Six rebel groups operating in northern rural Homs announced they were merging together to form ‘Homs Army.’ The groups are: Union of 313 Battalions and Brigades, Union of Siyouf al-Haqq Battles and Brigades, Battalions of Seif al-Islam Khatab, Ansar al-Haqq Brigade, Ansar al-Sunna and Shariah Brigade, and Talbeesa Brigade.
According to a statement issued on Sunday, the goal of the new formation is to unify the ranks of FSA groups on all Syrian territory in the face of the killing machine of the Assad regime and its allied foreign militias.
Commander of Jund Badr Brigades, Abu Imad Miznazi told Arab21 Newspaper that the move came after extensive consultations with rebel leaders in Homs province. He added that consultations are being underway with the other rebel groups to join the new formation to “serve the interests of the country and uphold the guiding principles of the revolution.”
“All talk about the ‘de-escalation zones agreement’ is sheer lies as the agreement offered the Assad regime with an opportunity to re-group and re-organize its forces. Assad regime has not respected the agreement even for a single day,” Miznazi said. He vowed they would respond to any violations of the agreement.
Miznazi noted they are coordinating with all FSA groups to close ranks and remain steadfast against the Assad regime forces.
For his part, commander of Homs Army Issam Jumaa said that “one of the requirements of victory is to unify and close ranks and uphold the guiding principles of the revolution which broke out to regain freedom and dignity. He described this as the main motive behind the formation of Homs Army, adding that the new formation will act as a bulwark against the Assad regime and will defend the area against regime attacks.”
Jumaa said that Homs Army is ready to work with other rebel groups for the sake of unity and to foil all internal and external schemes as well as to serve the goals of the Syrian revolution. (Source: Syrian Coalition’s Media Department)
