BALADI NEWS
Opposition factions in the Operation Euphrates Shield area in the Aleppo countryside continue to hold various military training sessions under the supervision of officers from the Turkish army and the Free Syrian Army-affiliated Syrian National Army, Al-Monitor reported, citing opposition officials. The program, which began April 7, includes training on airdrop operations using Turkish army helicopters, according to Al-Monitor media outlet.
The training also includes lessons in tactics for storming enemy positions.
The media outlet said it is the first time FSA fighters have received this type of training.
Director of the politburo for the FSA-affiliated Al-Moaatsem Brigade Mustafa Sejari told Al-Monitor, “The trainings of the National Army are ongoing, and preparations for the upcoming battle in the Eastern Euphrates are underway. The trainings are reaching high levels to ensure the success of operations in record time. Undoubtedly, previous experience in the Euphrates Shield and Olive Branch operations will benefit the Eastern Euphrates battles.”
Sejari added, “The trainings are part of the cooperation between the FSA and the Turkish army in their joint war on terror. FSA fighters receive intensive training on airdrops and new military tactics.”
FSA-affiliated National Army leaders said the main aim behind the trainings is to raise fighters’ combat readiness to engage in a joint battle with the Turkish army against the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in the Eastern Euphrates.
The SDF is a coalition of Arab and Kurdish fighters, with the Kurdish People’s Protection Units (YPG) being the largest component. Turkey considers the YPG a terrorist group and an extension of the Kurdistan Workers Party, which the Turkish army is fighting inside Turkey.