Opposition–Islamic State conflict during the Syrian civil war

Opposition–ISIL conflict during the Syrian Civil War
Part of the Syrian Civil War and al-Qaeda–Islamic State conflict
Date2 January 2014 – c. 2018[12]
(4 years)
Location
Status Opposition victory[12]
Belligerents

Syrian opposition Free Syrian Army[1]
Support:


Nour al-Din al-Zenki Movement
(2014–18)


Syrian opposition Syrian Liberation Front

Ahrar ash-Sham
(2014–18)
Jaysh al-Islam
Jabhat Ahl al-Sham (until 2017)
Support:

Tahrir al-Sham (2017–18)
Al-Qaeda

Support

 Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant

Commanders and leaders

Syrian opposition Albay Ahmed Berri
(FSA Chief of Staff)


Zahran Alloush 
(Islamic Front Military leader)
Ahmed Abu Issa (former)
(Islamic Front leader)

Abu Khaled al-Suri [13]
(Ahrar ash-Sham senior leader)

Abu Mohammad al-Julani
(al-Nusra Front leader)
Sami al-Oraydi
(Deputy of the al-Nusra Front)[14]
Abu Humam al-Shami 
(al-Nusra Military Chief)[15]

Abu Maria Al-Qahtani
(al-Nusra Emir of the Eastern area)[16]
Islamic State Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi 
Islamic State Abu Ali al-Anbari  (Emir of Syria)
Islamic State Abu Ayman al-Iraqi 
(Head of military council)
Islamic State Abu Omar al-Shishani 
(ISIL field commander)
Islamic State Haji Bakr [17]
(Senior ISIL commander)
Islamic State Abu Baraa al-Jazairi 
(Emir of Saraqeb)[18]
Islamic State Abu Dajana 
(Emir of Deir ez-Zor)
Islamic State Abu Mohammad Al-Massri 
(Emir of Manbij)
Abu Haidara Al-Tounisi 
(eastern Qalamoun leader)[19][20]
Strength

Syrian opposition Free Syrian Army 40,000–50,000 Army of Mujahedeen 5,000–12,000

Ajnad al-Sham Islamic Union 15,000


Islamic Front 40,000–70,000

Al-Nusra Front 20,000[21]

Jund al-Aqsa 1,000[22]
Islamic State ISIL 31,000–100,000[23][24]
Casualties and losses
2,764+ killed[25] 2,196+ killed[25]
605 civilians killed[25]
76 unidentified killed[25]
an additional 1,200 combatants and 150 civilians estimated killed[25]
Total: 5,641–6,991 killed
(up until 28 June 2014)[25]

Opposition–ISIL conflict during the Syrian Civil War started after fighting erupted between Syrian opposition groups and the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).[26] In early January 2014, serious clashes between the groups erupted in the north of the country. Opposition groups near Aleppo attacked ISIL in two areas, Atarib and Anadan, which were both strongholds of the fundamentalist Sunni organization.[27] Despite the conflict between ISIL and other rebels, one faction of ISIL has cooperated with the al-Nusra Front and the Green Battalion (a group of Saudi fighters) to combat Hezbollah in the Battle of Qalamoun.[28] By 2018.[12]

Background: 2013

In 2013–14, there was some co-operation between ISIL and FSA groups.[29] However, there were conflicts from early 2013. On 5 July 2013, units of the FSA's 33rd Infantry Division were deployed to the town of al-Dana in Idlib Governorate after ISIL fighters opened fire on civilian anti-ISIL protesters. Clashes broke out between the two groups, and resulted in ISIL beheading a commander of the 33rd Division, and taking full control of the town.[30]

In June 2013, clashes erupted in Jarablus between the FSA's Euphrates Jarabulus Battalions and al-Nusra/ISIL, which resulted in ISIL taking full control of Jarabulus.[31] After the capture, the Euphrates Jarabulus Battalions moved its headquarters to the YPG-controlled town of Zur Maghar, and attempted to reenter Jarabulus with other FSA factions but were repelled . It then formed an alliance with the YPG in the Kobane Canton.[32] Some members regrouped into the Jarabulus Brigade, a small independent faction.[33] In July 2013, in the Battle of Tell Abyad, al-Nusra ISIL captured the border town of Tell Abyad from the Kurdish FSA group Jabhat al-Akrad and the YPG.[34]

Tension between FSA groups and ISIL had been high since ISIL attacked and captured the Northern Storm Brigade (FSA)-held border town of Azaz[35] north of Aleppo and the nearby Bab al-Salameh border crossing with Turkey (which served as an important supply route for rebel forces), between 18–23 September 2013.[36][37] The conflict was renewed over Azaz in early October 2013,[38] and in late November ISIL captured the border town of Atme from the Hawks of Islam Brigade. This came after infighting between the brigade and other FSA groups in the town. During the battle, activists accused the Supreme Military Council of collaborating with ISIL against the Hawks of Islam.[39]

In late 2013, ISIL and FSA Division 13 clashed. In December, ISIL overran a Division 13base in Kafr Nabl, seizing ammunition and weaponry. The following day, the Division's Lieutenant Colonel Ahmad al-Sa’oud was ambushed and captured in Taftanaz by ISIL while he was trying to negotiate for their return. He was released after two weeks.[40] On 31 December 2013, the body of Dr. Hussein Suleiman was handed over in a prisoner swap between ISIL and rival rebel forces. Suleiman was tortured, and died, in ISIL custody.[41] The opposition National Coalition and activists accused ISIL of serving the interests of the Ba'athist Syrian government by tarnishing the image of their uprising.[42]

Full-blown conflict between ISIL and other rebel groups erupted in January 2014. In the first few days of the conflict, al-Qaeda's al-Nusra Front and Ahrar al-Sham brokered a ceasefire agreement with ISIL in the city of Aleppo and its northern countryside. However, ISIL continued its attacks on other rebel groups and killed more than 24 rebel fighters across northern Syria. The newly created Army of Mujahideen also pledged to fight ISIL in both Aleppo and Idlib.[43]

Opposition–ISIL conflict, 2014

Start of the rebel offensive, ISIL counter-offensive, and mutual advances

First week

On the evening of 2 January 2014, ISIL forces attacked the rebel-held town of Atarib, where they were accused of two incidents of killing or kidnapping mainstream rebel commanders.[44]

On 3 January, several civilian protests, counting hundreds of people, were organized against ISIL and to commemorate the death of Suleiman across the Aleppo Governorate. In the Idlib village of Kafr Takharim, ISIL opened fire on the protesters.[41] There were no reports of casualties. In response to the attack on the protesters, two newly formed Islamist rebel groups of the FSA attacked ISIL positions in more than half a dozen locations in the governorates of Aleppo and Idlib.[44]

Rebels in Atarib managed to repel the ISIL attack on the town, after which the ISIL fighters were surrounded, resulting in the capture of a Tunisian commander, Abu Saber al-Tunisi. It was unclear if he was summarily executed by the rebels. 42 ISIL fighters were wounded in the fighting in Atarib, while an opposition media activist was killed while covering the clashes.[41] There were unconfirmed reports of rebels arresting ISIL members in various towns and villages in the Aleppo Governorate and the Idlib Governorate. Fighting raged in the Idlib village of Maarrat Misrin, while in the village of Kafr Nabl, rebel forces surrounded an ISIL facility, giving its fighters 24 hours to surrender. Meanwhile, the rebel Islamic Front,[44] which was also engaged in the fighting against ISIL,[41] sent reinforcements to the ISIL-held town of Azaz.[44]

On 4 January, ISIL were reported to be rounding up "suspect activists" in both Saraqeb and Kafr Nabl.[1] In the Harem area, ISIL forces executed 30 captives, including civilians, after their base was surrounded by rebel forces. In Aleppo, fighting raged throughout the province, with rebel forces making advances against ISIL. FSA units were reportedly making progress in Atarib, but ISIL was surrounding the town and shelling it.[1]

ISIL was also on the offensive, attacking rebel positions and ambushing their forces in attacks that left 24 rebels dead. One attack included a car bomb.[45] At this point, ISIL gave a 24-hour ultimatum to rebel forces attacking them, saying that they would withdraw from Aleppo, allowing government forces to enter rebel territory, if they did not stop their attacks. The rebels reiterated an earlier call on ISIL fighters to defect to their side.[46]

On 5 January, rebels captured an ISIL base in Manbij after heavy fighting.[47] Clashes had also erupted in the town of Tabqa, in the Raqqa Governorate, and fighting spread to the central Hama Governorate, where ISIL killed seven rebel fighters.[45] During the fighting in Manbij, ISIL used car bombs to defend its territory.[47] Meanwhile, ISIL forces retreated from al-Dana and Atme in the Idlib Governorate, and started heading in the direction of Aleppo. Their positions were overrun by the al-Nusra Front and Ahrar ash-Sham groups, in a possible deal to avoid larger confrontations.[48] ISIL also retreated from Darat Izza,[45] while they managed to retain control of Saraqeb and Kafr Zita. ISIL reinforcements were dispatched from Raqqa to Aleppo.[49] Overall, 66 combatants, including 11 ISIL fighters, were killed during the day.[50]

According to the opposition Sham News Network, by this point, rebels had captured more than 80% of the ISIL-held Idlib countryside and 65% of ISIL territory in Aleppo and its countryside.[51]

By 6 January, rebels had besieged ISIL in its stronghold of Raqqa. During the fighting, rebels released 50 prisoners from ISIL custody. Among those rescued was a Turkish news photographer who had been kidnapped since December 2013. 10 Syrian Kurdish prisoners also managed to escape.[52] 70 ISIL and 20 rebel fighters had been killed since the rebel attack on Raqqa started, according to a rebel officer who expected that it would take them at least a week to drive the al-Qaida linked militants out of the city. Meanwhile, ISIL detonated a car bomb by a rebel checkpoint near the town of Darkush, 20 rebel fighters were killed in the suicide attack on the checkpoint.[53] ISIL fighters retreated from Kafr Zita,[54] In Jarablus, a mile and a half from the Turkish-Syrian border, there were conflicting reports with the Islamic Front stating they had overrun the local ISIL headquarters, with the ISIL denying that and insisting that the group was holding fast.[55]

On 7 January, it was confirmed that 34 foreign ISIL and Jund al-Aqsa fighters had been executed in the previous few days by rebels in the Jabal al-Zawiya area.[56] ISIL retreated from Mayadin in Deir ez-Zor Governorate, without any fighting with rebel forces.[57] East of Rastan, in the Homs Governorate, ISIL attacked a rebel headquarters, killing 15 rebel fighters.[58] During the day, it was revealed that during the previous evening, ISIL executed up to 50 prisoners in the Qadi al-Askar district of Aleppo. The dead included media activists, relief workers, and other civilians.[59] According to the opposition SOHR, 42 people were executed, including, 21 rebel fighters and five media activists.[60]

On 8 January, rebels captured the ISIL headquarters in Aleppo city at the Children's hospital in the Qadi Askar district. ISIL forces lost control over opposition-held areas of the city and retreated to Al-Inzarat on the northeastern outskirts of Aleppo. 300 hostages held by the radical jihadists were set free.[61] In Raqqa, the hospital was abandoned, bodies were lying in the central square and there was no power or water leaving the city "completely paralyzed", according to an opposition activist. At this point, ISIL controlled two key routes out of Raqqa: to the east toward the Iraqi border and also the road north to the Turkish frontier.[62] The head of the al-Nusra Front, Abu Mohammad al-Golani, confirmed that fighting had taken place between his organization and ISIL and called for mediation and an end to the "infighting."[63] Late in the day, ISIL started a counterattack, as it launched car bomb assaults targeting opposition checkpoints. Three attacks took place in Al-Bab, Hreitan, and Jarabulus in the Aleppo Governorate, Observatory director Rami Abdel Rahman told AFP. He said similar overnight attacks took place in the Aleppo Governorate, while one occurred in Mayadin in the eastern Deir ez-Zor Governorate. The attack in Al-Bab killed nine people.[64]

Second week

On 9 January, ISIL sent reinforcements from Deir ez-Zor to back its fighters in the Aleppo countryside. According to local residents, ISIL was preparing many suicide attacks in retaliation for the rebel attacks, and that their commanders were wearing explosive belts all the time. Dutch journalist Lex Runderkamp told Dutch news program NOS that the ISIL reinforcement convoy was 1,300 men strong, including ISIL special forces from Iraq.[65] In Raqqa, the rebels took control of the political intelligence building, which was located 400 meters from the main ISIL headquarters. However, ISIL still controlled the bridges leading into the city, which left people using boats to get into Raqqa,[64] and later in the evening, ISIL forces seized the Mashlab district and an al-Nusra Front base in the city.[66] Clashes erupted between ISIL and a rebel brigade by the Castillo road, in Aleppo Governorate. The rebels blocked an ISIL supply route between al-Jandoul and Castillo. Meanwhile, Islamist rebel brigades sent reinforcements to the Bab al-Salama border crossing, at Azaz, which is primarily controlled by ISIL.[67] In Idlib province, ISIL opened fire on a demonstration in Kafartkharim and besieged several field clinics, and stormed one of them, searching for rebels injured earlier in the morning during clashes in Atarib.[68]

