Turkey To Send Dozens Of Syrian Militants To Qatar – Report

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Turkey is preparing to send 150 to 200 Syrian militants to Qatar, the Hawar News Agency (ANHA) reported on September 20, citing sources familiar with the matter.

According to the ANHA, the militants are members of the Ahrar al-Sham Movement, the Sultan Murad Division and the Samarkand Brigade. The militants are currently gathering in the district of Jandaris in Turkish-occupied Afrin.

The London-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights confirmed the ANHA’s information and revealed that Turkey’s SADAT Defense is organizing the deployment. The company is reportedly affiliated with the Turkish Government.

The monitoring group revealed that Syrian militants will likely be sent from Qatar to Libya. Each militant will receive a monthly salary of $2,000.

“By sending mercenaries to Qatar, Turkey is trying to reduce international pressure and the media attack on Ankara and cover it by sending them from Qatar to Libya,” the group said.

This wont be the first time Turkey sent Syrian militants to Libya through Qatar. Last August, a group of militants, who were promised “security jobs” in Doha, found themselves on the frontlines around the Libyan capital, Tripoli.

Turkey began sending Syrian militants to Libya in late 2019 in order to support the Government of National Accord that was facing a large attack by the Libyan National Army.

A recent report by the Pentagon Inspector General revealed that around 5,000 Syrian militants are currently deployed in Libya. Other reports claim that Turkey has sent around 18,000 to the Arab state since last year.

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