Russian is preparing an attack on the Turkish-occupied Syrian town of al-Bab in the northern countryside of Aleppo, Mustafa Sejari, head of the al-Muetasim Brigade’s political office claimed on January 2.
The al-Muetasim Brigade is one of the main factions of the so-called Syrian National Army (SNA), which rules Turkish-occupied areas in northern and northeastern Syria.
On Twitter, Sejari called on the Syrian opposition to amass support for the SNA in order to stop the Russian attack on al-Bab.
“We warn the international community and the Friends of Syria Group of a possible Russian aggression against the Syrian city of al-Bab,” Sejari said. “The Assad regime and its allies do not believe in a political solution, and are preparing for new military action and aggression.”
Sejari’s allegations were dismissed a day later by SNA spokesman Major Youssef Hammoud, who said the situation around al-Bab is calm.
Furthermore, the Minister of Defense in the Turkish-backed Interim government, Major General Salim Idris, said there are no threats to al-Bab town.
“All the rumors about the situation on the al-Bab front are unfounded,” Idris said in a statement. “Our formations in the region are monitoring 24 hours a day without interruption, and our national army is in a state of complete readiness.”
Despite the reassurances of the SNA, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported heavy clashes near al-Bab on January 3. The clashes were however between the SNA and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).
Currently, a Russian-backed attack on al-Bab seems unlikely. Nevertheless, a battle between the SNA and the SDF near the town is possible.
The post Rebel Official Claims Russia Is Preparing To Attack Turkish-Occupied Al-Bab In Northern Syria appeared first on .