According to SOHR, local ISIL forces signed a truce with the Islamic Front and several independent Islamist rebel units in Al-Hasakah Governorate. They agreed with the establishment of a single military command center and legal authority for the area.[69]

On 10 January, ISIL managed to push back rebel forces on the eastern approaches to Raqqa. ISIL forces also killed 20 rebel fighters in fighting in the town of Al-Bab in Aleppo province,[70] and managed to capture wheat silos and mills just outside the town.[71] ISIL commander Abu Omar al-Shishani entered the town with a convoy of 30 vehicles and troops after he lifted the ISIL's siege of Deir-az-Zor airport.[72]

On 11 January, rebels moved a convoy including tanks and technicals to Saraqeb in preparation to push ISIL out.[73] Heavy fighting erupted and it was reported that rebels took over most of the town, and besieged hundreds of ISIL fighters. Earlier in the day, five rebels were killed on the outskirts of Saraqeb when their car hit a bomb.[74] Meanwhile, ISIL forces managed to capture the border town of Tal Abyad, while in Raqqa ISIL fighters captured a rebel checkpoint and the train station.[75] ISIL fighters also dumped the corpses of dozens of their foes at the village of Jazra, to the west of Raqqa. Dozens of bodies of ISIL fighters were also reportedly in Raqqa's hospital.[73] Rebels managed to regain territory lost in previous days in Aleppo province and were defending against ISIL counterattacks. 20 rebels were killed in fighting in the town of Anadan,[76] while 30 rebels were killed in three days of fighting in the village of al-Tiba, northeast of Sekhna.[77]

On 12 January, it was confirmed that rebel forces had captured the eastern part of Saraqeb with the local ISIL commander surrounded with his fighters in the center of the town.[78] Fighting was still continuing in Raqqa between ISIL and remnants of rebel units, including the Al-Nusra Front,[79] although by this point ISIL had captured much of the city.[80] According to an opposition activist, 95 percent of Raqqa and its countryside were under ISIL control. ISIL forces had also captured the towns of Hrietan and Basraton in Aleppo province.[79] It was also reported that the bodies of 70 rebels were delivered to Raqqa's hospital after they were executed by ISIL following their capture of Tal Abyad. Another report put the number of executed prisoners at 100.[81]

On 13 January, it was reported that ISIL had won the battle of Raqqa, capturing most of the province and the provincial capital.[82] ISIL had also captured Al-Bab[83] and Beza'a, while the rebels were gaining ground in Jarabulus, near the Turkish border.[84] Another mass execution of prisoners was also reported near the village of Kantari, about 80 kilometers north of Raqqa, when ISIL killed 46 captured fighters of the Ahrar ash-Sham rebel group.[83] 14 rebels were also executed in Homs province[85]

On 14 January, it was reported that rebels captured the villages of Masqan,[86] Kafar Kalbin and Kafra in Aleppo province, while the ISIL has taken full control of Raqqa city, after the last remaining rebels retreated.[87] Meanwhile, the rebels also captured the prison in Jarablus, releasing 70 prisoners from ISIL custody.[88]

On 15 January, an ISIL car bomb in Jarablus killed 26 people, of which 23 were rebel fighters and three were civilians. Meanwhile, in Saraqeb fighting was continuing and opposition sources reported that the local ISIL commander, a Belgian, was killed. ISIL denied the claim.[18] Between 15 and 17 January, rebels captured Jibreen, Hardntin Kfarrakeshr,[89][90] Sheikh Ali, Aajel, 46th base, Orum al-Sughra and Reef al-Muhandiseen, while the ISIL retreated from the village of Kafarjoum, which holds the largest ISIL arms depots in all of Syria.[91] ISIL also withdrew from Saraqab, burning their vehicles as they retreated, while at the same time ISIL recaptured Jarabulus.[92]

Third week

On 20 January, 2 suicide cars exploded at the Bab Al-Hawa border crossing, 16 people including six rebels were killed.[93] The same day, ISIL forces seized control of the Al-Jarah military airport.[93] In Manbij, a large suicide car explosion killed 20 people, including rebels, women, and children[94] By 23 January, ISIL was in full control of Manbij[95] and completely secured Darkush the following day.[96]

Fourth week

On 27 January, it was reported that ISIL senior Commander Sameer Abid Mohammed al-Halefawi (aka Haji Bakr) was killed by rebels in Tal Rifaat, near Azaz,[17] and at least two other ISIL senior commanders were captured at Hreitan. Four ISIL fighters and three rebels were killed in the fighting.[97] ISIL confirmed the death of top ISIL leader Haji Bakr on 2 February.[98]

Al Qaeda breaks links with ISIL and al-Nusra Front joins the fight

On 1 February, ISIL attacked the headquarters of the al-Tawhid Brigade in Aleppo, killing the brigade commander Adnan Bakour and 15 other rebels[99] at the cost of at least 9 ISIL fighters. The next day, al-Qaeda distanced itself from ISIL and its actions in Syria.[100]

On 3 February, the Raqqa Revolutionaries Brigade launched a military operation against ISIL checkpoints and strongholds in Raqqa.[101] The day before, five ISIL fighters were assassinated in the Raqqa national hospital.[102]

On 5 February, a local group of Suqour al-Sham brigade in Hama and ISIL signed a truce,[103] It was also reported that The Front of Aleppo Islamic Scholars issued a statement, giving the ISIL fighters in Syria a three-day ultimatum to either return to Iraq or join other armed factions fighting against the Syrian government.[104]

On 8 February, the Al-Nusra Front and allied rebel factions launched an offensive against the ISIL in the Deir ez-Zor Governorate. It was reported that the ISIL emir of Deir al-Zor, Abu Dajana, was killed in the clashes and the rebels also recaptured facilities in the province.[105] At the same time, 13 foreign ISIL fighters defected in Raqqa.[106] Between 10 and 12 February, ISIL had almost completely withdrawn from the eastern province of Deir ez-Zor, including the city of Deir ez-Zor.[107]

Northern Aleppo fighting

On 13 February 2014, the Kurdish Front Brigade, the Northern Storm Brigade, and the Descendants of Messengers Brigade declared the beginning of a battle to recapture Azaz and the rest of northern Aleppo from ISIL, code named the Battle of Dignity. The groups declared the front to be a military exclusion zone and warned civilians to leave the area. The first clashes began in the village of Maryamin, Afrin and resulted in the Kurdish Front capturing the village. Clashes spread to Deir Jamal and several other villages.[108] The top commander of the Kurdish Front, Alaa Ajabu, was killed in action during the fighting 4 days later.[109]

On 14 February, Kurdish and rebel groups united in the Euphrates Islamic Liberation Front, which formed the basis for the later Euphrates Volcano operations room.[110]

On 23 February, two ISIL suicide bombers killed a number of rebels in Aleppo, including Abu Khaled al-Suri, who was Al-Qaeda's representative in Syria and top-commander in the rebel group Ahrar ash-Sham.[13] Three days later, the Tunisian ISIL deputy Emir for the Raqqa province and three other fighters were killed by a roadside bomb, while rebels captured the village of Kafrnaya in Aleppo. It was also reported that ISIL released a rebel commander in Raqqa.[111]

By 28 February, ISIL forces withdrew from Azaz, Menagh Military Airbase, the Mayer region and the villages of Deir Jamal and Kafin, toward Raqqa. ISIL forces from the area retreated to their strongholds of al-Bab, Jarabulus and Manbij in eastern Aleppo.[112][113] Jabhat al-Akrad, the Northern Storm Brigade, and al-Tawhid Brigade took Azaz.[114]

ISIL retreats from Idlib and Latakia

On 3 March, SOHR reported that ISIL was responsible for the kidnapping of the commander of the rebel "United Front for Southern Damascus" in February 2014.[115]

On 11 March, ISIL massacred at least 22 people, including 12 rebels, after they captured the village of Shuyukh near Jarabulus.[116] During this time, ISIL had also captured the town of Karakozak, in Aleppo province near the Turkish border.[117] The next day, the ISIL emir Abu Mouhammad Al-Massri was assassinated by the FSA affiliated Al-Raqqa Revolutionaries Brigade in the Raqqa's Tal-Dikan area, near the village of Sarreen.[118]

On 14 March, it was reported that ISIL fully retreated from Idlib and Latakia provinces.[119]

On 16 March, according to local sources a number of foreign ISIL fighters defected to Al-Nusra after they killed their commander. The next day, Al-Nusra and the Islamic Front were able to capture the al-Thalja barrier, resulting in the ISIL withdrawal towards Markada town.[120]

On 27 March, ISIL launched an operation against Al-Nusra and allied forces at the al-Jafra oil field and the Koniko gas factory in Reef Deir Izzor. SOHR confirmed that the ISIL took hold of these facilities,[121] but were forced to withdraw after heavy clashes two days later.[122] On 29 March, ISIL captured the town of Markada, after the rebels retreated to Al-Sor town in the eastern countryside of Der-Ezzor. At least 35 rebels were reportedly killed by the ISIL in the fighting and many rebels were captured. The SOHR confirmed the death of at least seven ISIL fighters.[123]

ISIL's Deir ez-Zor offensive

On 10 April, ISIL launched an offensive against rebels (including al-Nusra, the Islamic Front, Army of Mujahedeen, the FSA and Syria Revolutionaries Front) in Deir ez-Zor Governorate launched a three-pronged assault on rebel positions in and near the border town of Albu Kamal and reportedly took control of parts of the town.[124]

Between 10 and 13 May, ISIL gained control of important parts of Eastern Deir ez-Zor province and districts of Deir ez-Zor city from rival rebel forces.[125] and gained control of at least five villages in the northern countryside of Al-Raqqa province.[citation needed] ISIL also executed the military commander of the Al-Raqqa rebel brigade and his nephew near Ayn Issa in Al-Raqqa province.[126]

On 16 May 2014, 9 rebel groups formed the "Free Syria Operations Room", announced the beginning of the "Battle of Northern Earthquake", and declared the northern and eastern countrysides of Aleppo a military zone. Clashes took place in and near the town of al-Rai. ISIL reinforcements then arrived in al-Rai from Jarabulus to fight the rebels.[127]

By late May, 3,000 ISIL fighters were involved in the offensive in Deir ez-Zor[128] and gained control of the Al-Kharrat oil terminal in Deir ez-Zor province.[citation needed]

On 2 June, ISIL took full control of Al-Besera, while at the same time the rebels counterattacked, reclaiming 16 villages.[citation needed]

On 5 June, ISIL gained control of the entire western countryside of Deir ez-Zor after Al-Nusra forces withdrew following an assault by Chechen and Afghan ISIL fighters.[129] On 8 June, the FSA reportedly assassinated the ISIL emir of Homs.[130] By 10 June, the offensive into Deir ez-Zor had expanded and ISIL had reportedly driven Al-Nusra and aligned militants from nearly all of the province north of the Euphrates.[131]

Since the start of the ISIL offensive in Deir ez-Zor, the pace of defections from the opposition to ISIL had accelerated, most significantly in the town of Al-Muhasan and adjacent villages, where a mass defection by the rebel garrison granted ISIL uncontested control over a key route to the provincial capital.[132]

Between 21 and 22 June, ISIL captured eight towns in the northern part of Aleppo governorate,[133] with the help of American-made Humvees seized in Iraq. Two of the towns were located near the town of Azaz on the border with Turkey.[134]

Between 1 and 3 July, ISIL, bolstered by reinforcements from Iraq, captured Abu Kamal, Mayadin and Shuhail.[135][136] ISIL also gained control of Syria's largest oil field, al-Omar in Deir ez-Zor province, after Al-Nusra forces fled the facility.[137] By this point, the entirety of the province with the exception of the provincial capital, its airport, and a few villages had fallen to ISIL.[138] Following this, ISIL captured the villages of Quniya and Buqris, close to the town of Mayadin.[139]

In July 2014, ISIL launched a large-scale counter-offensive and recaptured the village of Bahwartah, north of Akhtarin, as well as 5 other villages. However, the al-Nusra Front and the Tawhid Brigade soon recaptured 3 of these villages. In response to the ISIL offensive, 11 rebel groups threatened to withdraw from the frontlines in the area due to the lack of support.[140]

On 14 July, ISIL expelled Nusra and other assorted rebel groups from all rebel-controlled neighborhoods in Deir ez-Zor city.[141] By this stage, ISIL controlled between 95% and 98% of Deir Ez-Zor province.[142]

East Ghouta fighting

On 1 July 2014, clashes erupted between Jaysh al-Islam and ISIL in the Eastern Ghouta town of Medaa. ISIL captured 25 of their fighters and executed an unknown number of them. The next day, Jaysh al-Islam reportedly expelled ISIL fighters from the Ghouta town of Maydaa in Damascus province.[143]

One week later, a key commander of Jaysh al-Islam, Abu Mohammad Haroun, was assassinated by ISIL by a roadside bomb in the Ghouta suburbs.[144]

Following ISIL's victory in Deir ez-Zor, it was reported that the entirety of Dawoud Brigade, a thousand strong division of the Jaysh al-Sham defected to ISIL. The defection of Dawud is reported to have bolstered ISIL forces in Raqqa with more than a hundred combat vehicles, at least ten of them tanks.[145]

Aleppo fighting

A convoy of Hazzm Movement fighters reinforcing the town of Mare' against ISIL on 18 August 2014.

