Battle of al-Bab, 14 December 2016.

In February 2017, the Turkish-backed Free Syrian Army and the Turkish Armed Forces advanced to besiege al-Bab.[126][127][128] By 27 February, the group and Turkish Armed Forces seized al-Bab.[129][130] As of February 2017, 470 fighters of the Turkish-backed Free Syrian Army died in Operation Euphrates Shield, while the Turkish armed forces lost 68.[69]

As of March 2017, the TFSA and the Turkish army were effectively blocked from moving further east by advances of the SAA. This occurred when the SDF's Manbij Military Council handed over some territory bordering the Turkish positions to the SAA, creating a buffer zone.[131] As a result, the TFSA failed to achieve other stated goals, including capturing the SDF-held city of Manbij and participating in the Coalition offensive on Raqqa.[132]

On 24 September 2017, the Hamza Division announced the opening of a military academy in the city of al-Bab. According to Abdullah Halawa, military commander of the group, 2,200 fighters will undergo two months of training in the academy, with the goal of forming a "Syrian National Army" in northern Syria.[133]

2018: Operation Olive Branch

Syrian National Army fighters near Jandiris district northern Aleppo's countryside, 11 February 2018

On 20 January 2018, Turkey launched a new operation in Afrin Region, against the Kurdish-led Democratic Union Party (PYD) in Syria. The SNA conducted ground offensives against the YPG and SDF supported by and in conjunction with Turkish armed forces (TAF/TSK) air strikes, artillery, armored units, and special forces units.[134][135] The first phase of the operation is to capture the entire Afrin-Turkey border.[136][better source needed] On 1 February, the SNA captured the strategic town of Bulbul after a fierce battle with the Kurdish-led People's Protection Units (YPG).[137][better source needed] In early March, the second phase of Operation Olive Branch was launched after successfully clearing the entire Afrin-Turkey border.[138] On 3 March, after fierce fighting, the SNA captured the town of Rajo.[139] On 8 March, the SNA captured Jinderes, meaning that they now have control over all major roads leading to the city of Afrin.[140] On 13 March, SNA forces reached Afrin city and encircled it.[141][142] On 18 March, the SNA took full control of Afrin, marking their second big victory after Operation Euphrates Shield.[143] Since the capture of Afrin city, SNA forces have been busy clearing the recently captured areas of mines and providing security and stability to the region.[144] As of 13 June SNA forces have dismantled 240 mines and 1,231 IEDs.[145]

2019: Operation Dawn of Idlib and Operation Peace Spring

Syrian National Army fighters on 12 October 2019

By 16 August, the SNA sent considerable reinforcements to the frontlines of Hama and Idlib, where the Syrian Arab Army was launching an offensive against HTS and various rebel groups.[146] Following this, rebel forces launched another heavy attack on the government-held village of Sukayk.

On 9 October 2019, Turkish Armed Forces, together with the Syrian National Army, had launched what they called Operation Peace Spring against SDF to eradicate what Turkish President Erdogan called "the threat of terror" against Turkey.[147] On 13 October, Peace Spring forces captured the border town of tal Abyad.[148] After the conclusion of the Second Battle of Ras al-Ayn on 20 October, SDF fighters retreated from the border town of Ras al Ain during the cease fire, which was brokered by the United States and Turkey.[149] On 25 November, the operation was completed, after securing the territories between Ras al Ayn and Tal Abyad.[150]

2020: Ayn Issa clashes

On 2 December, Lebanon's al-Akhbar newspaper reported that the SDF managed to ambush Turkish-backed forces, killing 30 fighters.[151]

Operations outside Syria

Libya

Since 2020, Turkey has been hiring and transporting fighters from the Syrian National Army to support and bolster the manpower of the Libyan GNA.[152] Several SNA member groups volunteered for the operation despite strong objections of the Syrian Interim Government.[6] Up to 481 have died in combat.[153]

Azerbaijan

In September 2020, Turkey deployed 2,580 fighters from the Syrian National Army to fight in Nagorno-Karabakh,[7] where according to SOHR, up to 541 have died in combat.[154]

Niger

In January 2024, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that Turkey had deployed SNA fighters to participate in the anti-ISIS campaign in Niger.[155] By May 2024, an additional 250 members of the SNA's Sultan Murad Division had been dispatched to Niger by Turkey's National Intelligence Organization.[156][157][158]

Iraq

In July 2024, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that Turkey had deployed SNA fighters to participate in the Turkish-PKK conflict in Northern Iraq. According to SOHR sources, the number of Syrian fighters expected to join this mission is estimated to be nearly 400 mercenaries from "Al-Sulta Suleiman Shah," "Al-Hamzah" Divisions and "Al-Sultan Murad" Division.[159] According to the sources, some SNA fighters have been captured by the "Kurdistan Workers’ Party."[159]

Internal conflict

See also: Inter-rebel conflict during the Syrian Civil War
Turkish-supplied FNSS ACV-15, manned by a SNA crew, during operations against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant.

On 26 March 2016, Ahrar ash-Sham ordered the anti-YPG Kurdish FSA group Liwa Ahfad Saladin to remove the flag of Kurdistan from their posts and threatened military action if they did not.[160] However, Liwa Ahfad Saladin's commander denied the incident ever occurred and stated Ahrar ash-Sham to be its ally.[161]

On 27 September 2016, several Ahrar al-Sham fighters publicly burned a FSA flag in Azaz. The Ahrar al-Sham spokesman denied involvement and the incident sparked pro-FSA demonstrations in the city.[162]

On 14 November 2016, the Levant Front and the Sultan Murad Division clashed at the Azaz border gate with Kilis, Turkey.[163] Ahrar al-Sham and the Nour al-Din al-Zenki Movement, a former member of the Levant Front, joined the fighting after they said the Levant Front leaders was "acting like gangs".[164]

On 3 April 2017, Ahrar al-Sham reportedly attacked Liwa Ahfad Saladin in Qabasin and captured more than 8 of their fighters, including a commander. Hours later, the prisoners were released after negotiations, although tensions between the two groups remain.[165]

On 13 April 2017, clashes broke out between the Levant Front and the Sultan Suleyman Shah Brigade 100 kilometers north of Aleppo after both groups said the other was committing corruption. The Sultan Murad Division, the Hamza Division, and the Northern Hawks Brigade sided with the Sultan Suleyman Shah Brigade during the clashes.[166]

