Idlib Governorate clashes (January–March 2017)

{{main|October 2016 Idlib Governorate clashes|Second Battle of Maarat al-Nu'man}}

In October 2016, major clashes erupted between Ahrar al-Sham and Jund al-Aqsa in the Idlib province. This resulted in most of Jund al-Aqsa pledging allegiance to Jabhat Fatah al-Sham (JFS) on 13 October 2016. Sporadic clashes continued for the next few months.{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=52997|title=Tension return between Jund al-Aqsa and Ahrar al-Sham in the countryside of Idlib and shooting in al-Suwaidaa|work=Syria HR|date=22 October 2016}}

Another reason for the recent attacks by JFS were airstrikes conducted by the United States Air Force earlier in January, which killed more than 100 Jihadists belonging to the group.{{cite web|url=https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/1055727/us-airstrike-kills-more-than-100-al-qaida-fighters-in-syria/|title=U.S. Airstrike Kills More Than 100 al-Qaida Fighters in Syria|work=US Department of Defense|date=20 January 2017}} Fatah al-Sham accused rival opposition groups of providing targeting information to the United States.{{citation needed|date=May 2017}} In a statement released by Fatah al-Sham, the group claimed its attacks were to "prevent conspiracies" against them.{{cite web|url=https://www.newsdeeply.com/syria/articles/2017/01/27/analysis-why-jabhat-fatah-al-sham-is-lashing-out-at-syrian-rebels|title=Analysis: Why Jabhat Fatah al-Sham Is Lashing Out at Syrian Rebels|date=27 January 2017 }}

One of the rebel groups involved in the conflict, the Army of Mujahideen, is a party to the peace talks in Astana, Kazakhstan. Representatives from Jaysh al-Islam and the Sham Legion, along with 13 more factions are also involved.{{cite web|url=http://www.geopolmonitor.com/syrian-government-opposition-factions-begin-talks/|title=Syrian government and opposition factions begin talks|work=Geopol Monitor|date=23 January 2017|access-date=24 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171009214435/http://www.geopolmonitor.com/syrian-government-opposition-factions-begin-talks/|archive-date=9 October 2017|url-status=dead}} Ahrar al-Sham, on the other hand, refused to participate in Astana due to their relations with JFS.{{cite web|url=http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/rebel-fighting-idlib-increases-tensions-over-peace-talks-2113068507|title=Syrian rebels threaten to 'annihilate' rivals as Idlib infighting rages|work=Middle East Eye|last=MacDonald |first=Alex |date=23 January 2017}} Negotiations between Syrian government and opposition representatives began on 23 January.

On 20 January 2017, the al-Nusra Front (Jabhat Fateh al-Sham (JFS)) launched several coordinated attacks against Ahrar al-Sham headquarters and positions in the northern Idlib Governorate, near the Bab al-Hawa Border Crossing. In addition, al-Nusra also attacked Ahrar al-Sham outposts in Darkush and Jisr al-Shughur.{{Cite web|url=https://medium.com/@_alhamra/why-al-qaeda-jfs-is-attacking-ahrar-al-sham-by-charles-lister-4b49affca03|title=Why Al-Qaeda/JFS Is Attacking Ahrar al-Sham: @charles_lister's Take|work=Medium Corporation|author=Al-Hamra |date=20 January 2017}} On the same day, Jund al-Aqsa raided an Ahrar al-Sham prison in Jabal Zawiya and freed 13 of their prisoners.{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/trouble-jihadist-paradise-rival-factions-battle-idlib/|title=Trouble in jihadist paradise as rival factions battle in Idlib|work=Al-Masdar News|last=Fadel|first=Leith|date=20 January 2017|access-date=24 January 2017|archive-date=3 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190203132405/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/trouble-jihadist-paradise-rival-factions-battle-idlib/|url-status=dead}}{{Better source needed|not reliable for rebel/jihadist facts|date=October 2021}} Meanwhile, in the same area, al-Nusra attacked the Mountain Hawks Brigade of the Free Idlib Army and captured a commander and his equipment.{{cite web|url=http://www.alnour.com.lb/ar/news/security/2017-01-21_061848/%D8%A7%D8%B4%D8%AA%D8%A8%D8%A7%D9%83%D8%A7%D8%AA-%D9%81%D9%8A-%D8%B1%D9%8A%D9%81-%D8%A5%D8%AF%D9%84%D8%A8-%D8%A8%D9%8A%D9%86-%D9%84%D9%88%D8%A7%D8%A1-%D8%B5%D9%82%D9%88%D8%B1-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AC%D8%A8%D9%84-%D9%88%D8%AC%D8%A8%D9%87%D8%A9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%86%D8%B5%D8%B1%D8%A9|title=Clashes in the countryside of Idlib between the "Brigade Hawks Mountain" and "Front victory"|work=Nour Radio|date=21 January 2017|access-date=24 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202013304/http://www.alnour.com.lb/ar/news/security/2017-01-21_061848/%D8%A7%D8%B4%D8%AA%D8%A8%D8%A7%D9%83%D8%A7%D8%AA-%D9%81%D9%8A-%D8%B1%D9%8A%D9%81-%D8%A5%D8%AF%D9%84%D8%A8-%D8%A8%D9%8A%D9%86-%D9%84%D9%88%D8%A7%D8%A1-%D8%B5%D9%82%D9%88%D8%B1-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AC%D8%A8%D9%84-%D9%88%D8%AC%D8%A8%D9%87%D8%A9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%86%D8%B5%D8%B1%D8%A9|archive-date=2 February 2017|url-status=dead}}