On 8 July, Idlib-based rebel groups formed a “quick response unit” of 600 fighters pledging to support rebels in fighting the government and ISIL in Aleppo; its members included the Syrian Revolutionaries’ Front, Jabhat al-Nusra, Sham Legion, Suqour al-Sham, Harakat Hazm, FSA 13th Division, Fursan al-Haq, and Jabhat Thuwar Saraqib.[146]

On 13 August 2014, it was reported that IS seized control of eight villages and several towns in Aleppo province from rebels, including Turkmen Barah and Akhtarin; the fighting reportedly killed 40 rebel fighters and 12 IS members.[147][148][149] By 16 August, IS captured around 10 villages and towns and was advancing towards Marea and Azaz. Fighting raged near Marea, the main base of Islamic Front rebel group, where rebel reinforcements were being sent.[150] During the day, IS forces captured three villages near Marea.[151] Additionally, by 18 August opposition sources had reported the mass defection of the Aleppo-based Khaled Rashed, Green and Tawhid-e-jihad brigades to the Islamic State.[152] On 24 August, rebels recaptured two villages,[citation needed] and on 27 August, started an offensive called Nahrwan Al-Sham to expel IS from the northern and eastern Aleppo countryside; opposition sources claimed that rebels had regained control of several villages and killed 43 IS fighters.[153][154]

In early April 2015, ISIL bolstered its forces in the northern Aleppo countryside after having withdrawn significant quantities of war material just two months before. A double car bomb attack killed 31 rebels near Aleppo.[155]

On 31 May, ISIL seized the town of Sawran and numerous other villages from the rebels, leaving them just 30 miles away from the Bab al Salam border crossing. The militants beheaded captured rebel fighters in the seized villages and kidnapped their families.[156] Fighting raged all along the 35 mile frontline as the militants pressed towards Azaz; rebels reportedly requested coalition air support and received none.[157]

As Turkey announced plans for a rebel controlled 'buffer zone' in northern Aleppo to counter the Islamic State,[158] Syrian rebels expressed skepticism that the Turkish plans would impact the battle, claiming the coalition had not consulted them. Fighters from the US trained "Division 30" were reported to have entered Syria and taken positions in Azaz with the intention of coordinating with rebel groups to push back ISIL.[159] The United States and Turkey continued to disagree over which rebel groups should be provided with support.[160]

On 30 July, seven Nusra fighters were killed when a car bomb exploded at a checkpoint near the town of Malikiya. Clashes subsequently broke out between Nusra and ISIL.[161] On 9 August, ISIL captured the village of Umma Housh, a village that lies along a rebel supply line into Aleppo, after a night time assault involving two suicide bombers, killing at least 37 rebels and 10 ISIL fighters.[162] On 10 August, Nusra announced it was withdrawing from the frontline with ISIL in protest over Turkish and US plans for a safezone in Aleppo province.[163]

On 27 August, ISIL launched a major offensive on the opposition bastion of Marea. ISIL fighters captured two villages that Nusra had withdrawn from while taking three villages neighboring Marea, enveloping it in a pincer movement on three sides and killing dozens.[164] On 5 September, ISIL pushed into Marea from the north, rebels entrenched in the town attempted to resist as ferocious fighting killed 47 on both sides.[165] On 8 September, it was reported that the rebels had managed to push ISIL back to the outskirts of the town, but were still surrounded on three sides. ISIL was pounding Marea with high-powered weaponry, suicide bombs, artillery, and chemical weapons. US airstrikes were intensifying around the town in an attempt to halt the jihadist advance.[166]

On 9 October, ISIL captured five villages as well as the Infantry School on the outskirts of Aleppo in a lightning attack that brought them to within 10 miles of the city[167] Later that day, Ahrar al Sham managed to recapture one of the villages and was battling to regain a second.[168]

Attempted mediation

On 19 January 2014, ISIL reached out to other rebel groups in Syria to stop the rebel in-fighting, by posting an audio message online.[169] On 4 April, Al-Qaeda chief Ayman al-Zawahri called on the rival jihadists and rebels to end the infighting, stating that the violence is "sedition".[170] In early May, Ayman al-Zawahiri again called on ISIL and the Al Nusra Front to stop their fighting. However, fighting continued between the two groups.[171] The Al-Nusra Front issued a statement on 4 May 2014 in which it agreed to stop fighting with ISIL, however, it stated that it will retaliate if ISIL attacks first.[172] In May 2014, ISIL launched an offensive against Al-Nusra and allied groups in Deir ez-Zor Governorate, seizing oil wells and leaving hundreds dead on both sides.[173]

In September 2014, moderate rebels and the Islamic State signed a non-aggression pact in Al-Hajar al-Aswad.[174] However, the report of a truce has been denied by the Islamic Front, the Syria Revolutionaries Front, and other rebel groups.[175]

Kobanî

In the summer of 2014, ISIL began taking over the area south of the Turkish border and then started to besiege the town of Kobanî.[176] The Kurdish People's Protection Units were assisted by the FSA groups Dawn of Freedom Brigades,[177] Liwa Thuwwar al-Raqqa,[178] the Al-Qassas Army and the Jarabulus Brigade[179] during the defense of Kobanî against ISIL.[178]

On 26 January 2015, YPG and rebels recaptured the town of Kobani.[180]

Meanwhile, in September 2014, the Euphrates Volcano Kurdish-rebel alliance was formed, including FSA groups such as Jarabulus Company, Retribution Army, Army of Revolutionaries, Liberation Brigade, Jihad in the Path of God Brigade, and Tawhid Brigades.[181][182]

2015

US involvement, FSA–Kurdish co-operation

The US gave limited backing to some vetted rebel groups against ISIL. In 2015, around 200 rebels were armed and trained by the US via the Syrian Train and Equip Program and deployed against ISIL from Turkey and Jordan. The Army of Revolutionaries (Jaysh al-Thuwar) was formed in May 2015 by rebel groups (including the Syrian Revolutionaries Front, Northern Sun Battalion, Jabhat al-Akrad and Seljuk Brigade) who wanted to fight ISIL but did not participate in the Train and Equip program because of its exclusive focus on ISIL.

The Battle of Sarrin (June–July 2015) was a military operation launched on 18 June in the northeastern Aleppo Governorate in which the Kurdish YPG and Free Syrian Army forces captured the town of Sarrin and the surrounding region from ISIL, backed by US airstrikes. The capture of Tell Abyad from ISIL in July 2015 was a major success of the Euphrates Volcano operations room.[183][184]

On 10 October 2015, the Euphrates Volcano was one of the founding members of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which brought together FSA units and Kurdish groups.[185] One of the first SDF offensives was the 2015 al-Hawl offensive during November, in which Liwa Thuwar al-Raqqa, Al-Tahrir Brigade and Jaysh al-Thuwar, as well as Kurdish forces and international volunteers from the International Freedom Battalion took strategically important territory from ISIL in al-Hawl in al-Hasakah Governorate with CJTF–OIR air support.

Battle for Eastern Qalamoun and Yarmouk

In 2015, most of the fighting between the rebels and ISIL took place in the Rif Dimashq Governorate, while some factions from both parties chose to fight together against the Syrian Army, Lebanese Army and Hezbollah in the border area with Lebanon.

On 26 February 2015, ISIL fighters attacked rebels in the area of Dakwa, in the countryside east of Damascus, and took control of it.[186]

On 13 March 2015, a rebel joint-force consisting of Jaysh Usud al-Sharqiya, Ahmad al-Abdo Martyrs Brigades and Battalions, al-Nusra Front, Jaysh al-Islam and Ahrar ash-Sham launched an offensive against ISIL in the eastern Qalamoun area. They reportedly captured the Bir al-Mahrotha area and killed the ISIL leader Abu Haidara Al-Tounisi that day.[19][20] Two days later, the rebels captured "wide parts" of the al-Zarka area and the al-Qaryatayn mountains from ISIL.[19][187]

On 19 March 2015, rebels attacked ISIL positions in al-Kafat area, after an al-Nusra Front suicide attack, and reportedly advanced.[188]

On 1 April 2015, ISIL, reportedly facilitated by Nusra's local wing, stormed Yarmouk refugee camp in the area outlying central Damascus.[189] Quickly taking control of wide swaths of the camp, the militants engaged in drawn out battles with anti-Assad rebel fighters and the Hamas affiliated Aknaf Bait al-Maqdis before a rebel offensive managed to regain some of the camp the next day.[190] However, ISIL militants re-entered the camp the following day and seized up to 90% of it.[191]

On 5 April 2015, rebels announced an offensive against ISIL in the Syrian desert[192] and reportedly captured the Alyaniah mountains.[193] The SOHR reported that seven fighters from both sides were killed in the al-Mahesa area. Three rebels were captured by ISIL as well.[194]

On 12 April, Jaysh al-Islam and allied forces launched a counter-attack on the ISIL-held Hajar al-Aswad district.[195] On 17 April, Jaysh al-Islam and the 1st Brigade also launched an offensive against ISIL in the neighborhoods of al-Qaboun, Jobar and Barzah.[196]

On 22 April, ISIL captured wide parts of al-Mahsa area, in the eastern Qalamoun, and cut off the rebel supply line between Jordanian border and the Syrian al-Badia. According to one report, 30 rebels and at least 12 ISIL militants were killed,[197] while another stated nearly 100 rebels were dead or missing.[198] A pro-opposition source stated ISIL recaptured all areas they lost to the rebels in the previous four months.[199]

Southern Syria fighting

Between 27 and 29 April 2015, fighting raged south of Quneitra city, near the Israeli-held Golan Heights, between an ISIL-linked rebel group Jaysh al-Jihad on one side and al-Nusra and FSA fighters on the other. The clashes started after a pair of Jaysh al-Jihad ambushes on rebel convoys preparing an offensive against government forces. The rebels besieged 200 Jaysh al-Jihad fighters in the village of al-Qahtania[200] and took control of wide areas the group controlled. On 29 April, fighting also erupted in Daraa province between al-Nusra and the Yarmouk Martyrs Brigade, which was accused the previous month of also pledging allegiance to ISIL.[201] The Yarmouk Martyrs Brigade captured an al-Nusra post in the town of Sahem al-Jolan.[202] On 30 April, rebel forces captured the Quneitra border crossing from the Jaysh al-Jihad[203] and on 5 May, al-Qahtania. Overall, the fighting left 59 rebels, 32 Jaysh al-Jihad fighters and two members of Yarmouk Martyrs Brigade dead.[204][205]

2016: Al-Tanf, Abu Kamal, Dabiq, al-Rai and al-Bab

Operation Euphrates Shield was a cross-border operation by the Turkish military and Turkey-aligned Syrian opposition groups in the Syrian Civil War which led to the Turkish occupation of northern Syria. Operations were carried out in the region between the Euphrates river to the east and the rebel-held area around Azaz to the west by the Turkish military and Turkey-aligned Syrian rebel groups, some of which used the Free Syrian Army label.