On 14 May 2017, two separate clashes in Jarabulus and Gandura pitted the Ahrar al-Sharqiya Brigade against the Sultan Murad Division and the Sham Legion. The fighting stopped after the intervention of the Turkish Army.[167]

On 22 May, the Levant Front attacked the Sham Legion near Azaz. The Levant Front said the Sham Legion was conspiring with the Nour al-Din al-Zenki Movement, part of Tahrir al-Sham. The LF besieged the Sham Legion headquarters, captured a number of their fighters, and seized several ammunition dumps.[168]

Between 24 and 25 May, 5 FSA factions including the Levant Front, the Hamza Division, and the Sultan Murad Division conducted a joint attack on the Revolutionary Knights Brigade between Azaz and al-Rai and captured more than 20 of their fighters, in addition to killing and wounding at least 10. The FSA factions said the Revolutionary Knights Brigade was affiliated to the Nour al-Din al-Zenki Movement and Tahrir al-Sham and partaking in smuggling, looting, extortion, and abuses of civilians.[169]

Between 4 and 15 June, heavy fighting broke out between TFSA factions led by the Sultan Murad Division and Ahrar al-Sham and its allies in and near al-Bab. By 15 June, 33 people were killed and 55 injured in the infighting. On 8 June, between 60 and 70 TFSA fighters, including several Sultan Murad Division commanders, defected to the Syrian Army and the Syrian Democratic Forces during the clashes.[170]

On 3 July 2017, Mahmoud Khallo, commander of the Descendants of Saladin Brigade, declared that his unit would not participate in a planned Turkish-led offensive against the YPG and SDF in the Afrin District and the Shahba region.[171] Following the announcement, the group was attacked by multiple Turkish-backed groups, which captured the group's positions and warehouses with vehicles and equipment. On 14 July, Khallo himself was captured by the Levant Front, which said he was affiliated with both al-Qaeda and the Democratic Union Party (PYD), and was tortured. The Levant Front then handed him over to Turkish security forces, who interrogated him.[172] After being released soon after, Khallo protested against his unit's treatment and criticized that "Turkey was apparently only interested in using the Syrian militias to further its own strategic goals". He also said that Liwa Ahfad Saladin, now without weapons, would set up a political party.[94]

On 25 March 2018, following the capture of Afrin a week earlier, clashes broke out between the Hamza Division and Ahrar al-Sharqiya in the city, resulting in the latter group capturing around 200 fighters from the former. A ceasefire agreement between the two groups was signed on the same day under the auspices of Turkey.[173]

On 18 November 2018, at least 25 militants were killed and dozens wounded in heavy clashes between Turkish-backed insurgent factions in the northwestern Syrian city of Afrin. The clashes primarily occurred in the Mahmudiya and Villat neighborhoods, killing 14 fighters from Ahrar al-Sharqiya and nine from the other groups.[174]

Reported war crimes

Further information: Human rights violations during the Syrian Civil War § Free Syrian Army and other armed opposition fighters
SDF supporters protesting in Berlin on 8 October 2019 against the Turkish offensive into north-eastern Syria.

In September 2016, after their capture of Jarabulus from ISIL, Sultan Murad Division fighters published pictures of themselves torturing four YPG prisoners of war.[175][176]

In June 2017, the Kurdish National Council said the rebels kidnapped 55 Kurdish civilians and displaced hundreds of Yazidis in northern Aleppo.[177]

Several cases of Human rights violations have been reported by the Syrian Observatory for Human rights (SOHR).[178] According to Kurdish sources, Kurdish local politician Hevrin Khalaf was executed near Qamishli by the Syrian National Army, her death was later confirmed by the SOHR.[179] SOHR further reported that at least 9 civilians had been executed by the rebel troops.[180]

On 3 October 2018, the Glory Corps attempted to seize 4 houses inhabited by displaced families from Arbin in Afrin city to use as headquarters, but were stopped by the Sultan Murad Division and the rebel military police.[181]

On 27 January 2019, Glory Corps and Sham Legion fighters kidnapped a doctor from his clinic in Afrin and tortured him, and said he was a member of the Democratic Union Party (PYD); the Sham Legion denied its fighters were involved.[182]

After the SNA captured the border town of Tell Abyad and its surroundings during the offensive in northern and eastern Syria in October 2019, Glory Corps fighters reportedly kidnapped several young men from Bîr Atwan village, west of Tell Abyad, and beat and humiliated them.[183] On 22 October, fighters from the group trampled and mutilated the body of what appeared to be a Women's Protection Units (YPJ) fighter they killed in the countryside near Kobanî, laughing while they did so.[184] The SNA captured four unarmed people and promptly executed them on a road.[185]

On 15 September 2020, a report by the investigators of the UN's International Independent Commission on Syria denounced the atrocities committed against Kurdish populations by Syrian National Army forces: torture, rape, murder, systematic looting, rackets, forced displacement, forced appropriation of civilian property, arbitrary detentions and kidnappings.[186][187]

The 2023 Trafficking in Persons Report mentioned that factions of the Syrian National Army recruited and used Syrian children as child soldiers in Libya.[188]

Notes

  1. ^ The Syrian independence flag is the one most commonly used by the SNA and flown on official occasions.[1][2] SNA troops also use the Turkish flag alongside the Syrian independence flag.[3][4]

