The Suqour al-Sham Brigades capture key positions, while Turkey and Russia intensify involvement in the conflict.
Escalating Conflict in Northern Syria: Suqour al-Sham Brigades Make Gains Amidst Turkish Military Maneuvers
The Suqour al-Sham Brigades capture key positions, while Turkey and Russia intensify involvement in the conflict.
Fighting Intensifies as Suqour al-Sham Brigades Advance
The situation in northern Syria has escalated dramatically this morning. The Suqour al-Sham Brigades have entered the Turkish military stronghold of Kafr Jennah, where fighting continues. East of Azaz, they have captured the Joint Forces stronghold of Akhtarin, gaining critical ground.
Reports from media linked to the Sultan Murad Division, a faction of the Joint Forces, claim that they have taken control of Hawar Kilis. However, there is no concrete evidence to support these claims. Despite this, Sultan Murad forces did storm the Suqour al-Sham Brigades’ headquarters in northern Syria last night.
Turkish Military Sides with the Sultan Murad Division
Although Turkey originally armed both the Suqour al-Sham Brigades and the Sultan Murad Division, it now appears that Turkey has sided with the latter. Turkish military convoys moved toward Kafr Jennah last night, signaling increased involvement. Turkish UAV strikes also targeted Suqour al-Sham positions, further tipping the scales in favor of the Sultan Murad Division.
Despite this, the Suqour al-Sham Brigades are not without support. They have aligned with the US-backed Levant Forces, which are advancing rapidly. This has put the Turkish-backed Joint Forces on the defensive, with their control shrinking.
The Collapse of the Syrian National Army (SNA)
The fighting has effectively dismantled the Syrian National Army (SNA), as both the Suqour al-Sham Brigades and the Sultan Murad Division were major factions within the SNA. Smaller units of the SNA have mostly remained neutral, calling for ceasefires. However, a few have sided with the Sultan Murad Division, adding complexity to the conflict.
Other Factions and International Involvement
Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, a powerful group in Idlib, has remained neutral, though it has voiced support for the Suqour al-Sham Brigades. Meanwhile, groups like the Turkistan Islamic Party, Ansar al-Tawhid, and Uyghur mercenaries have also stayed out of the fighting.
Suqour al-Sham affiliated media claims that Turkey is recalling mercenaries from Libya, mainly Azerbaijanis and Uyghurs, to reinforce the Sultan Murad Division. However, there is no verification of this yet.
Russia Bombards Both Sides
Russia has seized the opportunity to further destabilize the region. Throughout the night and into the morning, Russian airstrikes have targeted both sides. This bombardment adds another layer of complexity to an already volatile situation.
A Fragmented Conflict with Global Stakes
Northern Syria remains a battleground for local factions and international powers. As the Suqour al-Sham Brigades gain ground with US support, Turkey deepens its involvement with the Sultan Murad Division. Russia’s continued airstrikes further complicate the conflict, raising concerns about long-term regional stability.
