Control of Turkish-backed armed faction Hayat Tahrir al-Sham over parts of Holeb Holeb (Aleppo) continues, amid civilians’ displacement

HOLEB, Syria — The Turkish-backed armed factions led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) have taken control of several neighborhoods inside Holeb (Aleppo), while they have not yet reached the Christian neighborhoods there.

 The HTS took control over the headquarters of the Syrian regime, including the Governorate Headquarters and the University of Holeb (Aleppo), as well as the citadel of Holeb (Aleppo), our correspondent in Holeb (Aleppo) reported.

Our correspondent stated that there are concerns that the churches in Holeb (Aleppo) become targets for the HTS Islamist group because throughout the years of the Syrian crisis, churches have been looted and vandalized by such groups.

“Holeb (Aleppo) is witnessing a civilians mass displacement, amid the escape of Syrian regime elements after emptying their security headquarters from important documents, with the absence of role of the Syrian regime’s Air Force and Russian Air Force,” he added.

Spokesman for the People’s Protection Units (Yekîneyên Parastina Gel, YPG) Siyamend Ali confirmed that they are ready to defend the Sheikh Maqsoud neighborhood, and that they will greatly resist against any potential attack.

In addition, the Democratic Autonomous Administration of the Region of North and East Syria (DAARNES) announced the reception of approximately 3000 people from its residents coming from Holeb (Aleppo), including approximately 2000 students.

The Izla Travel Company has allocated a number of trips to transfer the DAARNES residents who are stuck in Holeb (Aleppo) to their original areas.  

Earlier, the DAARNES has directed its concerned institutions to facilitate the passage of its residents coming from Holeb (Aleppo), following the HTS recent attack.