# Free Idlib Army

> Mediated Wiki article. Canonical URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Free_Idlib_Army
> Markdown URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Free_Idlib_Army.md
> Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Free_Idlib_Army
> Source revision: 1356611611
> License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/)

Syrian rebel coalition

This article needs more citations. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. Find sources: "Free Idlib Army" – news · newspapers · books · scholar · JSTOR (January 2023) (Learn how and when to remove this message)

Free Idlib Army جيش إدلب الحر Groups Mountain Hawks Brigade Northern Division 13th Division (2016-2017) Saraqib Revolutionaries Front[1][2] Ideology Syrian nationalism[3] Size 6,000 (2016)[4][5] 6,500 (2017)[6] Wars the Syrian Civil War

The **Free Idlib Army** ([Arabic](/source/Arabic_language): جيش إدلب الحر *Jaysh ʾIdlib al-Ḥarr*) was a [Syrian rebel](/source/Syrian_rebel) coalition consisting of 3 armed groups from northwestern [Syria](/source/Syria) affiliated with the [Free Syrian Army](/source/Free_Syrian_Army): the [13th Division](/source/13th_Division_(Syrian_rebel_group)), the [Northern Division](/source/Northern_Division_(Syrian_rebel_group)), and the [Mountain Hawks Brigade](/source/Mountain_Hawks_Brigade)[19]

## History

Initial logo of the Free Idlib Army.

On 25 August 2016, the commander of the Northern Division, [Lieutenant Colonel](/source/Lieutenant_Colonel) Fares Bayoush announced that talks are made in [Idlib](/source/Idlib) on the unification of the three FSA-affiliated rebel groups in northwestern Syria. He stated that eventually the merger will be complete and the three component groups will dissolve into the main faction.[20]

At its establishment on 19 September 2016, the coalition aims to prioritise fighting the [Syrian government](/source/Syrian_government) and establish relations and coordinate with the [Salafist](/source/Salafist) factions of the [Army of Conquest](/source/Army_of_Conquest), including [Ahrar al-Sham](/source/Ahrar_al-Sham) and [Jabhat Fateh al-Sham](/source/Jabhat_Fateh_al-Sham), [al-Qaeda](/source/Al-Qaeda)'s renamed [al-Nusra Front](/source/Al-Nusra_Front).[10] However an opposition source stated that the Free Idlib Army will not closely cooperate with Jabhat Fateh al-Sham.[14] Just a day before, the Mountain Hawks Brigade withdrew from the [front against ISIL near Jarabulus and Azaz](/source/Turkish_military_intervention_in_the_Syrian_Civil_War) in order to head to southern [Aleppo](/source/Aleppo) and [Idlib](/source/Idlib).[21] The commander aims for an eventual full merger between the 3 groups after forming a new command structure.[4]

On 23 September [Russian warplanes](/source/Russian_military_intervention_in_Syria) bombed a cave in [Taybat al-Imam](/source/Taybat_al-Imam), killing 22 fighters from the Free Idlib Army.[5]

In early October a number of [Mountain Hawks Brigade](/source/Mountain_Hawks_Brigade) fighters defected to join [Jabhat Fateh al-Sham](/source/Jabhat_Fateh_al-Sham) due to several disagreements, mainly due to the established of the Free Idlib Army.[22][*[better source needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Verifiability#Questionable_sources)*]

In November, the deputy commanding general of the Free Idlib Army, [first lieutenant](/source/First_lieutenant) Mohammed Khaled Bayoush, came under fire from [machine guns](/source/Machine_gun) fired by unknown assailants while in his car near the town of [Kafr Nabl](/source/Kafr_Nabl). The commander escaped without injury.[13]

