Intel: HTS claims credit for death of Iraqi IS leader’s brother

Long hostile to IS, at least on the surface, HTS has also sought to undermine other jihadist factions in the province, of which it seized control from the Nour al-Din al-Zinki movement in January 2019.

Earlier this summer, a number of jihadi groups formed the Fathbuto operations room, leading HTS to crack down on rival organizations and increase arrests of critics.

The power play was widely seen as beneficial to Turkey, which maintains soldiers in Idlib province and has agreed with Russia to clear extremist factions from the area and open the M4 highway.

Though the United States and Russia consider HTS a terrorist organization, Turkey appears willing to tolerate the group as long as it does not undermine its agreement with Russia. Meanwhile, US drone strikes continue to pick off alleged al-Qaeda officials affiliated with HTS’ more extreme splinter group, Huras al-Din.

What’s next:  Concern is rising that the Syrian pro-regime forces backed by Russia may be preparing for a renewed push into Idlib. Jabal al-Zawiya and the Latakia countryside have been hit with repeated pro-regime artillery and Russian aircraft have increased strikes on HTS and other groups in the province this month.

Discussions between Russia and Turkey over Idlib reportedly led to little headway earlier this month. Though it’s unlikely the Syrian army has the might to revive a final offensive, any push could turn the screws on Ankara’s resolve against further concessions to Russia.

Know more:  Fehim Tastekin lays out the logic behind the renewed pressure on Idlib as crippling US-led sanctions on Assad’s state threaten to permanently divide Syria.