Rebel brigade Joins pro-Assad National Defence militia south of Damascus

Reporting by Abu Abdullah Al Hournai; Translation by Yusra Ahmed

(Zaman Al Wasl)- Al-Anfal brigade, one of the Free Syrian Army's brigades have handed themselves to the Syrian regime forces in settlement to join allied militia National Defence Forces (NDF), sources told Zaman al-Wasl.

The available information about the operation says al-Anfal Brigade's leader  has secretly handed himself with other 60 fighters to the regime on Saturday through one of fire-lines in Thalathin Road in Yarmouk Camp for Palestinian Refugees, using recent distraction caused by troubles in Beit Sahem and Babila.

Sources mentioned that the operation took months of preparation and secret communications with the regime. They added that moving to the other side took place gradually where 7 fighters went first, to be followed with the remaining 53 one led by their leader Abu Mazen Rifaie.

Well-informed sources reported that al-Anfal Brigade has arrived to Husseinieh in Sayeda Zainab area, to move later to Thiyabiyeh to become a part of the National Defence Forces (NDF) under leadership of "Fadi Saqr.”

Al-Anfal Brigade was part of “Front of Syria’s Rebels” before the front’s came apart, all members of the brigade were from Thiyabiyeh’s men who were displaced to Yarmouk Camp after their areas were controlled by the Syrian Regime and other sectarian militias and Hezbollah.

The region around Sayeda Zainab town south of Damascus is still empty of its peoplesince regime has been refusing to let them in, unless National Defence militias are formed from local people in particular.

It the first incidence of its kind with that big number of fighters to hand themselves to the regime with their full and heavy arms like DShk and RPGs, sniping machines and machine-guns.

Abu Bahr al-Jolani, cousin of al-Anfal Brigade’s leader, considered what happened a treason to the revolution and the sacrifices people gave, especially handing the arms as well, where Southern Damascus Front is in need for every small piece of arms.