The Al-Tanf offensive (2016) was an offensive launched on 3 March by the FSA Southern Front, backed by the US, against ISIL, aiming to capture the Syrian border post Al-Tanf. After several hours of fighting the rebels captured the border post.[206] However, a counter-attack took place, which led to ISIL recapturing the post several hours later.[207] Al-Tanf was recaptured by rebels, and on 28 June the 2016 Abu Kamal offensive, also known as Operation Day of Wrath, was launched from al-Tanf on the town of Abu Kamal on the Syrian–Iraqi border, led by the US-backed New Syrian Army (NSA). The offensive was a failure.[208]

The Daraa offensive (March–April 2016) was a military operation of two ISIL-affiliated groups, the Yarmouk Martyrs Brigade and the Islamic Muthanna Movement, against Southern Front forces in the Daraa Governorate, which was a significant victory for the rebels and ended with the destruction of the Islamic Muthanna Movement.

The Northern Aleppo offensive (March–June 2016) saw significant FSA advances against ISIL. In March, Ahrar ash-Sham and the Sultan Murad Brigade advanced in the villages of Dudyan, Toqli and Mregel. On 1 April, ISIL launched an offensive toward the Levant Front headquarters in the outskirts of Mregel. The attack was repelled by the Sham Legion and the Falcons of Mount Zawiya Brigade[209] who then advanced and took new territory.[210] Two days later, the al-Moutasem Brigade, the Sultan Murad Brigade, and the Sham Legion launched an offensive toward the ISIL stronghold of al-Rai to the east, capturing eight villages and reached within four kilometers from al-Rai by 4 April.[211][212][213] As of 5 April, the rebels had captured at least 16 villages in the area.[214] On 7 April, with Turkish close air support, the rebels captured most of al-Rai[215] and the nearby border crossing.[216][217][218] The FSA's Al-Mu'tasim Brigade, Sham Legion and Sultan Murad Division captured further territory from ISIL in April.[211] In June Al-Mu'tasim Brigade formed an alliance with Liwa Ahfad Saladin and 6 other rebel groups in Mare' after breaking an ISIL siege on the town. The new coalition claimed to have 1,500 fighters under a unified military command, and established contact with the rival Syrian Democratic Forces.[219] Further fighting around Azaz was indecisive, with rebels holding some ground due to Turkish artillery support.[220][221]

In the second phase of Operation Euphrates Shield, the Battle of al-Rai was fought in August 2016 between FSA groups including the Hamza Division and Al-Mu'tasim Brigade (backed by the US from the air and by Turkey), and ISIL in the border town of al-Rai, part of the northern Aleppo Governorate on the border with Turkey, which resulted in the FSA capturing the town.[222]

Turkish Special Forces and rebel fighters including the Sham Legion captured Jarabulus on 24 August. On 30 August, SDF forces with coalition support started the Western al-Bab offensive against ISIL in the southwest of the region. ISIL launched a massive counterattack in the southwestern countryside of Jarabulus preceded by a suicide attack. The militants captured four villages (Kiliyeh, Arab Hasan Saghir, Al-Muhsinli, and Al-Bulduq) from both the SDF and Turkish-backed rebels. The Sham Legion and the Hamza Division advanced from al-Rai in September, capturing land from ISIL. Syrian civilians began to return to FSA-controlled Jarabulus in late September.

On 16 September, US special operations forces entered northern Aleppo as part of a new US mission known as "Operation Noble Lance" to provide training, advice and assistance to the rebels against ISIL and to call in US airstrikes in support of the rebels as they advanced.[223] Turkish-backed forces initiated the Northern al-Bab offensive (2016) against ISIL. Advances were made by the Turkmen group Sultan Murad Division.[224]

The Northern al-Bab offensive (September 2016) was a Turkish-backed FSA offensive, part of the third phase of Operation Euphrates Shield, which advanced 16–20 September and 23–27 September, involving the FSA's 13th Division and other groups. The 2016 Dabiq offensive was a military offensive launched by the Turkish Armed Forces and factions from FSA (including Sultan Murad Division) and allied groups, with the goal of capturing the town of Dabiq, north of Aleppo from Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).[225][226] It began in September and resulted in the capture of Dabiq by Turkish/FSA-allied forces on 16 October.

On 6 November, the rebels supported by Turkish planes and artillery advanced south towards al-Bab, entering the northern outskirts of the city on 14 November. The US-led coalition did not support the offensive as it was an independent Turkish operation.[227]

The Syrian Desert campaign (December 2016–April 2017) was a military campaign launched by rebel forces affiliated with the FSA Southern Front and their allies in the southern Syrian Desert and the eastern Qalamoun Mountains. The aim of the offensive was to expel the ISIL from the desert in southern Syria and to open a supply route between two rebel-held areas.[228] It culminated in a significant rebel victory.

2017–18: Turkish support for rebels, Northwestern Syria campaign

The Battle of al-Bab continued into 2017. Turkish air support boosted the operation,[229] but Russian and Syrian airstrikes targeted Turkish-backed forces fighting ISIL.[230][231][232][233] Al-Bab was completely captured from ISIL by Turkish-backed rebels on 23 February, along with the towns of Qabasin and Bizaah.[234][235][236]

By this time, US support for anti-ISIL forces was primarily channeled through the Syrian Democratic Forces, including the Manbij Military Council, rather than the FSA. In the East Aleppo offensive (January–March 2017), government forces, SDF and Turkish-backed forces vied for control of territories taken from ISIL.[237]

The Southwestern Daraa offensive (February 2017) took place between 20 and 27 February, involving the FSA's Southern Front fighting alongside HTS. In the Yarmouk basin area the FSA came under attack by Khalid ibn al-Walid Army on 21 February 2017, taking advantage of the FSA's focus on the Daraa offensive (February–June 2017).[238][239][240] Battles was waged around the Golan Heights.[241][242] In Daraa's southwest Jibleen and al-Mazir'ah were lost by the Syrian rebels to ISIS.[243] The rebels lost weapons to the Khalid bin al-Walid army.[244] In the Yarmouk Basin the rebels suffered 104 deaths according to the Khalid bin al-Walid army.[245] Rebels in Deraa's southwest lost villages to the Khalid bin al-Walid army.[246] In Tasil, Qasim al-Ghabaiti died.[247][248] Tell Jumou was recaptured by rebels.[249] Rebels recaptured Tell Ashtarah.[250] Tel Astrh based points of the Jaysh Khalid ibn al-Walid were bombarded by the Southern Front Free Syrian Army's Hamza Brigade.[251][252] In Dar'aa ISIS and the Southern Front battled each other.[253][254] Fighting resumed sporadically, with minor advances and retreats by the rebels' Nawa Operations Room in April, May, June and September 2017 (see

In late 2017, ISIL launched its Northwestern Syria campaign (October 2017–February 2018). On 9 October, ISIL attacked HTS in the northeastern Hama countryside near the southern administrative border of the Idlib Governorate, having infiltrated the area via government-controlled territory.[255] In the fighting, HTS were simultaneously attacked and defeated by government and ISIL fighters, then in January/February the army turned its focus against ISIL, capturing their pocket of control on 9 February and pushing through a corridor into rebel-held territory in Idlib, where they were defeated by the "Repel the Invaders" alliance of rebels.[256][257]

Meanwhile, in the Southern Damascus offensive (January–February 2018), Jaysh al-Islam unsuccessfully tried to take ISIL territory south of Damascus. In the Southern Damascus offensive (March 2018), ISIL attacked a rebel pocket in the al-Qadam neighborhood of southern Damascus just as the rebels were surrendering the area to government forces.

Jund al-Aqsa, 2014–2017

In 2014, it was reported that Jund al-Aqsa was receiving continuous funding from wealthy private Gulf donors for their refusal to attack ISIL, part of which was the reason for their rift with al-Nusra Front and Ahrar al-Sham. They reformed after previously fighting the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, who hurt the group and also caused them to run into some debt. These Gulf donors, who financed them for this reason, refused to finance groups involved in intra-rebel fighting.[258]

On 23 October 2015, Jund al-Aqsa left the Army of Conquest, because it had misgivings about fighting against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, while reaffirming its loyalty to al-Qaeda.[259] On 17 February 2016, over 400 fighters and senior leaders of Jund al-Aqsa defected to al-Nusra Front.[260][261]

SOHR claimed that Jund al-Aqsa joined the 2016 Idlib Governorate clashes and established checkpoints in support of JaN.[262] According to the 13th Division's media wing, their position was overran and 4 of their fighters were killed.[263]

In October 2016, clashes between Jund al-Aqsa and Ahrar al-Sham escalated throughout the Idlib Governorate, with both sides expelling each other from several towns and villages, according to al-Masdar.[264] During the clashes 800 other rebels reportedly defected to Jund al-Aqsa, increasing the group's strength up to 1,600 fighters.[265][better source needed] During the clashes in Idlib, the group aided al Nusra Front by sending them two suicide bombers of Kuwaiti and Saudi origins.[266]

On 25 December 2016, 2 Free Idlib Army commanders were shot and killed in Maarat. Opposition activists cited by Al-Masdar accused Jund al-Aqsa of conducting the assassination.[267] The next day, the al-Nusra Front raided houses throughout Idlib and captured 16 FIA fighters from the Mountain Hawks Brigade. The rebels were captured on charges of participating in the Turkish military intervention in Syria.[268]

As a result of the clashes, the group pledged allegiance to Jabhat Fatah al-Sham.[269] This group was a relaunched version of al Nusra Front, only changing their name in July 2016. The leaders of Jabhat Fateh al-Sham (JFS) and Jund al-Aqsa signed their names in a text agreement to pledge their allegiance.[270][271] However, shortly after, an agreement between JFS and Ahrar al-Sham was posted on the Syrian opposition website, stating that Jund al Aqsa would be dissolved and completely incorporated with JFS, whereby preventing it from reconstructing independently under any other name or form.[272][273]

The group has stated its continued loyalty to Ayman al Zawahiri for his eminence as the sheikh of the modern mujahedeen, according to them.[274] Within the past three years, the group has assisted al-Qaeda in toppling the Syrian Revolutionaries Front and the Hazzm Movement, two key Western-backed rebel organizations in Syria, as well as weaken a third called Division 13.[258][275][276]

Some sources believe that the original rift from al-Nusra Front was part of a Qatar-led effort to rebrand al-Nusra Front, and provide it with new support, a move that could increase external aid for the terrorist group.[277] Another analysis of Jund al Aqsa's rift and reunification states that it's a reflection of al-Qaeda's strategy of downplaying its official ties to these groups, and a strategy of diversifying its investments, especially with regards to affiliations with Qatar and Kuwait and the lack of political will in their countries to combat terrorism and terror financing.[278][279]

On 7 February 2017, Jund al-Aqsa attacked the headquarters of Jaysh al-Nasr near the town of Murak in northern Hama. Jund al-Aqsa captured more than 250 fighters from Jaysh al-Nasr.[280] By 9 February, Jund al-Aqsa had captured 17 towns and villages from the Free Syrian Army and Tahrir al-Sham, in the northern Hama Province.[281]

On 13 February 2017, clashes erupted between the Tahrir al-Sham and Liwa al-Aqsa (Jund al-Aqsa's new brand) in northern Hama and southern Idlib.[282] It was rumored that Liwa al-Aqsa pledged allegiance to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, sparking the clashes with Tahrir al-Sham, known as a staunch ISIL opponent.

