From the Liveblog of
Sunday, October 9, 2016
Syria extremist group joins al-Qaeda affiliate
Add ToI as a Preferred Source on GoogleAn extremist group embroiled in infighting with one of the largest Syrian rebel groups pledges allegiance to al-Qaeda-linked militants in Syria.
The extremist group Jund al-Aqsa has been battling the powerful Ahrar al-Sham group in northern Syria for days, after the latter accused it of ambushing its leaders. Scores of factions rallied behind Ahrar al-Sham accusing Jund al-Aqsa of serving the extremist Islamic State militants, who are at odds with all Syrian insurgents, including the al-Qaida-linked Fatah al-Sham Front.
Now Fatah al-Sham Front announces Jund al-Aqsa will join its ranks. The declaration is expected to put an immediate end to the infighting.
It has also drawn criticism from other rebel groups, however, who see the move as divisive, providing cover for an extremist group.
— AP
The Times of Israel Community.