Former ISIS members, including known war criminals, are now actively serving in the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army, according to the Scharo Maroof of the Kurdistan Monitor.
On Saturday Maroof unveiled troubling details about the composition of the Syrian National Army (SNA), a coalition of armed Syrian opposition groups backed and equipped by Turkey. He reported that the SNA now includes former ISIS members in commanding roles, highlighting significant concerns over the ongoing influence and activities of ISIS within Turkish-backed military operations.
Zekeriya Nayil El-Eli, identified as a former ISIS fighter, now resides in Ras al-Ayn (Serê Kaniyê), a city under Turkish control. El-Eli, born into the Begara tribe of Deir ez-Zor (Dêrezor), joined ISIS at its inception and was active in the group until his integration into the SNA’s Ahrar al-Sharqiya division. His path from participating in ISIS-led massacres in Deir ez-Zor to occupying a position of authority within the SNA exemplifies the seamless transition of ISIS militants into roles within Turkey-supported forces.
The report also addresses strategic movements of ISIS in regions like Jarabulus (Cerablus), a key location previously under ISIS control and later occupied by Turkish forces. The transition of control in these areas has raised accusations of tacit cooperation between ISIS and the Turkish authorities, especially regarding the movement and retreat of ISIS forces following Turkish military interventions.
Maroof’s revelations point to a larger issue of regional security and the potential threats posed by the free movement of former ISIS members through Turkey and into Europe. With many of these individuals able to travel possibly unchecked to European destinations, the implications for international security are profound.