On 14 February 2017, Jund al-Aqsa executed more than 170 prisoners of war, including both HTS fighters, FSA fighters, and civilians.[283][284] Kafr Nuboudah and Kafr Zita villages were the origin of the Jaysh Nasr members whom Liwa al-Aqsa executed, according to Moussa al-Omar.[285] The casualties given for Jaysh Nasr were 56 fighters, three media reporters, and 11 military chiefs, according to al-Omar.[286][287] After Jund al-Aqsa committed the slaughter at Khan Shaykhun, only one person lived to tell the tale.[288] On the next day, HTS captured the village of Heish from Jund al-Aqsa, and then besieged the retreating Jund al-Aqsa forces in Khan Shaykhun and Murak.[289]

On 19 February 2017, it was reported that 600 Jund al-Aqsa militants would be transported to the Ar-Raqqah Governorate to join ISIL, while the remaining Jund al-Aqsa forces would surrender their heavy weapons and join the Turkistan Islamic Party within 72 hours. It was also reported that over 250 Free Syrian Army and Tahrir al-Sham fighters had been killed in clashes by Jund al-Aqsa.[290] On the afternoon of 19 February, a convoy of Jund al-Aqsa members and their relatives tried to cross from the Idlib Province into the Raqqa Governorate across a Syrian government supply route to Aleppo, stretching from Ithriyah to Salamiyah, in order to escape the rebel infighting in the restive Idlib Governorate. However, they were ambushed by the National Defence Forces, resulting in several deaths, with the rest of the militants surrendering themselves.[291]

On 22 February, the last of Liwa al-Asqa's 2,100 militants left their final positions in Khan Shaykhun, with unconfirmed reports in pro-government media that they were to join ISIL in the Ar-Raqqah Province after a negotiated withdrawal deal with Tahrir al-Sham and the Turkistan Islamic Party.[292] Afterward, Tahrir al-Sham declared terminating Liwa al-Aqsa, and promised to watch for any remaining cells.[293] On 23 February, the relatives of FSA prisoners executed by Liwa al-Aqsa accused the group of treating them worse than the Syrian regime ever did.[294]

On 9 July 2017, Tahrir al-Sham, utilizing over 1,000 fighters, performed raids in the Idlib Governorate against alleged ISIL and Jund al-Aqsa sleeper cells, arresting over 100 fighters.[295]

Casualties

Between 3 January and 28 June 2014, 5,641–6,991 people had been killed in the rebel v ISIL fighting, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.[25] By 25 February 2014, ISIL had conducted 34 suicide attacks.[296] On 26 August 2014, the Syrian Network for Human rights reported that since the declaration of the Islamic State on 9 April, 2,691 anti-ISIL rebels and 782 civilians had been killed.[297]

Between 28 June 2014 and 29 February 2016, Islamic State militants executed a total of 4,225 people: 2,262 civilians, 1,159 government soldiers, 464 Islamic State deserters, 322 rebel and Kurdish fighters, 7 alleged government spies (including a child), 5 Iraqi citizens, 3 military deserters and one former ISIL member.[298]

