Jaysh al-Islam leader, Issam Buydani during a battle against the Syrian Arab Army, Illustrative image
On November 6, heavy clashes broke out in the northern city of Afrin between fighters of Jaysh al-Islam and Ahrar Al-Sharqiyah. The clashes, which took place at the Kawa roundabout in the heart of the city, were caused by a “personal misunderstanding,” according to the Syrian news outlet Enab Baladi.
The clashes ended within hours after the intervention of the Turkish-backed military police. A day later, the two groups issued a joint statement, in which they claimed that clashes were a result of personal disagreements.
“We confirm that the leadership [of Jaysh al-Islam and Ahrar al-Sharqiyah] had no knowledge of this move, we are committed to resort to judiciary and to cooperate with the military police and we emphasize our rejection of resorting to weapons,” the groups’ statement reads.
According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), a fighter of Ahrar al-Sharqiyah was killed and a civilian was injured as a result of the clashes.
Afrin has witnessed several similar clashes since it was captured by the Turkish military and its Syrian proxies in March. Most of these clashes were caused by financial disputes. However, Turkey is yet to take any steps to improve security there or in other areas, which it occupies in northern Syria.
