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On March 25, clashes erupted between two Turkish-backed Free Syrian Army (FSA) groups, the Hamza Division and Ahrar al-Sharqiyah, in the al-Ra’I roundabout and the al-Imad farms in the city of Afrin, according to the Syrian pro-opposition STEP news agency.
An unnamed source in the FSA told STEP that a disagreement over stolen goods was the main reason behind the clashes between the two FSA groups. Several militants, including “Abu Saker al-Qadsyiah” a commander of Ahrar al-Sharqiyah, were killed during the clashes, according the source.
Hours later, the Hamza Division and Ahrar al-Sharqiyah reached a ceasefire agreement that forces both groups to hand over the stolen goods to a “meditator”. According to Syrian opposition source, the Turkish Army played a key role in the negotiations, which had led to the ceasefire.
The Turkish Army and its proxies from the FSA captured Afrin city on March 18. Only hours after entering the city, the Turkish-backed FSA started looting everything there, right in front of the Turkish Amy and members of the press.
Local observers warned that many elements within the Turkish-backed FSA are well-known for their criminal history, especially the fighters of the Hamza Division. However, Turkey appears to be more concerned about the progress of its military operations.