References

  1. ^ a b c "Al-Qaeda-linked Isis under attack in northern Syria". BBC. 4 January 2014. Retrieved 10 January 2014.
  2. ^ "US Senate Approves Plans To Arm Syrian Rebels As France Begins Airstrikes In Iraq". Vice News. 19 September 2014. Retrieved 22 September 2014.
  3. ^ "ÖSO'ya verilen silahlar IŞİD'in eline geçti". Yakın Doğu Haber. 30 June 2014. Retrieved 22 September 2014.
  4. ^ a b "The Politics of the Islamic Front, Part 1: Structure and Support". Carnegie Endowment. 14 January 2014.
  5. ^ "Syria: al-Nusra Front declares war on ISIS". Al Akhbar English. 26 February 2014. Archived from the original on 12 June 2018. Retrieved 3 March 2014.
  6. ^ "Al-Qaida seizes weapons, bases from U.S.-backed Syrian rebels". Military Times. 13 March 2016.
  7. ^ a b "Obama's failure on Saudi-Qatari aid to al-Qaeda affiliate". Middle East Eye. 23 May 2015.
  8. ^ "Is Qatar bringing the Nusra Front in from the cold?". BBC News. 6 March 2015.
  9. ^ "Jabhat al-Nusra, IS clash in Daraa". Al Monitor. 16 December 2014. Retrieved 20 December 2014.
  10. ^ "Al-Nusra overtakes Hazm in Aleppo countryside". Al Monitor. 3 March 2015. Retrieved 3 March 2015.
  11. ^ "The Islamic State in Southern Syria" (PDF). Carter Center. 15 May 2015. Retrieved 10 June 2015.
  12. ^ a b c "Timeline: Ten years of Syria conflict, from protest to war to economic decline". www.reuters.com. Reuters. March 12, 2021.
  13. ^ a b "Senior Al-Qaeda figure killed by ISIS". The Daily Star. 24 February 2014.
  14. ^ "Executive Summary: Sami al-Oraidi". Counter Extremism Project. 2014.
  15. ^ "Syria's Qaeda leader killed in explosion". ARA News. Archived from the original on 8 March 2015. Retrieved 31 March 2015.
  16. ^ "Who's who in the Nusra Front?". al-Araby. 15 December 2014. Retrieved 2 June 2015.
  17. ^ a b "Key Al-Qaida Militant Reportedly Killed in Syria". Yahoo. 27 January 2014. Retrieved 23 October 2014.
  18. ^ a b "Car bomb blamed on al Qaeda kills 26 in north Syrian town". Reuters. 15 January 2014. Retrieved 22 October 2014.
  19. ^ a b c "ثوار القلمون يطردون تنظيم "الدولة" من مناطق جديدة". الدرر الشامية. 15 March 2015. Retrieved 15 April 2015.
  20. ^ a b "النشرة الإلكترونية لجريدة الشروق التونسية - الصفحة الرئيسيّة". Archived from the original on April 2, 2015. Retrieved 15 April 2015.
  21. ^ "Syria crisis: Spooked by rebel gains, Jordan doubles down on Islamic State". 4 May 2015. Retrieved 4 May 2015.
  22. ^ "Why Did Jund Al-Aqsa Join Nusra Front in Taking Out 'Moderate' Rebels in Idlib?". The Huffington Post. 6 November 2014.
  23. ^ "ISIS militants have army of 200,000, claims senior Kurdish leader". el-balad.com. Archived from the original on 20 November 2014. Retrieved 16 November 2014.
  24. ^ "Islamic State has 200,000 fighters claims Kurdish leader". Independent. 16 November 2014. Archived from the original on 2022-05-24.
  25. ^ a b c d e f g "Thousands were killed and were killed during clashes with the Islamic state". Syriahr.com. Archived from the original on September 16, 2014. Retrieved 22 October 2014.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  26. ^ "Factbox: Syria's rebel groups". Reuters. 9 January 2014. Retrieved 3 March 2015.
  27. ^ "Syrian opposition turns on al-Qaida-affiliated Isis jihadists near Aleppo". The Guardian. 3 January 2014. Retrieved 27 February 2014.
  28. ^ "ISIS joins other rebels to thwart Syria regime push near Lebanon". McClatchy DC. 4 March 2014. Archived from the original on 6 October 2014. Retrieved 1 April 2014.
  29. ^ "Syria Analysis: Getting A Story Right - Free Syrian Army, "Jihadist Militants", & Capture of Menagh Airbase". EA WorldView. 2013-08-08. Retrieved 2022-01-29.
  30. ^ Kodmani, Bassma; Legrand, Félix (14 October 2013). "Empowering the democratic resistance in Syria". Arab Reform Initiative.
  31. ^ Aymenn Jawad Al-Tamimi (18 July 2013). "The Islamic State of Iraq and ash-Sham Expands Into Rural Northern Syria". Syria Comment.
  32. ^ "Who are the Euphrates Jarabulus Battalions?". Hawar News Agency. 22 November 2015. Archived from the original on 24 November 2015. Retrieved 30 November 2018.
  33. ^ Aymenn Jawad Al-Tamimi (21 November 2014). "The Factions of Kobani (Ayn al-Arab)". Syria Comment.
  34. ^ "Report on the Recent Events Witnessed in Tal Abyad-Al Raqqa". Violation Documentation Centre in Syria. July 2013.
  35. ^ "Al-Qaida militants captured town in northern Syria". Associated Press. 19 September 2013. Archived from the original on 13 July 2015. Retrieved 4 January 2014.
  36. ^ The Islamic Alliance Emerges, Institute for Understanding War, Sep 27, 2013
  37. ^ Paul Wood (19 September 2013). "Isis seizure of Syria's Azaz exposes rebel rifts". BBC News.
  38. ^ "Syrian rebel factions tell al Qaeda groups to withdraw". 3 October 2013. Archived from the original on 17 January 2017. Retrieved 4 January 2014.
  39. ^ "ISIL captures Syrian town on border with Turkey". World Bulletin. 22 November 2013. Retrieved 4 January 2014.
  40. ^ "Syria rebel recounts his time in an ISIL jail". Al Jazeera English. 10 March 2014. Retrieved 7 May 2016.
  41. ^ a b c d "Syrian rebels launch fierce offensive against al Qaeda fighters". Reuters. 4 January 2014. Retrieved 4 January 2014.
  42. ^ "New Syria rebel alliance declares war on Al Qaida". AFP. 4 January 2014. Retrieved 4 January 2014.
  43. ^ Nazeer Rida (6 January 2014). "Syria: ISIS agrees truce, withdraws from Turkish border areas". Asharq Al-Awsat. Archived from the original on 19 October 2017. Retrieved 29 November 2018.
  44. ^ a b c d "Syria rebels fight back against ISIS". The Daily Star. 4 January 2014. Archived from the original on 13 January 2014. Retrieved 7 January 2014.
  45. ^ a b c "Jihadists kill 31 rebels in Syria: monitor". AFP. 5 January 2014. Retrieved 7 January 2014.
  46. ^ "Syria rebels unite and launch new revolt, against jihadists". AFP. 4 January 2014. Retrieved 29 April 2014.
  47. ^ a b "Across parts of northern Syria, rebels battle al-Qaida-linked insurgents". Associated Press. 5 January 2014. Retrieved 5 January 2014.
  48. ^ "Syrian rebels push al-Qaeda back". Al Arabiya News. 5 January 2014. Retrieved 5 January 2014.
  49. ^ "Al Qaida fighters pushed from much of northern Syria, but fighting still rages". McClatchy. 5 January 2014. Archived from the original on 6 January 2014. Retrieved 5 January 2014.
  50. ^ "137 died yesterday, including 93 of the Islamic state and battalion combat". Syriahr.com. Retrieved 22 October 2014.
  51. ^ "Al Qaeda-linked group routed in Syrian rebel infighting". Los Angeles Times. 5 January 2014. Retrieved 5 January 2014.
  52. ^ "Syria rebels lay siege to Qaeda-linked jihadists". AFP. 6 January 2014. Retrieved 6 January 2014.
  53. ^ "20 fighter spent detonated the car bomb Bdrickosh". Syriahr.com. Retrieved 22 October 2014.
  54. ^ Al Qaida rebels leave mass grave behind as they desert base in Syria Archived July 15, 2015, at the Wayback Machine
  55. ^ "Syrian rebel infighting spreads to stronghold in east". Los Angeles Times. 6 January 2014. Retrieved 6 January 2014.
  56. ^ "34 jihadists dead after rebel clashes in Syria's Idlib: activists". AFP. 6 January 2014. Archived from the original on 28 February 2019. Retrieved 7 January 2014.
  57. ^ Lundquist, Lisa (2014-01-07). "Today In". The Long War Journal. Retrieved 2014-02-10.
  58. ^ "Clashes Athalasalamahtantql to Homs and killed 15 fighters in the vicinity of Rastan". Syriahr.com. Retrieved 22 October 2014.
  59. ^ "Al-Qaeda group kills Aleppo prisoners: report". Al Jazeera English. 7 January 2014. Retrieved 10 January 2014.
  60. ^ "Syria rebels seize al-Qaida base in north". Associated Press. 8 January 2014. Archived from the original on 9 January 2014. Retrieved 8 January 2014.
  61. ^ "Aleppo free of ISIL control, rebel commander says". NOW News. 8 January 2014. Archived from the original on 3 December 2018. Retrieved 8 January 2014.
  62. ^ "As Rebels Fight Rebels, Grim Reports From A Syrian City". NPR. 8 January 2014. Retrieved 9 January 2014.
  63. ^ "Al-Qaeda's ISIL vows to 'crush' Syrian rebels". Zaman Alwsl. 8 January 2014. Retrieved 10 January 2014.
  64. ^ a b "Jihadists battle back in north Syria, says monitor". AFP. 9 January 2014. Archived from the original on 3 December 2018. Retrieved 9 January 2014.
  65. ^ "ISIS send 1300 men towards Aleppo". NOS. 9 January 2014.
  66. ^ "Jihadists advance on Syria's Raqqa". NOW. 10 January 2014. Archived from the original on 10 January 2014. Retrieved 10 January 2014.
  67. ^ "Clashes in Aleppo province on 9 January". SOHR. 9 January 2014.
  68. ^ "Idlib countryside on 9 January". SOHR. 9 January 2014.
  69. ^ "Jihadists try to mount rally in eastern Syria to retake territory". Daily Star. 10 January 2014. Retrieved 10 January 2014.
  70. ^ "Al Qaeda group fights back against Syria rebel assault". Reuters. 10 January 2014. Retrieved 10 January 2014.
  71. ^ "500 Reported Killed In Rebel Infighting In Syria". Associated Press. 11 January 2014. Retrieved 11 January 2014.
  72. ^ "protest march in Aleppo, 10 January 2014". Reuters. 10 January 2014. Archived from the original on 28 January 2015. Retrieved 10 January 2014.
  73. ^ a b "Rebels clash in north Syria, bodies pile up in hospital – monitors". Reuters. 11 January 2014. Retrieved 11 January 2014.
  74. ^ "NGO: Syria jihadists kill rebels in bombing". Alarabiya. 11 January 2014. Retrieved 11 January 2014.
  75. ^ "Syrian troops advance on Aleppo area: activists". AFP. 11 January 2014. Archived from the original on 7 December 2019. Retrieved 11 January 2014.
  76. ^ "Rage grows against both ISIL and rebel leaders". The Daily Star. 11 January 2014. Retrieved 11 January 2014.
  77. ^ "294 died yesterday, including 210 combat battalions of regular troops and". Syriahr.com. Retrieved 22 October 2014.
  78. ^ "Syrian opposition and ISIS continue Idlib battle". Asharq Al-Awsat. 12 January 2014. Archived from the original on 12 January 2014. Retrieved 3 March 2015.
  79. ^ a b "Group linked to al-Qaeda regains ground in northeast Syria". Reuters. 12 January 2014. Retrieved 12 January 2014.
  80. ^ "Syria conflict: 700 killed in eight days in early January, Syrian Observatory for Human Rights says". ABC. 12 January 2014. Retrieved 12 January 2014.
  81. ^ "Al Qaeda Syria unit executes dozens of rivals in Raqqa: activists". Reuters. 12 January 2014. Retrieved 13 January 2014.
  82. ^ "Syria, anti-Assad rebel infighting leaves 700 dead, including civilians". AsiaNews. 13 January 2014. Retrieved 13 January 2014.
  83. ^ a b "Al-Qaida-Linked Group Ousts Rivals From Syria Town". Associated Press. 13 January 2014. Archived from the original on January 13, 2014. Retrieved 13 January 2014.
  84. ^ "ISIS jihadists seize 'most' of north Syria town: activists". The Daily Star. 13 January 2014. Retrieved 13 January 2014.
  85. ^ "Jihadists seize Syria town, 'execute 60'". AAP. 14 January 2014. Archived from the original on 14 January 2014. Retrieved 13 January 2014.
  86. ^ "Opposition forces seize Masqan in Aleppo as ISIL tightens grip over Al-Bab". Syria Newsdesk. 14 January 2014. Archived from the original on 18 January 2014. Retrieved 17 January 2014.
  87. ^ "ISIL recaptures Raqqa from Syria's rebels". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 22 October 2014.
  88. ^ "Rebel factions oust ISIL from most of Jarablos in Aleppo". Syria Newsdesk. 14 January 2014. Archived from the original on 18 January 2014. Retrieved 17 January 2014.
  89. ^ "Phalange fighter captures the villages and Jibreen Hardntin Brive Aleppo". Syriahr.com. Retrieved 22 October 2014.
  90. ^ "Combat battalions controlled Alr another village Brive Aleppo". Syriahr.com. Retrieved 22 October 2014.
  91. ^ "Al-Mujahideen Army ousts ISIL from Ratyan in Aleppo". Syria Newsdesk. 18 January 2014. Archived from the original on 22 January 2014. Retrieved 18 January 2014.
  92. ^ "Syrian rebels push Qaeda affiliate from northwest stronghold". Reuters. 17 January 2014. Retrieved 22 October 2014.
  93. ^ a b "Syrie: 16 morts dans un double attentat". Lefigaro.fr. 2014-01-20. Retrieved 2014-02-10.
  94. ^ "3 suicide car explosions in Aleppo and Idlib". Syriahr.com. 2014-01-20. Retrieved 2014-02-10.
  95. ^ "Zawahri urges end to deadly clashes between rebels and jihadists". The Daily Star Newspaper – Lebanon. Archived from the original on 7 December 2019. Retrieved 22 October 2014.
  96. ^ "ISIS have completely taken over the town of Darkoush". Syriahr.com. Retrieved 22 October 2014.
  97. ^ "ISIS leaders killed, captured in Aleppo". The Daily Star. 28 January 2014. Retrieved 28 January 2014.
  98. ^ "ISIS confirms death of senior leader in Syria". The Long War Journal. 5 February 2014.
  99. ^ "ISIS Attacks Rebel Base in Aleppo". Syrian National Coalition Of Syrian Revolution and Opposition Forces. 1 February 2014. Archived from the original on February 18, 2014.
  100. ^ "Al-Qaeda disavows ISIS militants in Syria". BBC News. 3 February 2014.
  101. ^ "Al-Raqqa rebel group promises military action against ISIL". Syria Newsdesk. 4 February 2014. Archived from the original on 8 February 2014. Retrieved 29 November 2018.
  102. ^ "FSA attacks ISIL checkpoint in Al-Raqqa". Syria Newsdesk. 3 February 2014. Archived from the original on 22 February 2014. Retrieved 29 November 2018.
  103. ^ "No truce with ISIS, Islamist group says". The Daily Star. 7 February 2014.
  104. ^ "The Front of Aleppo Islamic Scholars urges ISIL to depart Syria immediately". Syria Newsdesk. 5 February 2014. Archived from the original on 9 February 2014. Retrieved 29 November 2018.
  105. ^ "Activists say ISIS top commander killed in Syria". Al Arabiya News. 8 February 2014.
  106. ^ "13 members defect from ISIL in Al-Raqqa". Syria Newsdesk. 9 February 2014. Archived from the original on 22 February 2014. Retrieved 29 November 2018.
  107. ^ "Sectarian Massacre In Hama, ISIS Withdraws From Deir Al-Zor". The Syrian Observer. 12 February 2014. Archived from the original on 23 February 2014. Retrieved 29 November 2018.
  108. ^ "Kurdish Front announces the start of the battle to liberate Azaz and Daesh to withdraw Cheddadi". Gulistan News. 13 February 2014.
  109. ^ "Martyrdom brigade commander Kurdish front in the countryside Azaz". Afrin News. 18 February 2014.
  110. ^ Institute for the Study of War (19 September 2014). "YPG and Rebel Forces Challenge ISIS in Northern Syria". ISW Blog. Retrieved 30 November 2018.
