Assad looking to export terrorism to Idlib: Opposition

By Burak Karacaoglu and Esref Musa

ANKARA

A deal struck between the YPG/PKK and Daesh terrorist groups that would allow foreign fighters to be relocated is part of a plan by the Syrian regime to export terrorism to Idlib, according to the Idlib-based National Front for the Liberation of Syria.

Naji Mustafa, a spokesman for the front (which is affiliated with the Free Syrian Army), told Anadolu Agency on Tuesday that, if the agreement is put into effect, his group was ready to fight incoming terrorists.

"We have recently caught several terrorists trying to infiltrate into Idlib,” he said.

“Our security forces are taking measures to identify and arrest these terrorists, who are trying to enter Idlib -- through regime-controlled areas -- under the deal between the PKK and Daesh,” he added.

Mustafa said the Syrian regime was the “main supporter” of these terrorist groups while simultaneously pretending to be fighting against them.

"With this deal, the regime wants to transfer terror from Deir ez-Zor to Idlib, but our security forces -- and the opposition groups -- have adopted tough security measures since last year," Mustafa said.

If these terrorists manage to reach opposition-held areas of Idlib, he asserted, his group was prepared to confront them.

Mohamed Rashid of the FSA-linked Jaysh al-Nasr, for his part, likewise said that his group was ready to “defend its territory” from Daesh terrorists if the agreement was implemented.

Meanwhile, negotiations remain underway between the YPG/PKK and foreign Daesh terrorists who have been surrounded by YPG/PKK forces in Deir ez-Zor.

The YPG/PKK has guaranteed foreign Daesh fighters -- and their families -- safe passage to Idlib if they lay down their arms and release captured YPG/PKK terrorists.

Some Arab Daesh members, however, would rather relocate to Iraq, which would likely lead to a conflict between the PKK and Daesh.

While the YPG/PKK has not taken a clear stance on the proposed relocation to Iraq, it has suggested certain desert areas of Homs province as a possible alternative.