On 23 January, JFS announced that it has expelled Jund al-Aqsa from its ranks. Clashes then continued. JFS fighters, with support from the Nour al-Din al-Zenki Movement, captured the headquarters of the Army of Mujahideen in western Aleppo. They also proceeded to attack the Levant Front in Haritan.

By 24 January, the Army of Mujahideen joined Ahrar al-Sham after its defeat by JFS. Ahrar al-Sham then deployed several military convoys to the countryside of Idlib and western Aleppo in order to deter attacks by JFS.{{cite web|url=http://en.eldorar.com/node/4545|title=Ahrar al-Sham calls on people to take to the streets& blocking roads|work=Eldorar alShamia|date=24 January 2017|access-date=25 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170130070737/http://en.eldorar.com/node/4545|archive-date=30 January 2017|url-status=dead}} Meanwhile, the Sham Legion repelled a JFS attack against a Mujahideen Army base in rural Idlib.

On 25 January, JFS militants captured the Idlib central prison from the Suqour al-Sham Brigade.

By 26 January, Ahrar al-Sham and its allies had captured multiple villages in the northern part of the Jabal Zawiya region from JFS, in a region between Balyin, Kafr Naya, and Maarrat al-Nu'man.{{cite web|url=http://imgur.com/a/h5C3P|title=Idlib governorate clashes|access-date=5 March 2017}} On the same day, militants loyal to JFS captured the strategic town of Halfaya from rival opposition forces.{{cite web|url=https://mobile.almasdarnews.com/article/situation-northern-hama-becomes-worrisome-jihadists-take/|title=Situation in northern Hama becomes worrisome as jihadists take over|first=Leith|last=Fadel|website=Al-Masdar|date=26 January 2017|access-date=26 January 2017|archive-date=19 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171019060012/https://mobile.almasdarnews.com/article/situation-northern-hama-becomes-worrisome-jihadists-take/|url-status=dead}} The next day, JFS forces attacked the headquarters of Jaysh al-Islam in northern Idlib.{{cite web|url=http://www.all4syria.info/Archive/383174|title=(Fatah al-Sham) are attacking the headquarters of the (Army of Islam) in the northern Idlib Babsaga|work=All4Syria|date=27 January 2017}} By 27 January, it was reported that JFS had lost over 35 fighters in the clashes with other rebel groups.

During the clashes, it was reported that civilians gathered near settlements caught in the conflict and protested against Fatah al-Sham's attacks on rival opposition forces, and called on the conflict to end in order to save civilian lives.{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSKBN15B1UT|title=Jihadists, Syrian rebels in heavy clashes in northwest: rebel, monitors|date=27 January 2017|access-date=29 January 2017|newspaper=Reuters}}

On 28 January, JFS disbanded and merged with several other Islamist groups and formed Tahrir al-Sham (Levant Liberation Body).{{cite news|url=http://mobile.reuters.com/article/idUSKBN15C0MV|title=Syria Islamist factions, including former al Qaeda branch, join forces: statement|date=28 January 2017|newspaper=Reuters}} The overall mission for this new front is likely to consolidate power in northwestern Syria against rival opposition groups, most prominently Ahrar al-Sham.

On 30 January, there were reports of mobilizations by Tahrir al-Sham and Ahrar ash-Sham at the Bab al-Hawa Border Crossing and other nearby areas, and that the 2 groups were preparing for another round of clashes.{{Dubious|date=May 2022|reason=Information sourced from unreliable fringe source (which has been removed). Please check if other sources corroborate the stated information.}}

On 2 February, Tahrir al-Sham's former JFS forces attempted to occupy a bakery in Atarib, the largest bakery in western Aleppo, but withdrew after protests by residents.{{cite web|url=http://en.aleppo24.com/the-jabhat-fateh-al-sham-are-attempting-to-capture-the-bread-oven-of-atarib-city-as-a-means-to-control-the-possession-of-bread-in-the-region|title=The Jabhat Fateh Al-Sham are attempting to capture the bread oven of Atarib city as a means to control the possession of bread in the region|work=Aleppo 24 Organization|date=2 February 2017|access-date=3 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171009214052/http://en.aleppo24.com/the-jabhat-fateh-al-sham-are-attempting-to-capture-the-bread-oven-of-atarib-city-as-a-means-to-control-the-possession-of-bread-in-the-region|archive-date=9 October 2017|url-status=dead}} Several days later, the Uzbek Jihadist group Katibat al-Tawhid wal-Jihad pledged its allegiance to Tahrir al-Sham.{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/uzbek-jihadists-join-newest-rebel-coalition-syria/|title=Uzbek jihadists join newest rebel coalition in Syria|first=Leith|last=Fadel|website=Al-Masdar|date=5 February 2017|access-date=5 February 2017|archive-date=5 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170205062908/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/uzbek-jihadists-join-newest-rebel-coalition-syria/|url-status=dead}}{{Better source needed|not reliable for rebel/jihadist facts|date=October 2021}}

