Syria Rebels, Qaida Fight in Restive Northwest

إقرأ هذا الخبر بالعربية W460

Moderate rebels from the Syrian Revolutionary Front and Al-Qaida affiliate Al-Nusra Front fought in the northwestern province of Idlib Friday, a monitor said, as the groups exchanged bitter insults online.

The clashes, near a Front bastion in the village of Deir Sinbel, came days after Al-Nusra took over Front checkpoints, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

"Both sides suffered heavy losses," said the Britain-based monitor.

On Thursday, another clash pitted the moderate Hazzem movement against Al-Nusra in Khan al-Sibel, also in Idlib, killing three fighters.

Both Hazzem and the Syrian Revolutionaries Front have relations with the West, and call for establishment of a democratic state in Syria.

They are also fiercely critical of jihadist groups.

Activists published a video showing the Front's chief, Jamal Maarouf, dressed in military gear and walking among fighters.

He addresses Al-Nusra leader Abu Mohammad al-Jolani, saying "you have tarnished the name of Islam, and you have tarnished religion. Why do you fight us? Go away, fight the regime!"

He added: "You are nothing; you are just like Baghdadi... you bastard."

Maarouf was referring to Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, who heads the Islamic State (IS) group, known for its horrific atrocities.

Al-Nusra hit back on Twitter, accusing Maarouf of "corruption" and of "straying from the path of the revolution."

Idlib province was among the first areas to fall from government control, soon after the outbreak of a revolt against Assad's regime in 2011.

Comments 5
Thumb -phoenix1 31 October 2014, 20:24

Day3al tasseh bi Syria. Soon many mini republics.

Missing --karim. 31 October 2014, 20:32

FSA-Al Qaeda destroying itself? Good stuff.

Missing --karim. 31 October 2014, 20:35

"Moderate rebels from the Syrian Revolutionary Front..."

LOL!

"Both Hazzem and the Syrian Revolutionaries Front have relations with the West, and call for establishment of a democratic state in Syria."

LOL again. They call for the establishment of a Salafist caliphate that worships the king of the kingdom of terrorism and oppresses Christians, Alawites, Druze, & Shia Muslims.

"They are also fiercely critical of jihadist groups."

LOL, they ARE a jihadist group.

Default-user-icon Alex (Guest) 01 November 2014, 01:08

You're so ignorant... Why then Assad and ISIS allies fight each other in Tabka airport, Hasakah, Shaer field, Deir ez-Zor, 121st regiment, Division 17, Brigade 73 and many other places where numerous soldiers and ISIS militants were killed?

Default-user-icon Black (Guest) 01 November 2014, 17:42

Same like your ....iin Syria bachar and his father ya big John,but somehow you do not remember his and his father war crimes against the lebanese during the 30 yrs of occupation.is it because you are a Kawmi soured???!