Ten big rebel groups operating in northern Syria announced they have taken the first steps toward full merger in response to calls from the Syrian people, who have been pressing the FSA and rebel groups, for unity and to overcome the challenges facing the Syrian revolution.
The merger will begin by bringing together all the military formations as well as political and legal bodies of these groups to establish a unified, strong bloc, the signatories of the agreement said in a joint statement issued on Tuesday. They added that the door is open to all FSA and rebel groups to join.
Signatories to the statement, issued under the flag of the Free Syrian Army, pointed out that they were careful not to announce the merger now in order to keep the door open for other groups to join in the talks.
The statement stressed that the move aims to achieve the aspirations of the Syrian people and defend them against the barbaric war by the Assad regime and its allies.
The statement was signed by Suqor Alsham, Jabhet Ahel Alsham, Aljabha Alshamiya, Failaq Alsham, Liwaa Shuhada Alislam (Daraya), Jaysh Alislam (Northern Sector), Ferqat Alsafwa, Alfawj Alawwal, Ahrar Alsharqiya, and Liwaa Alfurqan (Idlib).
The Syrian Coalition in early December announced that it is in the process of adopting a new strategy at the political, military, and civil levels to confront the Assad regime which has being receiving substantial support from its allies.
President of the Syrian Coalition Anas Abdah said: “We are developing a new strategy for the Syrian revolution on the political and military levels.” He added that the Coalition is developing plans to form a unified political institution as well as a national army to protect the gains of the revolution and the Syrian people’s demands for freedom and dignity. (Source: Syrian Coalition’s Media Office + Agencies)
