afrinpost-exclusive
According to our sources in Afrin, the “Jaish Al-Nukhba\ Elite Army” militia, in coordination with the “Military Police” in Afrin, carried out a security operation early on Saturday, August 17, 2024, resulting in the arrest of an assassination cell. The cell was found in possession of silenced pistols and drugs. While reports vary regarding the arrest of the cell’s leader, “Abu Yaqub.”
The cell comprises five members led by Hani Yaqub al-Azzawi, known as “Abu Yaqub,” who resides in the village of Kafar Shil, west of Afrin. The sources indicate that the members of the cell were dressed in clothing resembling that worn by ISIS.
“Abu Yaqub” is accused of multiple crimes, including the assassination of activist Mohammed Abu Ghanoum and his pregnant wife in the city of al-Bab. On May 22, 2024, the military court in al-Rai sentenced three members of the “Hamza Division” militia to death for their involvement in the crime. However, no action was taken against the main suspects: the leader of the “Hamza Division,” known as “Saif Abu Bakr,” and “Hani Yaqub al-Azzawi.”
It is noteworthy that “Abu Yaqub” was a leader in the ISIS terrorist organization in Deir ez-Zor since 2014 before fleeing to Turkey in 2017. He later joined the “Ahrar al-Sharqiya” militia.