References

  1. ^ "Syrian National Army flag hung in northern Tal Abyad". AA. 14 October 2019. Archived from the original on 11 June 2020. Retrieved 11 June 2020.
  2. ^ "Syria opposition recapture Jabal Al-Zawiya in Idlib". Middle East Monitor. 3 March 2020. Archived from the original on 8 December 2021. Retrieved 11 June 2020.
  3. ^ Walid Al Nofal (15 October 2019). "The Syrian National Army: For the Syrian revolution or against the Kurds?". Syria:Direct. Archived from the original on 18 September 2020. Retrieved 11 June 2020.
  4. ^ "SNA troops cross Ceylanpinar from Ras al-Ayn". Anadolu Agency, Getty Images. 23 October 2019. Archived from the original on 12 June 2020. Retrieved 12 June 2020.
  5. ^ a b "30 rebel groups merge under Interim Govt's banner, form 'The National Army'". Zaman al-Wasl. 31 December 2017. Archived from the original on 31 December 2017. Retrieved 31 December 2017.
  6. ^ a b c d e f g Ragip Soylu; Harun al-Aswad (27 December 2019). "Turkey to send Syrian rebel fighters to battle Haftar in Libya". Middle East Eye. Archived from the original on 9 January 2020. Retrieved 29 December 2019.
  7. ^ a b c d e "Turkey deploying Syrian fighters to help ally Azerbaijan, two fighters say". Reuters. 28 September 2020. Archived from the original on 8 October 2020. Retrieved 29 September 2020 – via www.reuters.com.
  8. ^ "Syrian opposition forces unite under defense ministry, head of interim gov't says". Daily Sabah. 4 October 2019. Archived from the original on 4 November 2019. Retrieved 5 October 2019.
  9. ^ Khalil Ashawi (13 August 2018). "Syrian rebels build an army with Turkish help, face challenges". Reuters. Archived from the original on 13 August 2018. Retrieved 13 August 2018.
  10. ^ a b Khaled Khatib (5 October 2019). ""National Army" .. What is the feasibility of integration?". Al-Modon. Archived from the original on 17 February 2020. Retrieved 30 September 2020.
  11. ^ الخطيب, حسام (11 September 2018). "المعارضة المعتدلة.. القوة الأساسية في إدلب". هيومن فويس | عين على الحقيقة. Archived from the original on 11 September 2018. Retrieved 4 October 2019.
  12. ^ ""National Army" Restructured Having Merged With "National Front for Liberation"". Enab Baladi. 5 October 2019. Archived from the original on 6 October 2019. Retrieved 6 October 2019.
  13. ^ a b "Exclusive: Turkey boosts arms to Syrian rebels as Idlib attack looms - rebel sources". Reuters. 12 September 2018. Archived from the original on 14 January 2020. Retrieved 13 October 2019.
  14. ^ "Syrian rebels meet in Qatar after declaring unified 'national army'". No. 7 September 2017. Middle East Eye. Archived from the original on 13 May 2021. Retrieved 17 April 2020.
  15. ^ "Is Turkey planning to recruit Syrians to fight Armenia?". The Jerusalem Post | JPost.com. 26 September 2020. Archived from the original on 18 October 2020. Retrieved 27 September 2020.
  16. ^ a b "300 pro-Turkey Syrian rebels sent to Libya to support UN-backed gov't: watchdog - Xinhua | English.news.cn". www.xinhuanet.com. Archived from the original on 29 December 2019.
  17. ^ a b c d "Which Syrian Groups Are Involved in Turkey's Syria Offensive?". VOA News. 9 October 2019. Archived from the original on 10 October 2019. Retrieved 24 October 2019.
  18. ^ a b "Money, hatred for the Kurds drives Turkey's Syrian fighters". Associated Press. 15 October 2019. Archived from the original on 15 December 2020. Retrieved 24 October 2019.
  19. ^ Chris Tomson (23 October 2016). "Kurdish forces capture village in northern Aleppo as the Turkish Army redeploys". al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 3 February 2019. Retrieved 16 November 2023.
  20. ^ "Hundreds of Turkey-backed rebels leave Manbij frontlines to fight Al Qaeda in Aleppo". The National (Abu Dhabi). 2 January 2019. Archived from the original on 18 May 2019. Retrieved 27 October 2019.
  21. ^ "Syrian National Army sends reinforcements to confront HTS in Western Aleppo, according to military commander of National Army". SMART News Agency. 2 January 2019. Archived from the original on 27 October 2019. Retrieved 27 October 2019.
  22. ^ "The fight between Tahrir al-Sham and the National Front extends to the northern countryside of Idlib in the 5th day of the bloody clashes that killed about 130 fighters and civilians". SOHR. 5 January 2019. Archived from the original on 5 May 2019. Retrieved 27 October 2019.
  23. ^ Kajjo, Sirwan (25 August 2016). "Who are the Turkey backed Syrian Rebels?". Voice of America. Archived from the original on 19 February 2017. Retrieved 19 February 2017.
  24. ^ a b "Syrian National Army thwarts infiltration attempt by Assad regime, Russia". Daily Sabah. Anadolu Agency. 15 January 2021. Archived from the original on 3 May 2023. Retrieved 3 May 2023.
  25. ^ "Syrian Opposition Factions in the Syrian Civil War". bellingcat. 13 August 2016. Archived from the original on 9 April 2022. Retrieved 24 October 2019.
  26. ^ a b Ömer Özkizilcik (1 July 2019). "A way out for Russia and Turkey from Idlib's spiral of violence". Middle East Institute. Archived from the original on 27 July 2019. Retrieved 1 September 2019.
  27. ^ a b Suleiman Al-Khalidi (26 May 2019). "Turkey sends weapons to Syrian rebels facing Russian-backed assault: Syrian sources". Reuters. Archived from the original on 19 January 2020. Retrieved 5 October 2019.
  28. ^ "Free Syrian Army transforms into Syrian National Army". AA. 9 October 2019. Archived from the original on 16 May 2022. Retrieved 8 February 2020.
  29. ^ "Syria war: Turkish-led forces oust Kurdish fighters from heart of Afrin". BBC. 18 March 2018. Archived from the original on 6 May 2019. Retrieved 24 May 2020.
  30. ^ "Kurdish politician and 10 others killed by 'Turkish-backed militia' in Syria, SDF claims". CNN. 13 October 2019. Archived from the original on 13 October 2019. Retrieved 24 May 2020.