On 7 February 2017, Jund al-Aqsa attacked the headquarters of Jaysh al-Nasr near the town of Murak, in northern Hama. Jund al-Aqsa then captured the town of Kafr Zita and stormed Taybat al-Imam, capturing more than 250 fighters and weapons from Jaysh al-Nasr.{{cite web|url=http://aletihadpress.com/2017/02/07/%D9%84%D9%88%D8%A7%D8%A1-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A3%D9%82%D8%B5%D9%89-%D9%8A%D9%87%D8%A7%D8%AC%D9%85-%D9%85%D9%82%D8%B1%D8%A7%D8%AA-%D8%AC%D9%8A%D8%B4-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%86%D8%B5%D8%B1-%D8%A8%D8%B1%D9%8A%D9%81/|title=Al-Aqsa Brigade attacked the headquarters of an army victory Brive northern Hama|work=Al-Etihad Press|date=7 February 2017|access-date=9 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170211080459/http://aletihadpress.com/2017/02/07/%D9%84%D9%88%D8%A7%D8%A1-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A3%D9%82%D8%B5%D9%89-%D9%8A%D9%87%D8%A7%D8%AC%D9%85-%D9%85%D9%82%D8%B1%D8%A7%D8%AA-%D8%AC%D9%8A%D8%B4-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%86%D8%B5%D8%B1-%D8%A8%D8%B1%D9%8A%D9%81/|archive-date=11 February 2017|url-status=dead}} On 9 February, Jund al-Aqsa attacked the headquarters of Ajnad al-Sham, Saraya al-Ghuraba, Liwa al-Maghawir and several other rebel units around Kafr Zita and in other areas in the northern Hama countryside, expanding its influence and capturing weapons, supplies and vehicles. By then, Jund al-Aqsa had taken full control of 17 towns and villages overall.{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/salafist-jihadists-overrun-fsa-northern-syria-rebel-infighting-intensifies/|title=Salafist jihadists overrun FSA in northern Syria as rebel infighting intensifies|first=Zen|last=Adra|date=9 February 2017|website=Al-Masdar|access-date=11 March 2017|archive-date=24 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181224172004/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/salafist-jihadists-overrun-fsa-northern-syria-rebel-infighting-intensifies/|url-status=dead}}{{Better source needed|not reliable for rebel/jihadist facts|date=October 2021}}

During the afternoon of 11 February, local civilians expelled Islamist rebels of Ahrar al-Sham and Jaysh al-Nasr from the town of Kafr Nabudah. The rebels were mobilizing in the town to prepare for an offensive in northern Hama. Protesters threw stones and attacked the rebel convoy, killing 3 and injuring 20 of the rebel fighters.

On 13 February, clashes erupted between the previously allied Tahrir al-Sham and Jund al-Aqsa in northern Hama and southern Idlib.{{cite web|url=http://www.thestar.com.my/news/world/2017/02/13/jihadist-rebel-groups-clash-in-northwest-syria--monitor/|title=Jihadist rebel groups clash in northwest Syria – monitor|agency=Reuters|date=13 February 2017}} HTS declared war on Jund al-Aqsa as a result, and the clashes resulted in the deaths of almost 70 fighters on both sides. At least 17 of those killed were Jund al-Aqsa fighters,{{cite web |url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=60839 |title=In the most violent clashes between the major factions … 46 fighters at least were killed and unknown fate of tens of other fighters of Hayyaat Tahrir al-Sham and Jund al-Aqsa is in the countryside of Idlib and Hama |date=13 February 2017 |website=Syrian Observatory for Human Rights}} Abu Bakr Tamanna, who led a group of suicide bombers for JFS during the rebel the attempt to break the siege of Aleppo, at the 3000 apartments, was killed by Liwa al-Aqsa.{{cite tweet |author=موسى العمر |user=MousaAlomar |number=831210919212568579 |date=13 February 2017 |title=لواء الأقصى يقتل القيادي في فتح الشام وقائد مجموعات الإنغماسيين الذين اقتحموا 3000 شقة بمعركة فك حصار حلب ابو بكر تمانعة الذين استشهد أغلبهم https://t.co/2djhtROw44 |trans-title=Al-Aqsa Brigade kills the leader in Fatah al-Sham and the leader of the Inghamasi groups who stormed 3,000 apartments in the battle to lift the siege of Aleppo, Abu Bakr Taman'a, most of whom were martyred |language=ar |access-date=4 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112001928/https://twitter.com/MousaAlomar/status/831210919212568579 |archive-date=12 November 2020 |url-status=live}} During the fighting, Kafers Jonah village was captured by Liwa al-Aqsa after its general security leader Abu Rihana was killed by Tahrir al-Sham.{{cite tweet |author=Step News Agency - وكالة ستيب الإخبارية |user=Step_Agency |number=831166145466101761 |date=13 February 2017 |title=#سوريا #ادلب #هيئة_تحرير_الشام تقتل أبو ريحانة "الأمني العام للواء الأقصى" وتسيطر على بلدة #كفرسجنة جنوب ادلب مع استمرار المعارك بين الطرفين |language=ar |access-date=4 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170313205642/https://twitter.com/step_agency/status/831166145466101761 |archive-date=13 March 2017 |url-status=live}}