  111. ^ "Regime forces inch closer to Aleppo". The Daily Star. 26 February 2014.
  112. ^ "Syria's most hardline jihadist outfit retreats from parts of north". Agence France-Presse. 28 February 2014.
  113. ^ "ISIS jihadists retreat from parts of north Syria:activists". The Daily Star. 28 February 2014.
  114. ^ van Wilgenburg, Wladimir (27 March 2014). "Syrian Kurds, rebels find common enemy in ISIS". Al Monitor. Retrieved 16 May 2014.
  115. ^ "Regime captures village near Yabroud". The Daily Star. 4 March 2014. Archived from the original on March 4, 2014.
  116. ^ "Jihadists 'execute' at least 22 in Syria: NGO". The Daily Star. 11 March 2014.
  117. ^ "'Shoot' order given to Turkish troops based in Aleppo". World Bulletin. Retrieved 22 October 2014.
  118. ^ "FSA assassinates ISIL leader in Al-Raqqa countryside". Syria Newsdesk. 12 March 2014. Archived from the original on 16 March 2014. Retrieved 29 November 2018.
  119. ^ "ISIL fighters pull out of key Syrian Turkmen town". World Bulletin. Retrieved 22 October 2014.
  120. ^ "Clashes renewed between Islamist groups near Syria's Hasaka". ARA News. 18 March 2014. Archived from the original on 22 November 2017. Retrieved 9 November 2014.
  121. ^ "Clashes in Der-Ezzor and Bombardment on areas in Hama". Archived from the original on May 2, 2014.
  122. ^ "Syrians rally in support of rebels' coastal offensive". The Daily Star Newspaper – Lebanon. Retrieved 22 October 2014.
  123. ^ "ISIS kills 35 fighters from Jabhat Al-Nusra and Islamic battalions". Syriahr.com. Retrieved 22 October 2014.
  124. ^ "Syria Qaeda loses ground to jihadist rivals on Iraq border". The Daily Star Newspaper – Lebanon. Archived from the original on 1 April 2019. Retrieved 22 October 2014.
  125. ^ "Al Qaeda splinter group moves to take eastern Syrian city". Reuters. 11 May 2014. Retrieved 22 October 2014.
  126. ^ "المرصد السورى لحقوق الإنسان - المرصد السورى لحقوق الإنسان". المرصد السورى لحقوق الإنسان.
  127. ^ ""Free Syria Operations Room" begins the battle "to defeat North earthquake" Daesh "from the eastern countryside of Aleppo". Zaman al-Wasl. 17 May 2014.
  128. ^ "Jihadists trying to establish Islamic state on border of Syria and Iraq". Haaretz.com. 21 May 2014. Retrieved 22 October 2014.
  129. ^ "ISIS bolsters presence in eastern Syria, advances towards Iraq". Asharq al-Awsat. Archived from the original on 22 October 2014. Retrieved 22 October 2014.
  130. ^ "الجيش الحر يغتال أمير داعش في حمص والمنطقة الشرقية". Akhbar.alaan.tv. Archived from the original on June 13, 2014. Retrieved 22 October 2014.
  131. ^ "Al-Qaida offshoot in fierce offensive, carves out territory across Syria and Iraq". Reuters. 10 June 2014. Retrieved 10 June 2014.
  132. ^ "ISIS seizes Syrian town near Iraqi border after Western-backed rebels defect to jihadi group". National Post. Associated Press. 20 June 2014. Retrieved 22 October 2014.
  133. ^ "ISIS's victories may win it Syrian recruits". Mercedsunstar.com. Archived from the original on July 27, 2014. Retrieved 22 October 2014.
  134. ^ "Syria jihadists now using Humvees seized in Iraq: NGO". The Daily Star Newspaper – Lebanon. Retrieved 22 October 2014.
  135. ^ "Report: Jihadi group captures Syrian border town" The Washington Post, 2014-07-01
  136. ^ Westall, Sylvia (3 July 2014). "Al Qaeda leaves east Syria strongholds to Islamic State: monitor". Reuters. Retrieved 22 October 2014.
  137. ^ "Extremist Group Takes Syrian Towns, Key Oil Field". ABC News. Retrieved 22 October 2014.
  138. ^ "Al Qaeda leaves east Syria strongholds to Islamic State -monitor" Reuters Thu Jul 3, 2014
  139. ^ "Islamic State extends gains in parts of Syria: monitor" Reuters July 4, 2014
  140. ^ "Rebels demand help as fighting rages against ISIS in Ghouta". The Daily Star. 3 July 2014. Retrieved 9 July 2014.
  141. ^ "Islamic State expels rivals from Syria's Deir al-Zor – activists". Reuters. Archived from the original on 24 July 2014. Retrieved 22 October 2014.
  142. ^ Agencies. "'Islamic State' expels rivals from Syria city". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 22 October 2014.
  143. ^ "Rebels demand help as fighting rages against ISIS in Ghouta". The Daily Star Newspaper – Lebanon. Retrieved 22 October 2014.
  144. ^ "Reinforcements rush to Aleppo as battles rage". The Daily Star Newspaper – Lebanon. Retrieved 22 October 2014.
  145. ^ "1,000 Syrian rebels defect to Islamic State in sign it's still strengthening". McClatchy News Service. 8 July 2014. Retrieved 25 August 2014.
  146. ^ "Syrian Military Preparing to Launch Offensive in Aleppo". Institute for the Study of War. 9 July 2014. Retrieved 23 August 2014.
  147. ^ "Rebel-jihadist clashes in north Syria kill 39". The Daily Star Newspaper – Lebanon. Retrieved 22 October 2014.
  148. ^ "Islamic State seizes more territory in Syria: monitor". Reuters. 13 August 2014. Retrieved 22 October 2014.
  149. ^ "52 dead as jihadists make gains in northern Syria: monitor". Yahoo News. 14 August 2014. Retrieved 22 October 2014.
  150. ^ "Syria Clashes as Jihadists Advance on Rebel Bastions". Naharnet. Retrieved 22 October 2014.
  151. ^ Allen McDuffee. "ISIL Captures More Syrian Villages En Route to Rebel Stronghold". The Wire. Archived from the original on 19 August 2014. Retrieved 22 October 2014.
  152. ^ "IS, government forces close in on Aleppo as splits emerge in opposition". Middle East Eye. Retrieved 22 October 2014.
  153. ^ "المعارضة تطلق معركة لطرد "تنظيم الدولة"من حلب". Aljazeera.net. Retrieved 22 October 2014.
  154. ^ "Syria rebels attack IS militants in Aleppo, killing 43". ARA News. 27 August 2014. Archived from the original on 13 October 2014. Retrieved 22 October 2014.
  155. ^ "After Damascus move, Islamic State attacks rivals near Aleppo". Reuters. 10 April 2015.
  156. ^ Raja Abdulrahim (1 June 2015). "Islamic State Advances Further Into Syria's Aleppo Province". Wall Street Journal.
  157. ^ Adam Withnall (1 June 2015). "Battle for Azaz: Isis threatens yet another city as fighting reaches crucial Turkey border crossing". The Independent. Archived from the original on 2022-05-24.
  158. ^ "Parts of northern Syria to become 'safe zone': Turkey FM". The National. 25 July 2015.
  159. ^ Solomon, Erika; Barker, Alex (27 July 2015). "Syrian rebels sceptical over Turkey's push against Isis". Financial Times.
  160. ^ Strobel, Phil Stewart (29 July 2015). "U.S., Turkey weigh which Syrian rebels to support in border area". Reuters.
  161. ^ "ISIS-led car bomb attack kills seven Nusra militants near Aleppo". ARA News. Archived from the original on 2015-08-01. Retrieved 2018-11-29.
  162. ^ "IS battles Syria rebels for key supply lifeline: monitor". Yahoo News. 9 August 2015.
  163. ^ "Nusra Front Announces Withdrawal From Front Line Against ISIS in Syria". The New York Times. 11 August 2015. Retrieved 23 May 2016.
  164. ^ "Islamic State Kills 2 Generals in Iraq, Advances in Syria". NDTV.com. 27 August 2015.
  165. ^ "At least 47 killed in clashes between Islamic State and Syrian rebels: monitor". Reuters. 5 September 2015.
  166. ^ Raja Abdulrahim in Antakya, Turkey, and Dion Nissenbaum in Washington (8 September 2015). "Islamic State Advances on Strategic Syrian Border Town". Wall Street Journal.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  167. ^ "IS advances near Syria's Aleppo despite Russian strikes – StarTribune.com". Star Tribune. Archived from the original on 1 June 2016. Retrieved 23 May 2016.
  168. ^ "Syria rebels battle to reverse ISIL gains in Aleppo".
  169. ^ "ISIL 'reaching out' to Syrian rebels, urges end to infighting". Alarabiya. 19 January 2014. Retrieved 19 January 2014.
  170. ^ "Rebels take northern town on main highway". AFP. 5 April 2014. Retrieved 5 May 2014.
  171. ^ "63 dead as jihadist rivals clash in east Syria: NGO". AFP. 5 May 2014. Retrieved 5 May 2014.
  172. ^ "Syria: Al-Nusra Front agrees to end fighting with ISIS". Asharq Al-Awsat. 5 May 2014. Archived from the original on 6 June 2014. Retrieved 21 May 2014.
  173. ^ "Hundreds killed as ISIL insurgents gain ground in east Syria". Reuters. 10 June 2014. Retrieved 17 June 2014.
  174. ^ "Syria rebels, ISIS in 'non-aggression' pact near Damascus". The Daily Star. 12 September 2014. Retrieved 12 September 2014.
  175. ^ Rogin, Josh (16 September 2014). "Syrian Opposition Blasts Reports It Signed a Truce With ISIS". The Daily Beast. Retrieved 16 September 2014.
  176. ^ "22 killed in protests against ISIL siege of Kurdish tow". Today's Zaman. 8 October 2014. Archived from the original on 10 October 2014. Retrieved 10 October 2014.
  177. ^ "The Dawn of Freedom Brigades: Analysis and Interview". Syria Comment. 2 October 2014. Retrieved 10 October 2014.
  178. ^ a b "FSA fighting alongside Kobane Kurds". NOW. 9 October 2014. Archived from the original on 17 October 2014. Retrieved 10 October 2014.
  179. ^ "The Factions of Kobani (Ayn al-Arab)". Syria Comment. 21 November 2014. Retrieved 25 November 2014.
  180. ^ sohranas (26 January 2015). "YPG retakes the entire city of Ayn al- Arab "Kobani" after 112 days of clashes with IS militants". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Retrieved 12 June 2015.
  181. ^ Ali, Jan (13 September 2014). "YPG and FSA launch joint military operations against Islamic State in northern Syria". ARA News. Archived from the original on 13 September 2014. Retrieved 8 June 2015.
  182. ^ "Syrian Kurdish leader hails 'Euphrates Volcano' fight against IS". Middle East Eye.
  183. ^ Bizar, Redwan (8 June 2015). "Kurdish fighters and allied Syrian rebels continue progress against ISIS north Raqqa". ARA News. Archived from the original on 8 June 2015. Retrieved 8 June 2015. "Our campaign will not stop until liberating Tell Abyad and expelling Islamic State terrorists out of the area," Darwish said.
  184. ^ "How Islamic State Victories Shape the Syrian Civil War". Stratfor. 2 June 2015. Retrieved 8 June 2015. Over the past week, the Euphrates Volcano outfit, which is affiliated with the Free Syrian Army, openly targeted the Islamic State-held town of Tal Abyad in northern Raqaa province.
  185. ^ "Declaration of establishment". KurdishQuestion.com. Archived from the original on 2016-02-24. Retrieved 2018-11-30.
  186. ^ ""Islamic State" attacks Damascus Countryside". Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. 26 February 2015. Retrieved 26 February 2015.
  187. ^ Master (15 March 2015). "Advances for rebels in Qalamoun and losses in Dar'a". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Retrieved 15 April 2015.
  188. ^ Master (19 March 2015). "10 killed in Homs, and Clashes continue between rebels and IS in Hama". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Retrieved 15 April 2015.
  189. ^ "ISIS Storm Palestinian Yarmouk Refugee Camp in Syrian Capital". Newsweek. 1 April 2015.
  190. ^ "Palestinian Fighters Retake Parts of Refugee Camp Seized by ISIS". Newsweek. 2 April 2015.
  191. ^ Holmes, Oliver (4 April 2015). "Islamic State takes 90 percent of Damascus refugee camp: monitor". Reuters. Retrieved 15 April 2015.
  192. ^ Thomas van Linge [@arabthomness] (April 5, 2015). "#Syria: #FSA and #ADF rebels in the Syrian desert announcing a new offensive against #Daesh https://youtu.be/kTGR5zrFiII" (Tweet). Retrieved 15 April 2015 – via Twitter.
  193. ^ Army of Islam [@IslamArmy_Eng] (April 4, 2015). "Army of Islam on Twitter" (Tweet). Retrieved 15 April 2015 – via Twitter.
  194. ^ Master (5 April 2015). "Rebels clash with regime forces and IS in Reef Dimashq". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Retrieved 15 April 2015.
  195. ^ Syrian Rebellion Obs [@Syria_Rebel_Obs] (April 12, 2015). "1) #SRO - EXCLUSIVE - Strong rebellion offensive in the south-eastern Hajar al-Aswad orchards by Jaysh al-Islam and allies against #IS sect" (Tweet). Retrieved 19 April 2015 – via Twitter.
  196. ^ "Rebels take on ISIS in new Damascus front". The Daily Star. 17 April 2015. Retrieved 24 April 2015.
  197. ^ Master (22 April 2015). "42 fighters killed in Qalamoun". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Retrieved 12 June 2015.
  198. ^ "IS cuts off key rebel supply route from Jordan to the Damascus countryside". Syria Direct. 22 April 2015. Retrieved 12 June 2015.
  199. ^ Syrian Rebellion Obs [@Syria_Rebel_Obs] (April 22, 2015). "none" (Tweet). Retrieved 12 June 2015 – via Twitter.[permanent dead link]
  200. ^ "Syrian rebels battle Islamic militants near Golan Heights – Middle Ea…". 29 April 2015. Archived from the original on 29 April 2015.
  201. ^ Master (29 April 2015). "At least 38 militants were killed in Sahem al-Jolan and Quneitra countryside". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Retrieved 12 June 2015.
  202. ^ sohranas (29 April 2015). "Shohadaa al- Yarmouk Brigade seizes a post of Jabhat al- Nusra in Sahem al- Jolan". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Retrieved 12 June 2015.
  203. ^ "Oppostion [sic] forces seize southern Syria crossing – Middle East – Worldbulletin News". World Bulletin. Archived from the original on 2015-07-22. Retrieved 12 June 2015.
  204. ^ "IS attack on Kurdish forces in Syria 'kills 16'". Yahoo! News. AFP.
  205. ^ "Warplanes attack IS positions in al- Hasakah, and calm prevails in the town of Sahem al- Golan". Archived from the original on May 18, 2015.
  206. ^ "Syrian rebels seize Iraq border crossing from ISIS". Al Arabiya. 5 March 2016. Retrieved 1 October 2017.
  207. ^ "The "Islamic State" regain control of the al-Tanf border crossing with Iraq, hours after losing control of it". Syriahr. 6 March 2016. Retrieved 1 October 2017.
  208. ^ "Islamic State routs Pentagon-backed Syrian rebels in fresh setback for U.S. strategy". Washington Post.
  209. ^ "Islamic State militants hit rebel strongholds on Syrian-Turkish border". ARA News. 2 April 2016. Archived from the original on 9 October 2017. Retrieved 30 November 2018.
  210. ^ "Opposition forces seize villages". Qasion News Agency. Archived from the original on 2017-10-19. Retrieved 2018-11-30.
  211. ^ a b "Syria rebels near ISIS stronghold in N. Aleppo". Now. 4 April 2016. Archived from the original on 30 June 2018. Retrieved 30 November 2018.
  212. ^ "Opposition seize". Qasion News Agency. Archived from the original on 2017-10-19. Retrieved 2018-11-30.
  213. ^ "Opposition seiz Raqbya". Qasion News Agency. Archived from the original on 2017-10-19. Retrieved 2018-11-30.
