Bitter Clashes Break Out Between Rival Turkish-Backed Militants in Northern Syria

(FNA)- Rival Turkish-based Takfiri militants have turned against each other and engaged in fierce exchanges of fire in Syria’s Northern provinces of Hasakah and Raqqah, as they seek to consolidate their grip on areas under their control, have a lion share of stolen assets, and be in charge of smuggling routes.

Syria’s official news agency SANA, citing local sources, said bloody infighting has been going on between militants affiliated with the Hamza Division, which is affiliated with the so-called Free Syrian Army and trained and equipped by the United States and Turkey, on the outskirts of Ras Al-Ayn city in Hasakah province over the past few days.

The report added that rival militants have been attacking each other’s positions intensely, using heavy and semi-heavy weapons.

SANA noted that while the reason behind the clashes remained unknown, several Takfiri terrorists had been killed and injured as a result.

The development comes a few days after fierce clashes erupted between Turkish-affiliated militant groups in Syria’s Northern province of Raqqah.

SANA said clashes broke out between elements of the Turkish-backed Ahrar Al-Sharqiya and Sham Legion militant groups in Ayn Issa, Al-Sharkarak and Hammam Al-Turkman areas on Friday.

Turkey has deployed forces in Syria in violation of the Arab country's territorial integrity.