afrinpost
A member suspected of drug trafficking was killed during a raid conducted by Turkish-affiliated “Syrian National Army” militias in the evening of July 21st, after intense clashes in the city of Mare’ in northern Aleppo countryside.
According to our correspondent, the “National Army” militias surrounded the city of Mare’ from all directions, closing its entrances and exits with hundreds of armed elements and dozens of SUVs and three tanks, in an attempt to arrest a wanted individual involved in drug trafficking.
Our correspondent pointed out that the “National Army” militants stormed the house of the wanted individual, “Youssef Al-Majdou,” after he refused to surrender. This led to fierce clashes between the two parties, during which the “National Army” militias targeted Youssef Al-Majdou’s house with tank shells, resulting in his death and injuries to several militants.
Youssef Al-Majdou’s brother requested a deadline from the “National Army” militias to persuade his brother to surrender, but they refused in order to eliminate him and pave the way for traders supported by them to take control of the drug market.
Clashes between armed militant groups involved in drug trafficking continue in most areas of Turkish-controlled northern Syria due to their constant competition and disagreements over smuggling routes and trade revenues.
On July 10th, the “Faylaq al-Sham” militia announced a campaign against drug traffickers in the occupied city of Al-Bab to divert attention from their own involvement in drug trafficking. They leaked the names of the wanted individuals on social media, allowing drug traders and those directly dealing with armed militant leaders to escape the city before the campaign was launched.
