Violations Documentation Center in Northern Syria documents presence of 139 Islamic State militants in Turkish-backed Syrian National Army

NORTH AND EAST SYRIA — A recent report by the Violations Documentation Center in Northern Syria (VDC-NSY) has highlighted the Turkish occupation’s continued support for former Islamic State (ISIS) militants in Syria. The report documented 139 former members of ISIS, including high-ranking leaders, are currently active within the ranks of the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army (SNA) operating in Cafrin (Afrin), Azaz, Tel Abyad, Rish Ayno (Ras al-Ayn), al-Bab, and Jarabulus.

Notable among these ISIS figures is Omar al-Hajji Sultan, a Syrian national with close ties to ISIS leadership, residing in Tel Abyad. Another key figure, Abu al-Wafa al-Tunisi, a former Tunisian intelligence officer and prominent ISIS leader, is based in Rish Ayno.

The report also underscores the success of the US-led International Coalition, in coordination with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), in eliminating several top ISIS leaders in areas under Turkish control in northern Syria, including Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, Abu Ibrahim al-Qurashi, and Abu Hussein al-Qurashi.

This revelation underscores the ongoing threat posed by ISIS elements within Turkish-occupied territories and raises serious concerns about the implications for regional stability.