Syria: SDF Prepares to Release 850 ISIS Detainees

The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) is preparing to release over 850 detainees arrested on charges of “belonging to ISIS,” mainly from Deir Ezzor and al-Hasakah, after mediation by tribal elders.

It is still unknown if all the prisoners will be released at once or in stages.

On September 22, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) reported that SDF released nine residents from al-Shuaytaat. They were arrested a week earlier from Abu Hamam town in Deir Ezzor’s countryside after they participated in a demonstration protesting SDF’s policies against the people of Deir Ezzor.

HTS Cracks Down on Rival Groups as Northwest Pressure Builds

On 25 October, violent clashes erupted in western Idleb and the northern Lattakia countryside between Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and Jund al-Sham and Jund Allah, two smaller jihadi factions composed primarily of foreign fighters. While HTS’s aggressive behaviour against other factions may be driven by Turkish pressure, it can also be seen as an extension of the group’s continuing bid for unchecked dominance over the region. More importantly, it comes amid growing speculation that Turkey will launch another military offensive in northern Syria.

Turkey Suspends Syria Operation due to Russia, U.S. Rejection

Turkey has suspended its potential military operation against northeast Syria, as a result of the continued refusal from Russia and the U.S., North Press writes.

Turkey has suspended its potential military operation against northeast Syria, as a result of the continued refusal from Russia and the U.S. and the absence of any consensus in this regard.

Jihadi group seeks command of media, advertising in northwest Syria

Hayat Tahrir al-Sham is seeking to organize media and advertising fields to serve its interests and the inclinations of its affiliated Salvation Government in Idlib in northwestern Syria.

The Hayat Tahrir al-Sham-affiliated (HTS) Salvation Government continues its attempts to dominate and acquire the different advertising companies and other vital sectors in its areas of control in Idlib in northwestern Syria, through its affiliated directorates and ministries and through emerging companies in various sectors led by parties close to HTS.

Former Islamic State (ISIS) ‘Finance Minister’ Reveals Details of ISIS Financial and Organizational Structure

An article about the arrest and confession of Sami Jasem Al-Jubouri, who was allegedly the former finance minister of the Islamic State (ISIS) and a deputy to Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi, was featured on the front page of Al-Qadaa, the monthly magazine of the High Judicial Council of Iraq, which was published online on November 14, 2021.[1] According to the article, the intelligence operation to apprehend Al-Jubouri took six months, during which Al-Jubouri aka Hajji Hamed aka Abu Asia, was lured “through several European cities” until he was captured by Iraqi intelligence beyond the borders of Iraq.

Russia Plan to Destabilize Eastern Syria

Russia has planned to destabilize the northern and eastern parts of Syria in order to expand its influence there, according to al-Hal Net.

Russia has planned to control areas in northern and eastern Syria for several months, coinciding with Turkey scaling back its military operation in that region. At a time when Russia is now looking into a new campaign to reach the outer reaches of U.S. forces’ control and patrol nearby, a well-crafted plan could have a negative impact on the population of these areas and cause general instability.

Iranian Official: Turkey Controls 30% of Syrian Economy, Iran Only 3%

The deputy head of the Iranian Chamber of Commerce regretted that while Turkey controls 30% of the Syrian economy, his country only accounts for 3% of trade, according to Baladi News.

“Iran accounts for only 3 percent of the Syrian economy, but Turkey accounts for 30 percent of the country’s trade,” said Mohammad Amirzadeh, deputy head of the Iranian Chamber of Commerce.

Julani: New Failed Attempts to Improve Tahrir al-Sham Image

Julani, the leader of the HTS, is trying to improve his image to gain credibility in the eyes of the local community as well as in those of the west, according to al-Hal.

Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS) leader Abu Mohammed al-Julani is constantly trying to present himself in a positive image and pose as an alternative to the Syrian government. Julani is doing so by presenting a civilian government from his military forces as one that is supportive and serves civilians in areas under the control of the HTS.