On 14 February, Jund al-Aqsa announced the execution{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-al-qaeda-group-slaughters-100-jihadist-rebels-idlib/|title=Syrian Al-Qaeda group slaughters over 100 jihadist rebels in Idlib|last=Fadel|first=Leith|work=al-Masdar News|date=14 February 2017|access-date=15 February 2017|archive-date=15 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170215000327/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-al-qaeda-group-slaughters-100-jihadist-rebels-idlib/|url-status=dead}} of 150–200 prisoners of war, including both HTS and FSA fighters. More than 160 of those executed were FSA fighters, including more than 70 from Jaysh al-Nasr, while 43 were HTS members who were killed after a Sharia Court was stormed in Idlib's rural countryside in Moqa village by Liwa al-Aqsa.{{cite news |date= 18 February 2017 |title= "لواء الأقصى" ينفذ أكبر عملية "إعدام جماعي" بحق مقاتلي الجيش الحر |url=http://www.orient-news.net/ar/news_show/132295/لواء-الأقصى-ينفذ-أكبر-عملية-إعدام-جماعي-بحق-مقاتلي-الجيش-الحر |newspaper=أورينت نت }} In order to secure a potential withdraw the Syrian opposition and Liwa Aqsa engaged in talks.{{cite tweet |author=archicivilians |user=archicivilians |number=831602952884350976 |date=14 February 2017 |title=Ongoing negotiations between Liwaa Aqsa & Opposition to stop the clashes and allow Liwaa Aqsa to flee peacefully to #ISIS in #Raqqah. #Syria |language=en |access-date=4 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221201202501/https://twitter.com/archicivilians/status/831602952884350976 |archive-date=1 December 2022 |url-status=live}} Still, on the next day, HTS captured the village of Heish from Jund al-Aqsa, and then besieged the retreating Jund al-Aqsa forces in Khan Shaykhun and Murak.{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/jund-al-aqsa-completely-besieged-rival-rebel-factions-around-two-towns-idlib/|title=Jund al-Aqsa completely besieged by rival rebel factions around two towns in Idlib|last=Tomson|first=Chris|work=al-Masdar News|date=16 February 2017|access-date=16 February 2017|archive-date=16 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170216220414/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/jund-al-aqsa-completely-besieged-rival-rebel-factions-around-two-towns-idlib/|url-status=dead}} The Turkistan Islamic Party and Tahrir al-Sham surrounded Liwa Al-Aqsa in Mourak and Khan Shaykhoun.{{cite web |url=https://twitter.com/azmorai1/status/832022862852653056 |date=15 Feb 2017 |website=Twitter }} Turkistan Islamic Party and Liwa al-Aqsa negotiated an agreement.{{citation needed|date=December 2022}}

On 19 February, it was reported that 600 Jund al-Aqsa militants would be transported to the Ar-Raqqah Governorate to join ISIL, while the remaining Jund al-Aqsa forces would surrender their heavy weapons and join the Turkistan Islamic Party within 72 hours. By this point, it was reported that over 250 Free Syrian Army and Tahrir al-Sham fighters had been killed in clashes by Jund al-Aqsa.{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/250-fighters-killed-rebel-infighting-across-syria/|title=250+ fighters killed in rebel infighting across Syria|first=Suliman|last=Mulhem|website=Al-Masdar|date=19 February 2017|access-date=20 February 2017|archive-date=20 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170220171316/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/250-fighters-killed-rebel-infighting-across-syria/|url-status=dead}}{{Better source needed|not reliable for rebel/jihadist facts|date=October 2021}} That afternoon, a convoy of Jund al-Aqsa members and their relatives tried to cross from Idlib Province into the Raqqa Governorate, across a Syrian government supply route to Aleppo, stretching from Ithriyah to Salamiyah, in order to escape the rebel infighting. However, they were ambushed by the National Defence Forces, resulting in several deaths, with rest of the militants surrendering themselves.{{Cite news|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-ambushes-scores-of-islamist-rebels-trying-to-defect-to-isis/|title=Syrian Army ambushes scores of Islamist rebels trying to defect to ISIS|last=Tomson|first=Chris|date=19 February 2017|newspaper=AMN – Al-Masdar News {{!}} المصدر نيوز|access-date=19 February 2017|language=en-US|archive-date=20 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170220093112/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-ambushes-scores-of-islamist-rebels-trying-to-defect-to-isis/|url-status=dead}}{{Better source needed|not reliable for rebel/jihadist facts|date=October 2021}} On the same day, Tahir al-Sham stormed Jaysh al-Islam positions near the Bab al-Hawa Border Crossing and captured heavy weapons. HTS also occupied several abandoned warehouses formerly belonging to the Hazzm Movement.{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/rebel-infighting-continues-new-coalition-raids-jaysh-al-islams-positions-idlib/|title=Rebel infighting continues as new coalition raids Jaysh Al-Islam's positions in Idlib|work=Al-Masdar News|last=Fadel|first=Leith|date=19 February 2017|access-date=20 February 2017|archive-date=20 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170220172537/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/rebel-infighting-continues-new-coalition-raids-jaysh-al-islams-positions-idlib/|url-status=dead}}{{Better source needed|not reliable for rebel/jihadist facts|date=October 2021}}