  31. ^ "Profit, necessity spur trade across conflict lines in north Aleppo". CNN. 23 March 2020. Archived from the original on 5 March 2021. Retrieved 24 May 2020.
  32. ^ a b c "Turkey's Gradual Efforts to Professionalize Syrian Allies". Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. Archived from the original on 20 November 2018. Retrieved 21 March 2022.
  33. ^ "Defecting troops form 'Free Syrian Army', target Assad security forces". Archived from the original on 27 November 2011. Retrieved 21 March 2022.
  34. ^ "Turkey tells Syria's Assad: Step down!". Reuters. 22 November 2011. Archived from the original on 21 March 2022. Retrieved 21 March 2022.
  35. ^ "Syria's opposition has been led astray by violence | Haytham Manna". the Guardian. 22 June 2012. Retrieved 21 March 2022.
  36. ^ Albayrak, Ayla (4 October 2011). "Turkey Plans Military Exercise on Syrian Border". Wall Street Journal. ISSN 0099-9660. Archived from the original on 5 October 2011. Retrieved 21 March 2022.
  37. ^ Banco, Erin (14 March 2015). "Four Years Later, The Free Syrian Army Has Collapsed". International Business Times. Archived from the original on 18 May 2019. Retrieved 21 March 2022.
  38. ^ "Turkey-backed opposition to form new army in northern Syria". Turkey-backed opposition to form new army in northern Syria. Archived from the original on 4 July 2017. Retrieved 21 March 2022.
  39. ^ "What is the new Syrian National Army?". What is the new Syrian National Army?. Retrieved 21 March 2022.
  40. ^ Coskun, Orhan; Sezer, Seda (19 September 2016). "Turkey-backed rebels could push further south in Syria, Erdogan says". Reuters. Archived from the original on 29 July 2017. Retrieved 2 July 2017.
  41. ^ "The Syrian National Army and the Future of Turkey's Frontier Land Force". Jamestown. Archived from the original on 21 August 2021. Retrieved 21 August 2021.
  42. ^ z.ujayli (20 April 2021). "The Auxiliary Forces Formed to Boost Turkey's Military Presence in Idlib". Syrians for Truth and Justice. Archived from the original on 21 April 2021. Retrieved 21 August 2021.
  43. ^ Sanders IV, Lewis; Salameh, Khaled (30 September 2020). "Syrian mercenaries sustain Turkey's foreign policy". DW. Archived from the original on 15 February 2021. Retrieved 1 July 2024.
  44. ^ "Russia says Turkey helps 'jihadis, mercenaries' to penetrate Syria". 15 February 2016. Archived from the original on 9 October 2020 – via lta.reuters.com.
  45. ^ "Key characteristics of Turkish use of Syrian armed proxies | Strategies of Turkish proxy warfare in northern Syria". www.clingendael.org. Archived from the original on 20 October 2021. Retrieved 5 October 2020.
  46. ^ Hughes, Geraint Alun (4 May 2014). "Syria and the perils of proxy warfare". Small Wars & Insurgencies. 25 (3): 522–538. doi:10.1080/09592318.2014.913542. S2CID 144140952 – via Taylor and Francis+NEJM.
  47. ^ "Exclusive: 2,000 Syrian fighters deployed to Libya to support government". the Guardian. 15 January 2020.
  48. ^ "Reports: Turkey sent Syrian fighters to Azerbaijan • The Syrian Observatory For Human Rights". 29 September 2020. Archived from the original on 9 October 2020. Retrieved 5 October 2020.
  49. ^ "FSA commander says 25,000 Syrian rebels back Turkish force in Syria". Reuters. 21 January 2018. Archived from the original on 26 January 2018. Retrieved 26 January 2018.
  50. ^ "The Syrian National Army and the Future of Turkey's Frontier Land Force". Jamestown. 10 February 2022. Retrieved 8 April 2024.
  51. ^ Suleiman Al-Khalidi (21 January 2018). "FSA Commander Says 25,000 Syrian Rebels Back Turkish Force in Syria". Reuters. Archived from the original on 26 January 2018. Retrieved 26 January 2018.
  52. ^ "Dozens of Kurds Fighting Under FSA Banner: Rebel Commander". Syrian Observer. 24 January 2018. Archived from the original on 24 January 2018. Retrieved 24 January 2018.
  53. ^ a b Hogir Nejjae (24 January 2018). "Kurdish National Council participates in aggression against Afrin". Hawar News Agency. Archived from the original on 28 January 2018. Retrieved 24 January 2018.
  54. ^ a b c d e f Adnan Al Hussein (21 January 2017). "هل تنجح "غصن الزيتون" بإجبار "الوحدات" على تسليم عفرين؟" [Will Olive Branch succeed in forcing the units to hand over Afrin?]. almodon (in Arabic). Archived from the original on 1 February 2018. Retrieved 1 February 2018.
  55. ^ a b c d e Khaled al-Khateb (16 February 2018). "Kurdish fighters join Turkey's Afrin operation". al-Monitor. Archived from the original on 17 February 2018. Retrieved 17 February 2018.
  56. ^ a b c d "Aleppo: factions "shield Euphrates" gather in "military blocs"". Al-Modon. 22 June 2017. Archived from the original on 29 June 2017. Retrieved 4 July 2017.
  57. ^ a b "At the request of the Turkish Government, the National Liberation Front merges with the "National Army" in the form of 4 Corps of the "Ministry of Defense within the interim Syrian government"". Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. 4 October 2019. Archived from the original on 10 August 2023. Retrieved 5 October 2019.
  58. ^ Ragip Soylu, Harun al-Aswad (4 October 2019). "Syrian rebel groups merge as Turkish offensive looms". Middle East Eye. Archived from the original on 21 January 2022. Retrieved 5 October 2019.
  59. ^ "Analysis: Uniting the Syrian Opposition - The Components of the National Army and the Implications of the Unification" (PDF). SETA. October 2019. Archived (PDF) from the original on 28 August 2022. Retrieved 24 October 2019.
  60. ^ a b "The Auxiliary Forces Formed to Boost Turkey's Military Presence in Idlib". 20 April 2021.
  61. ^ "At Turkish Intelligence's orders, Turkish-backed factions form new alliance in north Syria". Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. 9 September 2021. Archived from the original on 7 December 2021. Retrieved 11 October 2021.
