afrinpost-Exclusive
In a recent development, Turkish forces have sealed the border crossings of Deir Belout and Ghazawiya in the Sherawa district of Afrin. This move, aimed at obstructing the passage of civilians and goods, involves the deployment of tanks and armored vehicles at key checkpoints, strategically preventing the advancement of convoys affiliated with “Hayat Tahrir al-Sham” towards the occupied city of Afrin.
The actions follow a series of events on the night of December 19, including the apprehension of the defected leader known as “Abu Ahmad Zakour,” who was subsequently being transported to Idlib.
According to our correspondent, the military police militias, Turkish armed forces, and intelligence operatives intercepted a convoy associated with “Hayat Tahrir al-Sham” upon its return from Azaz. They successfully seized the defected leader “Abu Ahmad Zakour” and transferred him to Keles, all under the protection of Turkish forces.
These actions by Turkish intelligence have not gone unnoticed by the leadership of “Tahrir al-Sham,” particularly drawing the ire of “Al-Jolani.” In response, he issued instructions for security forces to conduct a raid on the residence of the Bakara tribe in Idlib. This resulted in the arrest of approximately 22 individuals from the tribe, including the head of the Bakara tribe’s council, “Yousef Arabsh.”
It is worth mentioning that the occupied city of Azaz in northern Aleppo has become a battleground, witnessing intense clashes between “Tahrir al-Sham” and armed groups loyal to the defected leader “Zakour” in recent days.
Responding to the situation, armed groups from the Bakara tribe in Afrin, Al-Bab, and Jarabulus have mobilized towards Azaz with military convoys to support the defected leader “Zakour” against “Tahrir al-Sham.” The Naim tribe has also heightened its state of readiness to act against the organization.
“Hayat Tahrir al-Sham” elements, backed by the 50th Division militia, conducted a raid on Zakour’s residence in Azaz. Heavy weapons and artillery clashes ensued between the Clock Square and the Castle Roundabout, resulting in the closure of all city roads.
The security operation led to the arrest of the defected leader and the death of his brother and companion “Abu Qasim” during the raid on his residence in the eastern part of the city. Subsequently, the defected leader was securely transported to Idlib, and six civilians sustained serious injuries.
In response to these events, militias from the “Syrian National Army” were mobilized under Turkish orders, while militias from “Al-Jabha al-Shamiya” and “A’asifat al-Shamal” remained on high alert without direct involvement in the ongoing conflict. Roads leading to and from the occupied city of Azaz were promptly closed.
It’s noteworthy that the defected leader “Abu Ahmad Zakour” is a founding member of the “Jabhat al-Nusra” organization, playing various roles since its establishment in 2003. Currently holding a leadership position in “Hayat Tahrir al-Sham,” he serves as a member of the Shura Council, leader in the Aleppo sector, and oversees the organization’s economic portfolio abroad, making him a significant figure with potential repercussions for the organization.