On 22 February, the last of Liwa al-Aqsa's 2,100 militants left their final positions in Khan Skaykhun, to join ISIL in Ar-Raqqah province, after a negotiated withdrawal deal with Tahrir al-Sham and the Turkistan Islamic Party.{{cite web|url=http://syriadirect.org/news/search-for-the-dead-begins-in-idlib-after-islamic-state-linked-brigade-leaves-for-raqqa/|title=Search for the dead begins in Idlib after Islamic State-linked brigade leaves for Raqqa|date=22 February 2017 }} Armored vehicles, tanks, and heavy weapons were all burned by Liwa al-Aqsa during their withdrawal.{{cite tweet |author=موسى العمر |user=MousaAlomar |number=834403959230038016 |date=22 February 2017 |title=تنظيم لواء الأقصى يحرق جميع السلاح الثقيل من الدبابات والمدرعات قبيل خروج عناصره نحو ريف حماه الشرقي من خان شيخون ومورك https://t.co/RILOe5MjeK |trans-title=The Al-Aqsa Brigade organization burns all heavy weapons, including tanks and armored vehicles, before its members leave towards the eastern Hama countryside from Khan Shaykhun and Morek |language=ar |access-date=4 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112021849/https://twitter.com/MousaAlomar/status/834403959230038016 |archive-date=12 November 2020 |url-status=live}}{{cite tweet |last=Ridha |first=Hassan |user=sayed_ridha |number=834532477834194944 |date=22 February 2017 |title=Pics of tanks/BMP burned by Liwa al-Aqsa after abandoning Khazanat Base https://t.co/L7jxmmjtAU |language=tl |access-date=24 December 2020}}{{cite tweet |last=Ridha |first=Hassan |user=sayed_ridha |number=834530569597771776 |date=22 February 2017 |title=الآليات الثقيلة التي أحرقها لواء الأقصى قبل انسحابه من معسكر الخزانات قرب من خان شيخون https://t.co/Ah56XQvk1E |language=ar |access-date=24 December 2020}}{{Better source needed|Twitter|date=October 2021}} Afterward, Tahrir al-Sham declared the termination Liwa al-Aqsa, and promised to watch for any remaining cells.{{cite web|url=https://news.siteintelgroup.com/Jihadist-News/tahrir-al-sham-declare-terminating-liwa-al-aqsa.html|title=Tahrir al-Sham Declare Terminating Liwa al-Aqsa|last=SITE|date=23 February 2017 }}

On 23 February, the relatives of the FSA prisoners executed by Liwa al-Aqsa accused the group of treating them worse than the Syria government ever did.{{cite web|url=http://syriadirect.org/news/relatives-of-executed-rebels-speak-out-%E2%80%98the-regime-hasn%E2%80%99t-even-done-what-liwa-al-aqsa-did-to-us%E2%80%99/|title=Relatives of executed rebels speak out: 'The regime hasn't even done what Liwa al-Aqsa did to us'|access-date=24 February 2017|archive-date=23 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170223231136/http://syriadirect.org/news/relatives-of-executed-rebels-speak-out-%E2%80%98the-regime-hasn%E2%80%99t-even-done-what-liwa-al-aqsa-did-to-us%E2%80%99/|url-status=dead}} Around Khan Seikhoun, mass graves were discovered following Liwa al-Aqsa's retreat.{{cite tweet |last=Ridha |first=Hassan |user=sayed_ridha |number=834524848562909185 |date=22 February 2017 |title=White Helmets discover mass grave of 21 bodies of FSA militants who were executed by Liwa alAqsa in Khazanat Base near Khan Sheikhoun, Idlib https://t.co/6si3zSU6TD |language=en |access-date=24 December 2020}}{{cite tweet |last=Ridha |first=Hassan |user=sayed_ridha |number=834524213050372099 |date=22 February 2017 |title=العثور على 21 جثة لمسلحي 'الحر' اعدمهم مجموعة جند/لواء الأقصى في معسكر خزانات قرب من مدينة خان شيخون بريف ادلب الجنوبي https://t.co/Ei64vzDzxd |language=ar |access-date=24 December 2020}}{{cite web |url=https://twitter.com/NorthernStork/status/834479373864538112 |date=22 February 2017 |website=Twitter }} Between 22 and 23 February, two separate mass graves containing the bodies of at least 131 executed rebels were found near the town. This was in addition to the discovery of the bodies of 41 fighters the previous week.{{cite web|url=http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/afp/2017/02/syria-conflict-idlib-jihadists.html|title=130 bodies found in Syria mass graves|work=Al-Monitor }}

