| Submit your comments on this article |
| Syria-Lebanon-Iran |
| Ahrar al-Sham's new chief vows to defeat Russia |
| 2015-09-19 |
| [EN.ZAMANALWSL.NET] The newly-appointed leader of the powerful Islamist Ahrar al-Sham ...a Syria jihadi group made up of Islamists and salafists, not that there's that much difference, formed into a brigade. They make up the main element of the Islamic Front but they don't profess adoration of al-Qaeda and they've been fighting (mainly for survival) against the Islamic State. Their leadership was wiped out at a single blow by a suicide kaboom at a crowded basement meeting in September, 2014... rebel group has vowed to defeat any planned Russian intervention in Syria during his inaugural public address. "We owe it to you to restore freedom to Syria after the invasion of the rejectionists [Shiites] from all corners of the earth," Abu Yahya al-Hamwi said in a speech released Thursday. "Today they are bolstered by their allies the Russians and the fate of this invasion shall be defeat," he added in reference to Moscow's major military buildup in Syria. Hamwi's bombastic statement comes less than a week after his selection as Ahrar al-Sham's new commander in a surprise move that saw the outgoing leader Sheikh Hashim al-Sheikh step down voluntary, the first such power transfer among Syrian rebel groups. Only one year ago most of Ahar al-Sham's leadership was killed in a devastating attack in Idlib, however the Islamist fighting force regrouped--reportedly with Turkish backing--and played a lead role in the Army of Conquest coalition's stunning takeover of the Idlib province in June. The Army of Conquest has since advanced against government troops in the Al-Ghab Plain that straddles the mountains along the Bashir al-Assad regime's coastal heartland, raising worries in the erstwhile secure region. Russia, in turn, has bolstered its military presence in the Alawite-populated region amid a flurry of recent reports indicate the country is preparing operations on behalf of the Assad regime. On Thursday, Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Muallem said Damascus would request Russian military assistance if it was necessary. The same day reports emerged that Washington was preparing to accept Russia's offer to discuss its activities in Syria. AFP last Wednesday reported that Russia's build-up has centered on the Bassel al-Assad International Airport south of the coastal city of Latakia. |
| Posted by:Fred |