Ahrar al-Sham’s new chief vows to defeat Russia

The newly-appointed leader of the powerful Islamist Ahrar al-Sham rebel group has vowed to defeat any planned Russian intervention in Syria during his inaugural public address.

 

“We owe it to you to restore freedom to Syria after the invasion of the rejectionists [Shiites] from all corners of the earth,” Abu Yahya al-Hamwi said in a speech released Thursday.

 

“Today they are bolstered by their allies the Russians and the fate of this invasion shall be defeat,” he added in reference to Moscow’s major military buildup in Syria.

 

Hamwi’s bombastic statement comes less than a week after his selection as Ahrar al-Sham’s new commander in a surprise move that saw the outgoing leader Sheikh Hashim al-Sheikh step down voluntary, the first such power transfer among Syrian rebel groups.

 

Only one year ago most of Ahar al-Sham’s leadership was killed in a devastating attack in Idlib, however the Islamist fighting force regrouped—reportedly with Turkish backing—and played a lead role in the Army of Conquest coalition’s stunning takeover of the Idlib province in June.

 

The Army of Conquest has since advanced against government troops in the Al-Ghab Plain that straddles the mountains along the Bashar al-Assad regime’s coastal heartland, raising worries in the erstwhile secure region.

 

Russia, in turn, has bolstered its military presence in the Alawite-populated region amid a flurry of recent reports indicate the country is preparing operations on behalf of the Assad regime.

 

On Thursday, Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Muallem said Damascus would request Russian military assistance if it was necessary. The same day reports emerged that Washington was preparing to accept Russia’s offer to discuss its activities in Syria.

 

AFP last Wednesday reported that Russia’s build-up has centered on the Bassel al-Assad International Airport south of the coastal city of Latakia.

 

The next day, Israel’s defense minister told reporters that Russian troops and technical advisors have been arriving in the country “for operating planes and combat helicopters.”

 

US Secretary of State John Kerry had earlier called his Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov, to express his concern over the reports, while NATO secretary general Jens Stoltenberg said a Russian buildup “will not contribute to solving the conflict.” (NOW)