  62. ^ Sultan al-Kanj (16 September 2021). "Turkey-backed Syrian opposition groups merge under new banner". Al-Monitor. Archived from the original on 31 May 2023. Retrieved 11 October 2021.
  63. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y Aymenn Jawad Al-Tamimi (21 November 2019). "The Structure of the Syrian National Army". Archived from the original on 26 January 2022. Retrieved 3 May 2020.
  64. ^ a b Khaled al-Khateb (8 June 2021). "Turkish-backed Syrian armed groups unify forces". Al-Monitor. Archived from the original on 13 June 2021. Retrieved 13 June 2021.
  65. ^ a b c d ""Syrian National Army" establishes 2 operating rooms to reinforce Idlib and Aleppo fronts to repel the Russian aggression (photos and videos)". Nedaa Syria. 31 January 2020. Archived from the original on 17 February 2020. Retrieved 17 February 2020.
  66. ^ "Clashes break out in Ghouta of Damascus and in Dar'a; Al-Sham Legion forms Al-Shamal Brigade in Aleppo". Revolutionary Forces of Syria Media Office. 30 January 2016.[permanent dead link‍]
  67. ^ "Fighters from the Ahrar al-Sharqiya rebel group attend a training near the northern Syrian town of al-Rai". Reuters. 20 March 2017. Archived from the original on 1 August 2017. Retrieved 7 June 2017.
  68. ^ Khaled al-Khateb (18 April 2017). "FSA sees 'golden opportunity' with end of Turkey's operations in Syria". Al-Monitor. Archived from the original on 1 July 2017. Retrieved 4 July 2017.
  69. ^ a b "470 FSA fighters killed in Euphrates Shield Operation". Kom News. 17 February 2017. Archived from the original on 25 September 2017. Retrieved 4 July 2017.
  70. ^ a b Aymenn Jawad Al-Tamimi (5 November 2019). "Division 20: Interview". Archived from the original on 10 November 2019. Retrieved 10 November 2019.
  71. ^ ""Battalion driven" and "Islam Brigades" deny Mbaiathma for "Sham edit body"". Al-Nour. 2 June 2017. Archived from the original on 6 June 2017. Retrieved 6 June 2017.
  72. ^ "Northern Brigade separates from Sham Legion". All4Syria. 30 May 2017. Archived from the original on 28 July 2017. Retrieved 31 May 2017.
  73. ^ ~ Joško Barić (28 November 2017). "Syrian War Daily – 28th of November 2017 | Syrian War Daily". Syrianwardaily.wordpress.com. Archived from the original on 25 December 2017. Retrieved 21 February 2018.
  74. ^ "Deir al-Zour military council to join the bloc Sultan Murad north of Aleppo". Qasioun News Agency. 17 July 2017. Archived from the original on 20 July 2017. Retrieved 19 July 2017.
  75. ^ Suraj Sharma (16 February 2018). "Turkey sends 'Kurdish Falcon' force to Afrin to counter anti-Kurd image". Middle East Eye. Archived from the original on 1 May 2018. Retrieved 19 April 2018.
  76. ^ "وكالة ستيب الإخبارية | الحقيقة والحق يقال". وكالة ستيب الإخبارية.
  77. ^ Aymenn Jawad Al-Tamimi (8 November 2019). "The Men of War Brigade: Interview". Archived from the original on 10 November 2019. Retrieved 10 November 2019.
  78. ^ ""لواء الفتح" يعلن انضمامه لـ"الجبهة الشامية" في حلب" [The "Fatah Brigade" announces that it joins the Levant Front in Aleppo]. SMART News Agency. 8 March 2017. Archived from the original on 26 September 2018. Retrieved 26 September 2018.
  79. ^ "The suffering of the forcibly displaced Kurds continues in the countryside of Aleppo". ARA News. 13 June 2017. Archived from the original on 31 July 2017. Retrieved 21 July 2017.
  80. ^ "Jaish Al Shamal threatens (SDF) militias". Al-Dorar al-Shamia. 17 August 2017. Retrieved 28 August 2017.[permanent dead link‍]
  81. ^ Times, Military (24 August 2016). "Turkish tanks and spec ops attack Islamic State forces in Syria". Archived from the original on 28 August 2016. Retrieved 5 April 2017.
  82. ^ "The assassination of a leader of Ahrar al-Sham north of Idlib, and the last escape of the west of Hama". STEP News Agency. 2 February 2018. Archived from the original on 14 August 2018. Retrieved 4 October 2019.
  83. ^ @alwataniathrer (14 August 2018). "National Front for Liberation" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  84. ^ "Dozens of fighters form the brigade of northern Aleppo and declare joining the "National Front"". SMART News Agency. 14 August 2018. Archived from the original on 24 April 2019. Retrieved 30 September 2020.
  85. ^ الشامية, محرر الدرر (15 August 2018). ""الجبهة الوطنية للتحرير" تتوسّع بانضمام فصيل عسكري جديد". الدرر الشامية (in Arabic). Archived from the original on 25 October 2023. Retrieved 4 October 2019.
  86. ^ @badly_xeroxed (27 August 2018). "The Imam Ali Battalion led by Waled Shagal joined the ranks of FSA National Liberation Front" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  87. ^ "The merger of seven opposition factions north of Aleppo under the name of (a block of victory)". Al Etihad Press. 5 June 2017. Archived from the original on 8 June 2017. Retrieved 7 June 2017.
  88. ^ Ahmad Zakariya (2 April 2016). "After the recent merger of FSA factions, commander of FSA's Al-Safwa Battalions explains: unity has become a necessity". Revolutionary Forces of Syria Media Office. Archived from the original on 6 October 2016. Retrieved 4 July 2017.
  89. ^ "Brigade North are free to announce joining the Sham Corps". Qasioun News Agency. 16 June 2017. Archived from the original on 19 June 2017. Retrieved 17 June 2017.
  90. ^ Barić, Joško (21 June 2017). "Syrian War Daily – 21st of June 2017". Archived from the original on 9 October 2017. Retrieved 23 June 2017.
  91. ^ Barić, Joško (18 June 2017). "Syrian War Daily – 18th of June 2017". Archived from the original on 9 October 2017. Retrieved 20 June 2017.
  92. ^ a b "Factions (door) announces the formation of a unified operations room". All4Syria. 18 June 2017. Archived from the original on 12 July 2017. Retrieved 4 July 2017.
  93. ^ "FSA The First Squad of Aleppo". Yalla Souriya. 11 August 2016. Archived from the original on 13 August 2017. Retrieved 12 August 2017.
  94. ^ a b Lars Hauch (5 July 2017). "Syria war: Turkey 'disbands rebel battalion' as alliances collapse". Middle East Eye. Archived from the original on 5 July 2017. Retrieved 5 July 2017.