On 25 February, Ahrar al-Sham raided the Free Idlib Army's headquarters and warehouses in the village of Aqrab, Idlib. The AaS fighters occupied the area under the pretext of "protecting" the FIA from a potential HTS attack. The Free Idlib Army, however, denied that they were under attack by Ahrar al-Sham.{{cite web|url=http://aletihadpress.com/2017/02/25/جيش-ادلب-الحر-ينفي-استيلاء-أحرار-الشام/|title=جيش ادلب الحر ينفي استيلاء أحرار الشام على مستودعاته بريف ادلب|work=Al-Etihad Press|date=26 February 2017|access-date=21 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171019062831/http://aletihadpress.com/2017/02/25/%D8%AC%D9%8A%D8%B4-%D8%A7%D8%AF%D9%84%D8%A8-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AD%D8%B1-%D9%8A%D9%86%D9%81%D9%8A-%D8%A7%D8%B3%D8%AA%D9%8A%D9%84%D8%A7%D8%A1-%D8%A3%D8%AD%D8%B1%D8%A7%D8%B1-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B4%D8%A7%D9%85/|archive-date=19 October 2017|url-status=dead}} Three days later, HTS attacked a Sham Legion headquarters in northern Idlib, and captured an arms depot.{{cite tweet |last=Lister |first=Charles |author-link=Charles Lister |user=Charles_Lister |number=836651268693188608 |date=28 February 2017 |title=HTS attacked a Faylaq al-Sham HQ in northern #Idlib today, taking control of an arms depot. #Syria https://t.co/o5kBQz6udW |language=en |access-date=4 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111192422/https://twitter.com/Charles_Lister/status/836651268693188608 |archive-date=11 November 2020 |url-status=live}}

{{One source|section|date=October 2021}}

On 2 March, according to pro-government sources, the Sham Legion split into three armed groups, while fighting erupted in town of Saraqib, after a brigade in Ahrar al-Sham defected to Tahrir al-Sham.{{Cite news|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/faylaq-al-sham-ground-descend-into-bitter-civil-war-in-militant-held-idlib-governorate/|title=Faylaq al-Sham group descends into bitter civil war in militant-held Idlib governorate|last=Antonopoulos|first=Paul|date=2017-03-02|work=AMN - Al-Masdar News {{!}} المصدر نيوز|access-date=2017-03-03|language=en-US|archive-date=20 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171020013132/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/faylaq-al-sham-ground-descend-into-bitter-civil-war-in-militant-held-idlib-governorate/|url-status=dead}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/idlib-province-descends-chaos-inter-jihadist-war-intensifies/|title=Idlib province descends into further chaos as inter-jihadist war intensifies|last=Antonopoulos|first=Paul|date=2017-03-02|work=AMN - Al-Masdar News {{!}} المصدر نيوز|access-date=2017-03-03|language=en-US|archive-date=3 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170303042155/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/idlib-province-descends-chaos-inter-jihadist-war-intensifies/|url-status=dead}}{{better source needed|not reliable for opposition facts|date=October 2021}} The former Ahrar al-Sham brigade had been responsible for manufacturing and maintaining Ahrar al-Sham's weapons, according to pro-government sources.{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/vital-idlib-based-ahrar-al-sham-faction-announces-defection-tahrir-al-sham/|title=Vital Idlib-based Ahrar al-Sham faction announces defection to Tahrir Al-Sham|first=Paul|last=Antonopoulos|date=2 March 2017|publisher=Al-Masdar|access-date=5 March 2017|archive-date=3 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170303201703/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/vital-idlib-based-ahrar-al-sham-faction-announces-defection-tahrir-al-sham/|url-status=dead}}{{better source needed|not reliable for opposition facts|date=October 2021}} On 3 March, according to pro-government sources, the clashes escalated, with clashes erupting between Ahrar al-Sham and Tahrir al-Sham in the city of Salqin.{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/jihadist-rebels-clash-one-another-rural-idlib/|title=Jihadist rebels clash with one another in rural Idlib|first=Leith|last=Fadel|date=3 March 2017|access-date=5 March 2017|archive-date=4 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170304115452/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/jihadist-rebels-clash-one-another-rural-idlib/|url-status=dead}}{{better source needed|not reliable for opposition facts|date=October 2021}}

