ISIS to solve its disputes in Atareb peacefully after threats of attack

Al-Qaeda affiliate seeks to solve its disputes in Atareb peacefully after threats to attack the northern town near Aleppo, local sources told Zaman Aalwasl.

 The State of Iraq and al-Sham recently demanded the rebels based in the town to surrender and to give their weapons, besides allowing its representatives to take a part in the city Shariah court as well to give ISIS the police building.

Rebel Field commander told Zaman Alwasl that both parties look to avoid the armed engagement where the town lives cautious clam.  

Two weeks ago, rebels called for mobilization all fighters groups in Atareb to confront the imminent danger, where they established a military alliance included all brigades and battalions of Atareb.

"We are in state of readiness, we set up many barriers around the town as well we closed the main road driving to city,'' local source told Zaman Alwasl.

 The rise of ISIS in rebel-held areas in northern and eastern Syria has posed a problem for the broader rebel movement. While many insurgents are deeply Islamist themselves, their focus remains on toppling Mr. Assad, and they accuse ISIS of prioritizing its own jihadist agenda over the fight against the president. But the rebels hesitate to confront ISIS, saying their resources are already stretched by fighting the government.

 The Syrian conflict erupted in March 2011 as a popular uprising against Assad that quickly escalated into civil war. More than 115,000 people have been killed since then and millions of Syrians have been displaced.

Rebel groups have become increasingly fractured, with Islamic extremists, including those linked to al-Qaida, assuming prominent roles in battle.