  95. ^ a b Ammar Hammou; Maria Nelson (5 February 2018). "Revolutionaries, pawns, liberators, or mercenaries? Meet the Kurdish fighters participating in Turkey's Afrin offensive". Syria Direct. Archived from the original on 21 February 2018. Retrieved 26 February 2018.
  96. ^ Fehim Tastekin (26 January 2018). "Erdogan's plans for Afrin might not sit well with Syria". al-Monitor. Archived from the original on 28 January 2018. Retrieved 29 January 2018.
  97. ^ "Commander of the FSA's Jaish Al-Thani : Our objective is to form a unified national army to ensure safety in all Syrian territory – Revolutionary Forces of Syria media office". 23 June 2017. Archived from the original on 8 September 2017. Retrieved 28 July 2017.
  98. ^ "The formation of "the people of homes" Brive Aleppo to expel "intentionally"". Baladi News Network. 6 June 2017. Archived from the original on 6 July 2017. Retrieved 7 June 2017.
  99. ^ "Menagh Revolutionary Council refuses "Abu Udai" and pursuits him". 13 August 2017. Archived from the original on 13 August 2017.
  100. ^ "Hill raised negotiations failed .. and the return of the military option". Al-Modon. 19 June 2017. Archived from the original on 23 June 2017. Retrieved 4 July 2017.
  101. ^ "Formation of a unified military council to liberate Deir al-Zour". en.eldorar.com.[permanent dead link‍]
  102. ^ a b c "Factions of the Free Army announce their joining of the Raqqa Military Council". Baladi News Network. 18 April 2018.[permanent dead link‍]
  103. ^ "بينهم قادة في الصف الأول.. انشقاق عناصر من جيش العزة". www.zamanalwsl.net. Archived from the original on 11 October 2019. Retrieved 11 October 2019.
  104. ^ "Syrian tribal leaders backed by Turkey, Qatar, Saudi Arabia found new army". Kom News. 15 March 2017. Archived from the original on 16 March 2017. Retrieved 16 March 2017.
  105. ^ "جيش الشرقية يلتحق بـ "غصن الزيتون" ويدعو إلى الالتزام بأخلاقيات الحرب والأعراف الدولية". 8 February 2017. Archived from the original on 15 February 2018. Retrieved 7 February 2018.
  106. ^ "A new military formation of the people of Al-Hasakah to fight the PYD in Aleppo countryside". en.eldorar.com. Archived from the original on 18 February 2017. Retrieved 24 June 2017.
  107. ^ "Dissident officers launch the initiative of the "Syrian army united" .. These details (video)". El-Dorar al-Shamia. 25 July 2017. Archived from the original on 25 July 2017. Retrieved 26 July 2017.
  108. ^ "Aldorar Alshamia News Network : The Syrian Unified Army's Hama official explains the objectives". Archived from the original on 12 September 2017. Retrieved 28 August 2017.
  109. ^ "A new faction funded by Turkey to hit "Ksd" .. The first operations targeting civilians in the countryside Afrin". Adar Press. 28 July 2017. Archived from the original on 30 July 2017. Retrieved 29 July 2017.
  110. ^ "Another mercenary gang in al-Shahba formed". Hawar News Agency. 29 July 2017. Archived from the original on 30 July 2017. Retrieved 30 July 2017.
  111. ^ ""كتائب المجد" فصيل جديد تابع للجيش الحر في حلب". Archived from the original on 12 June 2018. Retrieved 10 November 2018.
  112. ^ a b "A fighter from the Sadik unit of Free Syrian Army's Tahrir al Sham brigade fires his Draganov sniper rifle from inside a house during heavy fighting in Mleha suburb of Damascus". Archived from the original on 4 January 2015. Retrieved 4 January 2015.
  113. ^ a b c "Fourth Corps of the Syrian National Army in Homs countryside". Nedaa Syria. 15 March 2018. Archived from the original on 19 November 2018. Retrieved 16 March 2018.
  114. ^ "How Syria's rebels became Turkey's mercenaries". Ahval. Archived from the original on 13 November 2020. Retrieved 13 November 2020.
  115. ^ Tastekin, Fehim (13 October 2019). "Who are Turkish-backed forces in latest Syria incursion?". Al-Monitor. Archived from the original on 13 October 2019. Retrieved 13 November 2020.
  116. ^ Bar'el, Zvi (26 November 2016). "The Free Syrian Army follows orders from Turkey". Haaretz. Archived from the original on 21 February 2017. Retrieved 23 February 2017.
  117. ^ Mazi, Izzet (23 February 2017). "Injured Free Syrian Army fighters treated in Turkey". Anadolu Agency. Archived from the original on 27 February 2017. Retrieved 27 February 2017.
  118. ^ Zaman, Amberin (25 January 2017). "Syria's new national security force pledges loyalty to Turkey". Al Monitor. Archived from the original on 26 January 2017. Retrieved 26 January 2017.
  119. ^ Ashawi, Khalil; Barrington, Lisa; King, Larry. "Hundreds of police trained by Turkey start work in northern Syria". Reuters. Archived from the original on 26 January 2017. Retrieved 26 January 2017.
  120. ^ "Turkey-Backed Free Syrian Army Takes Control of Jarablus". Reuters. 26 August 2016. Retrieved 13 May 2020.
  121. ^ Barrington, Lisa (29 August 2016). "Turkish forces deepen push into Syria, draw U.S. rebuke over their..." Reuters. Archived from the original on 5 July 2018. Retrieved 12 July 2018.
  122. ^ "SDF-backed fighters in Jarablus say retreating south as Turkey pushes into Syria". Reuters. 29 August 2016. Archived from the original on 6 July 2018. Retrieved 12 July 2018.
  123. ^ "Syria: FSA fighters chase US soldiers out of Al Rai, Syria". Yeni Şafak. Archived from the original on 29 March 2017. Retrieved 28 March 2017.
  124. ^ "US Special Forces join Turkish troops in northern Syria - MIDEAST". 18 September 2016. Archived from the original on 29 March 2017. Retrieved 23 April 2017.
  125. ^ "Clashes, shelling and shells continue in Aleppo city after the end of the Russian truce, and casualties in clashes at the northern countryside of Aleppo". Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. 22 October 2016. Archived from the original on 26 October 2016.
