Turkish-backed fighter in Afrin killed amidst increasing tensions between rebel factions: SOHR
ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – A member of the Turkish-backed Sultan Shah Suleiman (al-Amshat), which controls Sheikh Hadid district in Afrin countryside, was killed when an rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) he was transporting with other weapons and ammunition exploded.
The UK-based Syrian Observatory of Human Rights (SOHR) reported that the group is distributing weapons and ammunition in light of increasing tensions between it and the Jabhat al-Shamiya (Levant Front) faction.
Member of Turkish-backed Sultan Suleiman Shah posts a picture in Sheikh Hadid, Turkish-occupied Afrin, inviting Turkish-backed Jabhat Shamiya to come fight them.
— Lindsey Snell (@LindseySnell) January 18, 2022
That’s one of the TOW missiles the US government gave the then-named FSA to “fight ISIS.” pic.twitter.com/DEZ95rOz81
One of the Turkish-backed Sultan Suleiman Shah members recently posted a picture with an American-made TOW anti-tank missile, inviting the Jabhat al-Shamiya to fight them.
The local North Press reported that on Jan. 16, Turkish-backed Syrian armed opposition factions deployed forces in the city of Afrin to hold the Suleiman Shah Brigade, led by Muhammad al-Jassem (also nicknamed Abu Amsha), accountable for human rights violations.
Read More: Syrian Kurdish opposition group strongly condemns Turkish-backed group for Afrin abuses
North Press also reported that Suleiman Shah Brigade has started to deploy rocket launchers in the vicinity of the Sheikh Hadid area and large numbers of fighters armed with all types of weapons.
In March 2018, Turkey and its Syrian militia proxies took control of Afrin during its so-called "Olive Branch" operation.
Since then, Afrin has been plagued by regular attacks on groups aligned with Turkey and indiscriminate bombings that have also killed civilians.
Read More: Clashes in Syria's Turkish-occupied Afrin leave 3 civilians dead
In addition, the area sees frequent infighting between rival factions that also cause civilian deaths.