Ahrar al-Sham Eastern Sector
| Ahrar al-Sham Eastern Sector 32nd Division[1] | |
|---|---|
| Leaders | Abu Haidara Abu al-Dahdah[2] |
| Dates of operation | 2011[3]-June 2024[4] |
| Headquarters | Ablah, Syria Olan, Syria[5] |
| Part of | Ahrar al-Sham (2011-2017, 2022[3]-2024) Syrian National Army
|
| Allies | Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham[9] |
| Opponents | Third Legion (until 2024)[10][3] |
| Battles and wars | |
Ahrar al-Sham Eastern Sector, also known as the 32nd Division, was an ally of Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) that was active during the Syrian civil war.
History
The group originally was part of Ahrar al-Sham, under the name 32nd Division. Members under the leadership of Abu Haidara later relocated to northern Aleppo and became part of the Levant Front in November 2017.[3]
It left the Third Legion in April 2022,[2] following attacks on it by the Levant Front. The 32nd Division returned to Ahrar al-Sham and rebranded as the Ahrar al-Sham Eastern Sector.[3]
The following month, the group reportedly became part of Hayat Thaeroon for Liberation, though the merger was ultimately unsuccessful.[6]
Ahar al-Sham Eastern Sector fought with the Third Legion,[10] as well as the Levant Front and Jaysh al-Islam, in June 2022.[3]
Abu Haidar Maskana aligned himself with the Second Legion of the Syrian National Army, while the faction headed by Abu al-Dahdah al-Manbij aligned with Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham. Abu Haidar was isolated as a result and the leadership of HTS and Ahrar al-Sham appointed al-Dahdah as "section commander."[2]
References
- ^ Walid Al Nofal (14 October 2022). "Interests over ideology: Why al-Jolani is expanding into northern Aleppo, and how Turkey might respond". Syria Direct. Translated by Mateo Nelson. Retrieved 22 June 2025.
- ^ a b c "Military Confrontation Looms in Eastern Aleppo as Factional Mobilizations Escalate". Syria TV. The Syrian Observer. 15 September 2023. Retrieved 1 July 2025.
- ^ a b c d e f "Northern Syria: Clashes Between Opposition Factions Lead to the Permanent Presence of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham in Afrin". Syrians For Truth & Justice. 11 August 2022. Retrieved 23 June 2025.
- ^ a b "Two factions merged into the Syrian National Army under the name "Division 26"". Syria.tv (in Arabic). 6 June 2024. Retrieved 23 June 2025.
- ^ "HTS sends reinforcements to ally faction in eastern Aleppo". North Press Agency. 28 January 2023. Retrieved 22 June 2025.
- ^ a b Hassan Ibrahim (28 September 2022). "Two movements in National Army: Consensus only in statements, eyes on Tahrir al-Sham". Enab Baladi. Retrieved 22 June 2025.
- ^ a b "Shahba Gathering: Is HTS organizing its own militia in north Aleppo? Part I". North Press Agency. 1 May 2023. Retrieved 22 June 2025.
- ^ "Al-Shahba Gathering leadership announces its dissolution in Aleppo countryside". Enab Baladi. 5 April 2024. Retrieved 22 June 2025.
- ^ Hassan Ibrahim (19 September 2023). "Tahrir al-Sham tests Turkey over a strategic crossing; Ankara halts HTS greed". Enab Baladi. Retrieved 22 June 2025.
- ^ a b c "Seven dead as clashes erupt in northern Syria". The New Arab. 19 June 2022. Retrieved 22 June 2025.
- ^ Orwa Ajjoub (26 October 2022). "HTS, Turkey, and the future of Syria's north". Middle East Institute. Retrieved 22 June 2025.