  126. ^ "Turkey-backed FSA captures strategic hills overlooking al-Bab from Daesh, clashes resume for the town's full control". Daily Sabah. 8 February 2017. Archived from the original on 23 February 2017. Retrieved 27 February 2017.
  127. ^ Aydin, Mustafa (23 February 2017). "The logjam in Syria and Iraq". Hürriyet Daily News. Archived from the original on 24 February 2017. Retrieved 23 February 2017.
  128. ^ "Turkish-led rebels attack IS posts inside al-Bab city – rebels". Reuters. 9 February 2017. Archived from the original on 1 March 2017. Retrieved 28 February 2017.
  129. ^ Öcal, Hakki (26 February 2017). "Readdressing the creation of buffer zones in Syria". Daily Sabah. Archived from the original on 27 February 2017. Retrieved 27 February 2017.
  130. ^ "Turkish military: Al-Bab fully taken from ISIL". Hürriyet Daily News. 24 February 2017. Archived from the original on 27 February 2017. Retrieved 27 February 2017.
  131. ^ ""Syrian Kurds cede buffer as Turkish Backed FSA advances on Manbij" Al-Monitor". Archived from the original on 9 March 2017. Retrieved 22 March 2017.
  132. ^ "Syria FSA Vows Attack Government Forces Al Bab". Al Jazeera. Archived from the original on 22 March 2017. Retrieved 22 March 2017.
  133. ^ Rami Raj (25 September 2017). "Al-Hamzah Group (all partners): The opening of the military college is a step in the formation of the (National Army)". All4Syria. Archived from the original on 25 September 2017. Retrieved 25 September 2017.
  134. ^ "Erdogan: Operation in Syria's Afrin has begun". www.aljazeera.com. Archived from the original on 25 January 2018. Retrieved 25 January 2018.
  135. ^ "Turkish special forces head to Afrin". Kuwait News Agency. 23 January 2018. Archived from the original on 25 January 2018. Retrieved 25 January 2018.
  136. ^ "Turkish military sends reinforcements to Afrin for 2nd phase of Operation Olive Branch (photos)". 28 February 2018. Archived from the original on 5 July 2018. Retrieved 12 July 2018.
  137. ^ "Breaking: Turkish-backed rebels capture strategic town in Afrin". 1 February 2018. Archived from the original on 25 June 2018. Retrieved 12 July 2018.
  138. ^ Bethan McKernan Beirut. "Afrin latest: Turkey deploys special forces for 'new phase of battle' as Kurdish leader arrested in Prague". The Independent. Archived from the original on 21 March 2018. Retrieved 15 April 2018.
  139. ^ "Syrian government makes Ghouta gains; Turkey steps up Afrin attack". Reuters. 3 March 2018. Archived from the original on 24 October 2020. Retrieved 13 May 2020.
  140. ^ "Turkey: Military seizes control of Jandaris from Kurdish YPG | Syria News". Al Jazeera. 8 March 2018. Archived from the original on 20 March 2018. Retrieved 15 April 2018.
  141. ^ "Afrin: Turkish forces 'encircle' Syrian Kurdish city - BBC News". BBC News. 13 March 2018. Archived from the original on 24 July 2019. Retrieved 15 April 2018.
  142. ^ "Turkey forces encircle Kurdish-controlled centre of Afrin | Turkey News". Al Jazeera. 13 March 2018. Archived from the original on 13 March 2018. Retrieved 15 April 2018.
  143. ^ "Syria war: Turkey-backed forces oust Kurds from heart of Afrin". BBC. Archived from the original on 18 March 2018. Retrieved 18 March 2018.
  144. ^ "Turkish forces continue to clear mines in Afrin". Archived from the original on 26 June 2018. Retrieved 12 July 2018.
  145. ^ "Eid preparations in full swing in Syria's Afrin". Archived from the original on 26 June 2018. Retrieved 12 July 2018.
  146. ^ ""Ahrar Alsharqiya" sends reinforcements to Idlib and Hama countryside's fronts (Video)". www.qasioun-news.com. Retrieved 17 August 2019.[permanent dead link‍]
  147. ^ DEEB, LEFTERIS PITARAKIS and SARAH EL (9 October 2019). "Turkey begins bombing and shelling Kurdish fighters after American soldiers pull back; Trump calls operation 'bad idea'". chicagotribune.com. Archived from the original on 9 October 2019. Retrieved 9 October 2019.
  148. ^ "Turkey-backed forces capture Syrian border town". BBC News. Archived from the original on 14 October 2019. Retrieved 27 October 2019.
  149. ^ "SDF fighters evacuate from besieged Syrian town of Ras al-Ain". www.aljazeera.com. Archived from the original on 6 August 2020. Retrieved 27 October 2019.
  150. ^ "Turkey not resuming military operation in northeast Syria: security source". Reuters. 25 November 2019. Archived from the original on 23 November 2020. Retrieved 5 January 2020 – via www.reuters.com.
  151. ^ "Turkish army shells Ayn Issa district in Syria's Raqqa governorate — paper". TASS. Archived from the original on 13 December 2020. Retrieved 7 December 2020.
  152. ^ "Syrian rebel and regime forces now fight in Libya". France 24. 19 May 2020. Archived from the original on 14 July 2020. Retrieved 14 July 2020.
  153. ^ "Turkey's involvement in Libya | As more mercenaries return to Syria, the Turkish government sends new batch of jihadists to Libya • The Syrian Observatory For Human Rights". 25 July 2020. Archived from the original on 3 October 2020. Retrieved 13 November 2020.
  154. ^ "SOHR exclusive | Death toll of mercenaries in Azerbaijan is higher than that in Libya, while Syrian fighters given varying payments • The Syrian Observatory For Human Rights". 3 December 2020. Archived from the original on 3 December 2020. Retrieved 3 May 2021.
  155. ^ "After Libya and Azerbaijan.. Turkey leads a new "mercenary" campaign for Syrians in an African country in exchange for great financial temptations" (in Arabic). Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. 27 January 2024. Archived from the original on 27 January 2024. Retrieved 27 January 2024.
  156. ^ "Consisting of 250 members.. Turkish intelligence is preparing the second batch of Syrian mercenaries to be sent to Niger" (in Arabic). Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. 5 May 2024. Archived from the original on 23 May 2024. Retrieved 5 May 2024.