On 6 March, according to pro-government sources, Tahrir al-Sham attacked Ahrar al-Sham inside of Al-Mastoumeh and Kafr Yahmoul, to the south of Idlib, and captured several checkpoints inside of those villages, severing the main Idlib-Ariha road.{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/chaos-continues-idlib-terrorist-forces-descend-civil-war/|title=Chaos continues in Idlib as terrorist forces descend further into civil war|first=Paul|last=Antonopoulos|date=6 March 2017|access-date=11 March 2017|archive-date=7 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170307211733/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/chaos-continues-idlib-terrorist-forces-descend-civil-war/|url-status=dead}}{{better source needed|not reliable for opposition facts|date=October 2021}}

On 7 March, according to pro-government sources, three Tahrir al-Sham fighters died when their vehicle hit an IED in the eastern Hama province; one of the fighters was reportedly as young as 14 years old.{{Cite news|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/photos-3-tahrir-al-sham-fighters-assassinated-including-child-soldier/|title=Photos: 3 Tahrir al-Sham fighters assassinated, including child soldier|last=Antonopoulos|first=Paul|date=2017-03-07|work=AMN - Al-Masdar News {{!}} المصدر نيوز|access-date=2017-03-08|language=en-US|archive-date=8 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170308222822/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/photos-3-tahrir-al-sham-fighters-assassinated-including-child-soldier/|url-status=dead}}{{better source needed|not reliable for opposition facts|date=October 2021}} Later that day, according to pro-government sources, Tahrir al-Sham and Ahrar al-Sham signed a ceasefire deal to end the fighting between them, and to create a new council to resolve their issues diplomatically instead of fighting.{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/inter-jihadist-war-in-idlib-ends-as-rival-groups-sign-a-deal-announce-new-aleppo-campaign/|title=Inter-jihadist war in Idlib ends as rival groups sign a deal, announce new Aleppo campaign|first=Paul|last=Antonopoulos|date=7 March 2017|access-date=11 March 2017|archive-date=12 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170312052537/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/inter-jihadist-war-in-idlib-ends-as-rival-groups-sign-a-deal-announce-new-aleppo-campaign/|url-status=dead}}{{better source needed|not reliable for opposition facts|date=October 2021}} However, two days later, according to pro-government sources, clashes broke out between Ahrar al-Sham and Tahrir al-Sham again in the Jabal Zawiya region, after Tahrir al-Sham attempted to arrest a senior Ahrar al-Sham leader in the area.{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/idlib-descends-back-civil-war-one-day-ceasefire-made-jihadists/|title=Idlib descends back into civil war one day after ceasefire is made between jihadists|first=Paul|last=Antonopoulos|date=9 March 2017|publisher=Al-Masdar|access-date=11 March 2017|archive-date=12 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170312054103/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/idlib-descends-back-civil-war-one-day-ceasefire-made-jihadists/|url-status=dead}}{{better source needed|not reliable for opposition facts|date=October 2021}}

During the infighting, CIA military aid was frozen, due to the Islamist attacks on FSA groups in the Idlib Governorate. Salaries, training, and ammunition were halted, due to fears of falling into Islamist hands.{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-rebels-idUSKBN1601BD|title=Exclusive: CIA-backed aid for Syrian rebels frozen after Islamist attack - sources|date=21 February 2017|newspaper=Reuters}}

On 10 March 2017, United States labeled the Tahrir a terrorist organization, although in the past it supported and provided military assistance to some rebel groups which are now part of this alliance, most notably Harakat Nour al-Din al-Zenki.[https://www.alaraby.co.uk/english/news/2017/5/16/us-denies-reports-syria-rebels-nusra-off-terror-list US denies reports Syria rebels Nusra off terror list], Al-Araby, 16 May 2017

{{see|Idlib Governorate clashes (July 2017)}}

{{see also|Hama offensive (March–April 2017)}}

After the inter-rebel clashes, HTS grew further in size and launched the 2017 Hama offensive in March 2017.

On 5 April 2017, a vehicle carrying Lt. Col. Ahmed al-Saud of the 13th Division and Col. Ali al-Samahi, the chief of staff of the Free Idlib Army, came under fire from Tahrir al-Sham fighters at a checkpoint near Khan al-Subul, which was under complete control of HTS. Al-Samahi and another FSA fighter was killed in the shootout, while al-Saud was wounded and was transferred to Turkey for treatment.{{Cite web|url=https://arabi21.com/story/996229/%D9%86%D8%A7%D8%B4%D8%B7%D9%88%D9%86-%D8%AA%D8%AD%D8%B1%D9%8A%D8%B1-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B4%D8%A7%D9%85-%D8%AA%D8%BA%D8%AA%D8%A7%D9%84-%D9%82%D8%A7%D8%A6%D8%AF-%D8%A8%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%B2-%D8%A8%D8%AC%D9%8A%D8%B4-%D8%A5%D8%AF%D9%84%D8%A8-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AD%D8%B1-%D8%B5%D9%88%D8%B1|title=Activists: Sham Liberation Army assassinated a senior commander of Idlib Free (Photos)

