Syrian rebel groups launch military council in southern Turkey

HATAY

DHA photo

A group of high ranking Syrian rebel commanders convened in the Reyhanlı town in Turkey’s southern province of Hatay to found a High Military Council to coordinate their actions, Anadolu Agency reported on July 19. 

Members of the 30-man council of the Free Syrian Army (FSA) were reportedly present at the meeting. 

Abdulkerim el Ahmed, describing himself as the FSA commander in chief, said a military council had already been in charge for three years and now the group has selected new members. 

Representatives from other Syrian opposition groups also took part in the meeting. 

However, the National Coalition for Syrian Revolutionary and Opposition Forces (SNC) ruled out any connection with the Hatay meeting, telling Anadolu Agency that it was an “individual attempt.” 

Salah al-Hamevi of the SNC said the FSA commander in chief was still Colonel Albay Ahmed Berri, and called on attendees of the Hatay meeting to join efforts.