On 25 December 2016, two FIA commanders were shot and killed in Maarat. Opposition activists accused [Jund al-Aqsa](/source/Jund_al-Aqsa) of conducting the [assassination](/source/Assassination).[23][*[better source needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Verifiability#Questionable_sources)*] The next day, the al-Nusra Front raided houses throughout Idlib and captured 16 FIA fighters from the Mountain Hawks Brigade. The rebels were captured on charges of participating in the [Turkish military intervention in Syria](/source/Turkish_military_intervention_in_Syria_(August_2016_%E2%80%93_March_2017)).[24]

On 23 January 2017, the 13th Division of the FIA [repelled](/source/Idlib_Governorate_clashes_(January_2017)) an al-Nusra advance toward [Maarat al-Nu'man](/source/Maarat_al-Nu'man).[25]

On 25 January 2017, the groups of fighters which left the Mountain Hawks Brigade in September 2016 for [Jabhat Fateh al-Sham](/source/Jabhat_Fateh_al-Sham), returned, along with their leader, Lt. Col. Nasha'at Haj Ahmad.[9]

On 31 January 2017, Lt. Col. Fares Bayoush resigned from his positions in the [Northern Division](/source/Northern_Division_(Syrian_rebel_group)) and the Free Idlib Army, citing "[Black Standards](/source/Black_Standard)" in Idlib.[6]

On 5 April 2017, a vehicle carrying Lt. Col. Ahmed al-Saud of the 13th Division and [Colonel](/source/Colonel) Ali al-Samahi, [chief of staff](/source/Chief_of_staff) of the Free Idlib Army, came under fire from [Hayat Tahrir al-Sham](/source/Hayat_Tahrir_al-Sham) fighters at a checkpoint near Khan al-Subul, which was under complete control of HTS. Al-Samahi and another fighter was killed in the shootout while al-Saud was wounded and was transferred to Turkey for treatment.[12]

As a result of internal disputes between the 13th Division and the other factions in the Free Idlib Army, some members of the former reportedly released a statement on 11 April which claimed that the 13th Division will no longer be part of the Free Idlib Army and it will instead join the "central operations room" led by Col. [Fadlallah al-Haji](/source/Fadlallah_al-Haji) of the [Sham Legion](/source/Sham_Legion). This was denied by Lt. Col. Ahmed al-Saud, the overall commander of the 13th Division, who called the statement a "false report". Al-Saud called on all the member groups of the FIA to integrate under one organization.[26]

On 11 July 2017, the Free Idlib Army appointed new commanders: Lt. Col. Suhaib Leoush (overall commander, replaced Capt. Hassan Haj Ali), Capt. Naji Mustafa (deputy commander, replaced 1st Lt. Muhammad Bayoush), and Capt. Dumar Qanatri (chief of staff, replaced Col. Ali Samahi, who was killed in April).[7]

In May 2018, along with 10 other rebel groups in northwestern Syria, the Free Idlib Army formed the [National Front for Liberation](/source/National_Front_for_Liberation), which was officially announced on 28 May. Lt. Col. Suhaib Leoush was appointed as the formation's deputy commander.[17]

On 7 March 2019, Amin Haj Ali, a field commander of the free Idlib Army, was killed by an IED in southern Idlib.[16]

The unit subsequently fought alongside other rebel factions against the government's [northwestern Syria offensive from April 2019](/source/Northwestern_Syria_offensive_(April%E2%80%93August_2019)).[27] On 31 July 2019, Col. [Afif Suleiman](/source/Afif_Suleiman), commander of the Free Idlib Army and member of the National Front for Liberation's command council, was arrested by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham's security force at a checkpoint near [Darat Izza](/source/Darat_Izza) as he was driving from [Afrin District](/source/Afrin_District) to the northern Idlib Governorate. Suleiman was detained in HTS's Oqab Prison in [Jabal Zawiya](/source/Jabal_Zawiya),[8] and released two days later.[28]

On 11 November 2023, the [National Front for Liberation](/source/National_Front_for_Liberation) announced that the Free Idlib Army and [23rd Division](/source/23rd_Division_(Syrian_rebel_group)) were merged as 60th Infantry Division.[18]