  157. ^ "Turkey sends Syrian mercenaries to Niger to secure strategic interests". Voice of America. 17 May 2024. Archived from the original on 22 May 2024. Retrieved 22 May 2024.
  158. ^ "Pro-Turkey Syria mercenaries head to Niger to earn cash". France24. 16 May 2024. Retrieved 22 May 2024.
  159. ^ a b "Offering salaries of 3,000 USD | Turkish forces recruit hundreds of Syrian fighters to join fighting in Kurdistan Region of Iraq - The Syrian Observatory For Human Rights".
  160. ^ "Syrian rebels ban Kurdish flag in Aleppo". ARA News. 27 March 2016. Archived from the original on 30 July 2017. Retrieved 5 June 2017.
  161. ^ "Commander of Kurdish FSA brigade: 'Federalism is not an effective system for Syria'". Syria:direct. 11 April 2016. Archived from the original on 30 July 2017. Retrieved 23 July 2017.
  162. ^ "Ahrar Al-Sham Denies Burning The Syrian Revolution Flag By Its Fighters In Azaz". Qasioun. 27 September 2016. Archived from the original on 8 August 2017. Retrieved 22 July 2017.
  163. ^ "FSA troops in border clash". Cumhuriyet. 14 November 2016.
  164. ^ "Syrian rebels battle each other north of Aleppo". Reuters. 14 November 2016. Archived from the original on 3 July 2017. Retrieved 2 July 2017.
  165. ^ Wladimir van Wilgenburg (5 April 2017). "Tensions increase between Turkey-backed rebels in Northern Aleppo". ARA News. Archived from the original on 8 June 2017. Retrieved 5 June 2017.
  166. ^ "Fighting between factions of the "free" in the village north of Aleppo due to mutual accusations of "corruption"". SMART News Agency. 13 April 2017. Archived from the original on 9 October 2017. Retrieved 31 May 2017.
  167. ^ Fehim Tastekin (29 May 2017). "Turkey making itself at home in Syria". Al-Monitor. Archived from the original on 29 May 2017. Retrieved 30 May 2017.
  168. ^ "Levant Front stormed the headquarters of the Sham Legion north of Aleppo, demanding the surrender of its elements". Al Etihad Press. 22 May 2017. Archived from the original on 31 May 2017. Retrieved 31 May 2017.
  169. ^ Khaled Khatib (26 May 2017). "Aleppo: opposition to end "the Knights of the Revolution"". Al-Modon. Archived from the original on 29 May 2017. Retrieved 29 May 2017.
  170. ^ Uğur Ergan (15 June 2017). "Turkey confirms internal fight in Free Syrian Army". Hürriyet Daily News. Archived from the original on 29 August 2017. Retrieved 16 June 2017.
  171. ^ Wladimir van Wilgenburg (4 July 2017). "Turkey-backed rebel group refuses to attack Kurdish town north Syria". ARA News. Archived from the original on 5 July 2017. Retrieved 5 July 2017.
  172. ^ Mohammad Abdulssattar Ibrahim; Maria Nelso (23 August 2017). "'Afrin is a red line': Kurdish FSA commander loses his faction after refusing to fight". Syria:direct. Archived from the original on 23 August 2017. Retrieved 23 August 2017.
  173. ^ "A six-item agreement to end the fighting between Ahrar al-Sharqiya and Hamzah in Afrin". El-Dorar al-Shamia. 25 March 2018.
  174. ^ "25 killed in infighting among Turkey-backed Syrian opposition groups in Afrin". kurdistan24. 18 November 2018.
  175. ^ "YPG holds Turkey-backed rebels accountable for torturing Kurdish fighters". ARA News. 1 September 2016. Archived from the original on 21 October 2017. Retrieved 4 April 2018.
  176. ^ "Syrian rebels captured by YPG confess to torturing Kurdish fighters". Rudaw Media Network. 1 September 2016. Archived from the original on 19 April 2017. Retrieved 18 April 2017.
  177. ^ Wladimir van Wilgenburg (13 June 2017). "Hundreds of Yezidi Kurds displaced, kidnapped by Turkey-backed rebels northwest Syria: Kurdish council". ARA News. Archived from the original on 13 June 2017. Retrieved 4 April 2018.
  178. ^ "Continuous violations against people of Afrin city and countryside by the Turkish Forces and the factions supported by them". SOHR. 19 May 2019.
  179. ^ "Kurdish politician and 10 others killed by 'Turkish-backed militia' in Syria, SDF claims". CNN. 13 October 2019. Archived from the original on 13 October 2019. Retrieved 13 October 2019.
  180. ^ "Female Kurdish politician among nine civilians killed by pro-Turkey forces in Syria, observers say". The Guardian. Agence France-Presse. 13 October 2019. ISSN 0261-3077. Archived from the original on 19 February 2020. Retrieved 13 October 2019.
  181. ^ "Groups of the Turkish forces, the factions belong to them and the Free Police storm a camp of displaced people in Afrin countryside and civil protests prevail among the displaced people". Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. 18 October 2018.
  182. ^ Raed Borhan (27 January 2019). "National Army fighters torture doctor in Afrin". SMART News Agency. Archived from the original on 5 July 2019. Retrieved 31 October 2019.
  183. ^ "Tel White: Correspondent bridge monitors violations against civilians by "national factions"". Jesr Press. 18 October 2019. Archived from the original on 13 November 2019. Retrieved 26 October 2019.
  184. ^ "A video showing "Corps of Glory" elements representing a body of a fighter in the women's protection units in the countryside of Ain al-Arab (Kobani)". Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. 22 October 2019. Archived from the original on 24 October 2019. Retrieved 26 October 2019.
  185. ^ Hubbard, Ben; Shoumali, Karam; Gall, Carlotta; Kingsley, Patrick (12 October 2019). "Syrian Arab Fighters Backed by Turkey Kill Two Kurdish Prisoners". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 24 November 2021. Retrieved 4 November 2019.
  186. ^ "Syria: Bombshell report reveals 'no clean hands' as horrific rights violations continue | UN News". news.un.org. 15 September 2020.
  187. ^ Nebehay, Stephanie (15 September 2020). "U.N. war crimes experts urge Turkey to rein in rebels in Syria".
  188. ^ "2023 Trafficking in Persons Report: Libya". Archived from the original on 13 September 2023.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Syrian_National_Army&oldid=1260848264"