  214. ^ "Syrian rebels advance against Islamic State near Turkish border". Reuters. 5 April 2016.
  215. ^ "Syrian rebels seize most of IS stronghold: monitor and rebel source". Reuters. 7 April 2016.
  216. ^ "Report: ISIS abducts over 300 Syrian workers". Arutz Sheva. 7 April 2016.
  217. ^ "Syria war:Rebels take key northern town of al-Rai from IS". BBC News. 7 April 2016.
  218. ^ "Islamic State lose Turkey supply route to Syrian rebels". 7 April 2016.
  219. ^ "'Not just talk': New north Aleppo rebel alliance breaks Islamic State blockade". Syria:direct. 9 June 2016. Archived from the original on 14 December 2019. Retrieved 30 November 2018.
  220. ^ "قائد "ألوية النصر" لبلدي نيوز: سنغيّر موازين القوى شمالي حلب". شبكة بلدي الإعلامية (in Arabic). Retrieved 30 November 2018.[permanent dead link]
  221. ^ "Mare' is isolated in northern Aleppo and the residents flee to Afrin". Enab Baladi. 29 May 2016. Retrieved 30 November 2018.
  222. ^ "Brigade Mutassim .. sons of the Syrian revolution who went out in the face of the lion and Daesh". RFS Media Office. 16 September 2016. Archived from the original on 23 October 2016. Retrieved 30 November 2018.
  223. ^ "At Long Last, Turkey Secures U.S. Ground Support". Stratfor. Retrieved 21 September 2016.
  224. ^ "ÖSO 5 köyü daha IŞİD'den aldı". Al Jazeera Türk. 19 September 2016. Retrieved 19 September 2016.
  225. ^ "Turkish-backed rebels 3km from strategic Dabiq, northern Syria". Rudaw.
  226. ^ "Isis is preparing for an 'apocalyptic' battle to defend the village at the heart of its propaganda". Independent. 3 October 2016. Archived from the original on 2022-05-24. Retrieved 9 October 2016.
  227. ^ "Coalition not backing Turkish move on Al-Bab: US". Agence France-Presse. 17 November 2016. Archived from the original on 30 November 2016.
  228. ^ "Qalmoun rebels in control of the last bastions of Daesh Balbadah Levantine". Step News Agency. 3 January 2017. Archived from the original on 14 November 2017. Retrieved 31 January 2019.
  229. ^ "Turkish air raids kill 51 Islamic State militants in Syria". Sky News. 2 February 2017.
  230. ^ "Syria war: Russian 'friendly fire' kills Turkish soldiers". BBC. 9 February 2017.
  231. ^ "Three Turkish soldiers killed in regime attack in Syria: Military". Hürriyet Daily News. 24 November 2016.
  232. ^ "3 Turkish soldiers fighting Daesh killed by Assad regime in Syria". Daily Sabah. 24 November 2016.
  233. ^ "Turkish soldiers killed by Syrian air strike: Military". Al Jazeera. 24 November 2016.
  234. ^ Loveluck, Louisa; Sly, Liz (23 February 2017). "Turkey-backed rebels seize Islamic State's al-Bab stronghold in Syria". The Washington Post. Retrieved 23 February 2017.
  235. ^ Srivastava, Mehul; Solomon, Erika (23 February 2017). "Turkey recaptures strategic Syrian town of al-Bab from Isis". Financial Times. Retrieved 23 February 2017.
  236. ^ "The 'Islamic State' organization withdraws from Bzaah and Qabasin and inspection operations continue in al-Bab city and kill 7 fighters in mine explosion". SOHR. 23 February 2017. Retrieved 23 February 2017.
  237. ^ "Turkey starts offensive to take Manbij from Kurds". The New Arab. 2 March 2017.
  238. ^ @nors_study (February 21, 2017). "None" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  239. ^ C4H10FO2P [@markito0171] (February 21, 2017). "pbs.twimg.com/media/C5NPvQ3WcAAaAWq.jpg" (Tweet) – via Twitter.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  240. ^ a-Noufal, Waleed Khaled; al-Falouji, Mohammed; Nelson, Maria (February 20, 2017). "Islamic State affiliate's surprise offensive pays off as rebels distracted in Daraa city". Syria Direct.
  241. ^ "Turkestan Islamic Party (TIP) Confirms Death Of Second French Fighter". MEMRI. February 23, 2017.
  242. ^ "Jihad and Terrorism Threat Monitor (JTTM) Weekend Summary". MEMRI. February 24, 2017.
  243. ^ Hassan Ridha [@sayed_ridha] (February 25, 2017). "Jaish Khalid bin Walid make further advances against Opp forces capturing al-Mazir'ah and Jibleen in SW Daraa" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  244. ^ Terrormonitor.org [@Terror_Monitor] (February 23, 2017). "#SYRIA #IslamicState Affiliate Jaish Khalid Bin Al-Walid Shows Off Weapons Captured From Rebels In #Daraa. #TerrorMonitor" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  245. ^ Terrormonitor.org [@Terror_Monitor] (February 23, 2017). "#SYRIA #IslamicState Affiliated Jaish Khalid Bin Al-Walid Claims To Have Killed 104 Rebels Killed In Hawd Al Yarmouk,#Daraa. #TerrorMonitor" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  246. ^ Aymenn Jawad Al-Tamimi [@ajaltamimi] (February 20, 2017). "#Syria: IS-linked Jaysh Khalid bin al-Waleed seizes number of towns in southwest Deraa province in new offensive against rebels" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  247. ^ Aymenn Jawad Al-Tamimi [@ajaltamimi] (February 23, 2017). "Some further information: apparently Qasim al-Ghabaiti (Mr. Orange Beard) was killed in Tasil. #Syria" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  248. ^ Aymenn Jawad Al-Tamimi [@ajaltamimi] (February 23, 2017). "Re.widespread claims of killing of Mr. Orange Beard from Jaysh Khalid bin al-Waleed, seems likely.Haven't seen him online for a while anyway" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  249. ^ Qalaat Al Mudiq [@QalaatAlMudiq] (February 27, 2017). "NW #Daraa: Rebels seized back from Jaish Khalid Ibn Walid fortified Tell Jumou, an important position overlooking Tasil" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  250. ^ Qalaat Al Mudiq [@QalaatAlMudiq] (February 27, 2017). "Tell Ashtarah E. of Adwan also taken back by Rebels" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  251. ^ Rufus McDonald [@ruffthecrimedog] (February 27, 2017). "Hamza Brigade of the FSA's Southern Front shelling IS-affiliated Khalid Ibn al-Walid Army positions in Tel Astrh, West Daraa Governorate" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  252. ^ فرقة الحمزة مميز جانب من إستهداف كلاب تنظيم داعش الإرهابي في تل عشترة وعدوان وايقاعهم بين قتيل وجريح. فرقة الحمزة. Feb 27, 2017 – via YouTube.
  253. ^ Noor Nahas [@NoorNahas1] (February 27, 2017). "Southern front continues to fight IS affiliates in Yarmouk Basin, W. #Daraa https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LWhAsGcbpAY …" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  254. ^ الجبهة الجنوبية - إستهداف عناصر تنظيم داعش في ريف درعا الغربي 2. SMO Syria. Feb 27, 2017 – via YouTube.
  255. ^ Atallah, Khaled (26 October 2017). "How the Syrian army is working to gain control of road to Raqqa". Al-Monitor. Retrieved 29 October 2017.
  256. ^ "Syria's Idlib ISIS-free after 'surrender': Spokesman, monitor". Straits Times. 13 February 2018.
  257. ^ IS forces surrender last pocket of control in eastern Idlib to rebels, opposition spokesmen say, Syria Direct, 13 February 2018
  258. ^ a b "Why Did Jund Al-Aqsa Join Nusra Front in Taking Out 'Moderate' Rebels in Idlib?". Huffington Post. 6 November 2014.
  259. ^ "Al Qaeda front group claims success in key Syrian town". Long War Journal. 5 November 2015. Retrieved 8 November 2015.
  260. ^ "Jund al Aqsa leaders join Al Nusrah Front". The Long War Journal. 17 February 2016.
  261. ^ Charles Lister [@Charles_Lister] (February 17, 2016). "Jund al-Aqsa has been virtually decapitated by a mass defection of its senior leadership to Jabhat al-Nusra. #Syria" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  262. ^ "Division 13 evacuate most of its headquarters in the southern countryside of Idlib and clashes between them against Jabhat Al-Nusra and Jund al-Aqsa in Maarrat al-Nu'man area and tension prevails in the area". Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. 13 March 2016.
  263. ^ @13alferqa13 (March 13, 2016). "All attempts to repel the aggression on #Maarrat al-Nu'man has failed, 4 Muslim martyrs killed a little while ago #Division 13 at the hands of victory" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  264. ^ "Jihadist civil war boils up as jihadists trade blows in Hama and Idlib". Al-Masdar News. 7 October 2016. Archived from the original on 29 November 2018. Retrieved 29 November 2018.
  265. ^ "Source: hundreds of fighters to leave their factions (Jund al-Aqsa) within two month". All4Syria. 7 October 2016.
  266. ^ Caleb Weiss (24 March 2015). "Jund al Aqsa launches suicide bombings in support of Idlib offensive". Long War Journal.
  267. ^ "Two Free Syrian Army leaders assassinated in Idlib". Al-Masdar News. 25 December 2016. Archived from the original on 26 December 2016. Retrieved 29 November 2018.
  268. ^ "EXCLUSIVE: Commander In Soqor Al-Jabal: Fatih Al-Sham Detained Our Soldiers For Joining Euphrates Shield". Qasioun. 26 December 2016. Archived from the original on 27 December 2016. Retrieved 29 November 2018.
  269. ^ "Syria extremist group joins al-Qaida affiliate". Associated Press. 9 October 2016. Archived from the original on 10 October 2016. Retrieved 9 October 2016.
  270. ^ http://www.longwarjournal.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/16-10-09-Statement-on-Jund-al-Aqsa-joining-JFS.jpg[bare URL image file]
  271. ^ "Jund al-Aqsa pledge allegiance to Fateh al_Sham front • the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights". 9 October 2016.
  272. ^ "Welcome all4syria.info - BlueHost.com". all4syria.info.
  273. ^ "Jund al-Aqsa pledges allegiance to ex-Qaeda branch in Syria". english.alarabiya.net. 9 October 2016.
  274. ^ "Jund al Aqsa leaders join Al Nusrah Front | FDD's Long War Journal". www.longwarjournal.org.
  275. ^ "قيادي في حزم لـ "كلنا شركاء": الجولاني طلب انهاء حزم … وصواريخ التاو بأمان" [Leading in packages for "All of us partners": Giulani asked to end packages ... and Alto missiles safely].
  276. ^ "Al Qaeda seizes weapons, bases from US-backed Syrian rebels – The National". 13 March 2016.
  277. ^ Karouny, Mariam (4 March 2015). "Insight – Syria's Nusra Front may leave Qaeda to form new entity". Reuters.
  278. ^ "Analysis: Jund al Aqsa's deep Gulf roots – FDD's Long War Journal". 18 November 2016.
  279. ^ "A View from the CT Foxhole: Adam Szubin, Acting Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, U.S. Dept. of Treasury – Combating Terrorism Center at West Point". 22 August 2016. Archived from the original on 9 October 2017. Retrieved 29 November 2018.
  280. ^ "Al-Aqsa Brigade attacked the headquarters of an army victory Brive northern Hama". Al-Etihad Press. 7 February 2017. Archived from the original on 11 February 2017. Retrieved 29 November 2018.
  281. ^ Adra, Zen (9 February 2017). "Salafist jihadists overrun FSA in northern Syria as rebel infighting intensifies". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 24 December 2018. Retrieved 11 March 2017.
  282. ^ "Jihadist rebel groups clash in northwest Syria – monitor". Reuters. 13 February 2017.
  283. ^ @JAN_Violations (February 14, 2017). "Observatories Idlib: Nearly 170 people between the military and civilian toll of the massacre committed by elements of Jund al-Aqsa day camp in the tanks Khan hejn" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  284. ^ Leith Fadel (14 February 2017). "Syrian Al-Qaeda group slaughters over 100 jihadist rebels in Idlib". al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 15 February 2017. Retrieved 29 November 2018.
  285. ^ موسى العمر [@MousaAlomar] (February 19, 2017). "معظم المقاتلين ال70الأسرى الذين أعدمهم لواء الأقصى في جيش النصر والعزة هم من كفر زيتا بشكل رئيسي وكفرنبودة وهم من خيرة الشباب" [Most of the 70 fighters who were executed by the Al-Aqsa Brigade in the Army of Victory and Al-Azzah are from Kufr Zita] (Tweet) (in Arabic) – via Twitter.
  286. ^ موسى العمر [@MousaAlomar] (February 19, 2017). "تأكيد إعدام لواء الأقصى ل 11 قائداً عسكريا و 3 إعلاميين و 56 مقاتلا من #جيش_النصر الذي لم يوجه رصاصة ًأو قذيفةً لغير قوات النظام منذ تأسيسه" [Confirmation of the execution of the Al-Aqsa Brigade for 11 military commanders, 3 journalists and 56 fighters from the Al-Ansar Army, which has not directed a bullet or shell to other forces since its establishment.] (Tweet) (in Arabic) – via Twitter.
  287. ^ Mohamad Rasheed محمد رشيد [@mohmad_rasheed] (February 19, 2017). "أحد عشر قائدا عسكريا وثلاثة إعلاميين وستة وخمسون مقاتلا من خيرة مقاتلي #جيش_النصر تم اعدامهم بعداعتقالهم من قبل كلاب أهل النار لواء الاقصى" [Eleven military commanders, three journalists and fifty-six fighters from the finest fighters of the army of Al-Nasser were executed after being arrested by dogs, the people of Al-Aqsa Brigade] (Tweet) (in Arabic) – via Twitter.
  288. ^ الناجي الوحيد. 15 February 2017 – via YouTube.
  289. ^ Chris Tomson (16 February 2017). "Jund al-Aqsa completely besieged by rival rebel factions around two towns in Idlib". al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 16 February 2017. Retrieved 29 November 2018.
  290. ^ Mulhem, Suliman (19 February 2017). "250+ fighters killed in rebel infighting across Syria". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 20 February 2017. Retrieved 11 March 2017.
  291. ^ Tomson, Chris (19 February 2017). "Syrian Army ambushes scores of Islamist rebels trying to defect to ISIS". AMN – Al-Masdar News | المصدر نيوز. Archived from the original on 20 February 2017. Retrieved 19 February 2017.
  292. ^ "Search for the dead begins in Idlib after Islamic State-linked brigade leaves for Raqqa". 22 February 2017.
  293. ^ "Tahrir al-Sham Declare Terminating Liwa al-Aqsa". SITE Intel Group. 23 February 2017.
  294. ^ "Relatives of executed rebels speak out: 'The regime hasn't even done what Liwa al-Aqsa did to us'". Archived from the original on 23 February 2017. Retrieved 11 March 2017.
  295. ^ "Jihadists claim to crack down on Islamic State cells in Idlib, Syria – FDD's Long War Journal". FDD's Long War Journal. 9 July 2017.
  296. ^ "3,300 have been killed since the start of the clashes with the Islamic State". Syriahr.com. Retrieved 22 October 2014.
  297. ^ "Total number of victims killed by the Islamic State" (PDF). Sn4hr.org. Retrieved 22 October 2014.
  298. ^ "81 executions during the 23rd month "the Islamic State's Caliphate" in Syria rise the number of executions carried out by the "Islamic State" to 4225". SOHR. Retrieved 29 May 2016.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Opposition–Islamic_State_conflict_during_the_Syrian_civil_war&oldid=1208674536"