|work=Arabi 21|date=5 April 2017}}

On 29 May, Ahrar al-Sham reportedly executed at least 6 fighters of Tahrir al-Sham after capturing them in southern Idlib province.{{Cite news|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/trouble-paradise-two-jihadist-groups-clash-southern-idlib/|title=Trouble in paradise: Two jihadist groups clash in southern Idlib|last=Fadel|first=Leith|date=2017-05-29|work=AMN - Al-Masdar News {{!}} المصدر نيوز|access-date=2017-05-29|language=en-US|archive-date=8 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170808200211/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/trouble-paradise-two-jihadist-groups-clash-southern-idlib/|url-status=dead}} On 4 June, 5 fighters of the Sham Legion were killed and 2 wounded after their vehicle hit a roadside bomb.{{Cite news|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/18-graphic-pictures-roadside-bomb-kills-6-jihadists-idlib-amid-rising-tensions/|title=+18 Graphic Pictures: Roadside bomb kills 6 jihadists in Idlib amid rising tensions|last=Adra|first=Zen|date=2017-06-04|work=AMN - Al-Masdar News {{!}} المصدر نيوز|access-date=2017-06-04|language=en-US|archive-date=4 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170604181138/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/18-graphic-pictures-roadside-bomb-kills-6-jihadists-idlib-amid-rising-tensions/|url-status=dead}}

From 6 to 8 June, clashes broke out between Tahrir al-Sham and Sham Legion in Maarrat al-Nu'man. The Free Idlib Army's 13th Division and the Free Police joined the fighting on 8 June. By the evening of 8 June, HTS captured both the 13th Division and the Sham Legion's headquarters in Maarat al-Nu'man and killed Col. Tayser al-Samahi, the brother of Col. Ali al-Samahi and the head of the Free Police in the town.{{cite web|url=http://www.all4syria.info/Archive/417240|title=(Edit Sham) controls the headquarters of the band (13) and Sham Corps in Maart|work=All4Syria|date=8 June 2017}} Ahrar al-Sham reportedly deployed fighters to the town during the fighting.{{Cite web |url=https://mobile.almasdarnews.com/article/graphic-hayat-tahrir-al-sham-storms-free-syrian-army-base-idlib-executes-leaders/ |title=Al-Masdar |access-date=9 June 2017 |archive-date=9 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171009220835/https://mobile.almasdarnews.com/article/graphic-hayat-tahrir-al-sham-storms-free-syrian-army-base-idlib-executes-leaders/ |url-status=dead }} On 9 June, Tahrir al-Sham announced the completion of their operations against the FSA and took full control of the town.{{Cite web|url=http://www.all4syria.info/Archive/417274|title=(Edit Sham) announces halt its offensive on Maart and liquidates Prime Mkhvrha|work=All4Syria|date=9 June 2017}} Later that day, a ceasefire agreement was signed between the Free Idlib Army and Tahrir al-Sham in the town and the latter ordered the 13th Division to be disbanded.{{Cite web|url=http://www.all4syria.info/Archive/417500|title=Agreement ending the clashes Maart on his head solution band 13|work=All4Syria|date=10 June 2017}}

From 14 to 23 July, clashes erupted between Ahrar al-Sham and Suqour al-Sham against Tahrir al-Sham in multiple locations in the Idlib Governorate, including Saraqib and Jabal Zawiya.{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2017/07/15/world/middleeast/ap-ml-syria.html|title=Rival Groups Clash in Syria's Rebel-Packed Idlib|website=The New York Times |agency=Associated Press|date=15 July 2017}} These clashes resulted in HTS capturing Idlib city and most of the areas bordering Turkey.

• Al-Nusra Front–SRF/Hazzm Movement conflict
• October 2016 Idlib Governorate clashes
• Second Battle of Idlib
• Siege of al-Fu'ah and Kafriya
• Qaboun offensive (February–March 2017)
• Khan Shaykhun chemical attack

{{Reflist|30em}}

{{Tahrir al-Sham}}

{{Syrian Civil War}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Idlib Governorate clashes (January 2017)}}

Category:Conflicts in 2017

Category:Idlib Governorate in the Syrian civil war

Category:Military operations of the Syrian civil war in 2017

Category:Military operations of the Syrian civil war involving Jabhat Fateh al-Sham

Category:Military operations of the Syrian civil war involving the Free Syrian Army

Category:January 2017 in Syria

Category:February 2017 in Syria

Category:Military operations of the Syrian civil war involving the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant

Category:Military operations of the Syrian civil war involving Tahrir al-Sham

Category:Military operations of the Syrian civil war involving Ahrar al-Sham