At the [Syrian Revolution Victory Conference](/source/Syrian_Revolution_Victory_Conference), which was held on 29 January 2025, most factions of the armed opposition, including the Syrian National Army and its components, announced their dissolution and were incorporated into the newly formed [Ministry of Defense](/source/Ministry_of_Defense_(Syria)).[29]

## Equipment

The Free Idlib Army is known for possessing several new [BM-21 Grad](/source/BM-21_Grad) [multiple rocket launchers](/source/Multiple_rocket_launcher) which they used to bombard [Syrian Army](/source/Syrian_Army) positions in southern [Aleppo](/source/Aleppo) during the [2016 Aleppo summer campaign](/source/2016_Aleppo_summer_campaign). In September 2016, one of the group's commanders, [Fares Bayoush](/source/Fares_Bayoush), confirmed that the rocket systems were newly supplied from foreign sponsors, and would be used in battlefronts in Aleppo, Hama, and Latakia.[30][31]

## See also

- [5th Corps (Syrian rebel group)](/source/5th_Corps_(Syrian_rebel_group))

- [101st Infantry Division (Syrian rebel group)](/source/101st_Infantry_Division_(Syrian_rebel_group))

- [List of armed groups in the Syrian Civil War](/source/List_of_armed_groups_in_the_Syrian_Civil_War)

## References

1. **[^](#cite_ref-1)** ["Jabhat Thuwar Saraqib today joined Free Idlib Army"](https://www.reddit.com/r/syriancivilwar/comments/7qukiz/jabhat_thuwar_saraqib_today_joined_free_idlib_army/?st=JCI39TD2&sh=22e4b805). 16 January 2018.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-2)** . November 11, 2019 [https://web.archive.org/web/20191111051504/https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DTq6hStW4AIELBI?format=jpg&name=900x900](https://web.archive.org/web/20191111051504/https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DTq6hStW4AIELBI?format=jpg&name=900x900). Archived from [the original](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DTq6hStW4AIELBI?format=jpg&name=900x900) on 2019-11-11. {{[cite web](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Cite_web)}}: Missing or empty |title= ([help](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:CS1_errors#citation_missing_title))

1. **[^](#cite_ref-3)** Abdul Rahman al-Masri (3 May 2017). ["Analysis: The Free Idlib Army's Role in the U.S. Battle Against Al-Qaida in Syria"](https://www.newsdeeply.com/syria/articles/2017/05/03/analysis-the-free-idlib-armys-role-in-the-u-s-battle-against-al-qaida-in-syria). *[Syria Deeply](/source/Syria_Deeply)*.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-rfs_4-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-rfs_4-1) ["FSA in Idlib… A new launch towards unified military action"](https://web.archive.org/web/20160923180230/https://rfsmediaoffice.com/en/2016/09/20/fsa-idlib-new-launch-towards-unified-military-action/#.V-IiK_B97IU). *RFS Media Office*. 20 September 2016. Archived from [the original](https://rfsmediaoffice.com/en/2016/09/20/fsa-idlib-new-launch-towards-unified-military-action/#.V-IiK_B97IU) on September 23, 2016.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-raid_5-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-raid_5-1) ["Russian raid kills 22 fighters from the Free Army in Hama"](https://web.archive.org/web/20160924110821/http://www.feda-news.com/syria-news/56511). *Feda News*. 24 September 2016. Archived from [the original](http://www.feda-news.com/syria-news/56511) on 24 September 2016. Retrieved 23 September 2016.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-resign_6-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-resign_6-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-resign_6-2) ["The resignation of a leader of the «army Idlib free» to face the «black banners of cross-border»"](https://web.archive.org/web/20170204124837/http://www.alhayat.com/Articles/19917991/%D8%A7%D8%B3%D8%AA%D9%82%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A9-%D9%82%D9%8A%D8%A7%D8%AF%D9%8A-%D9%85%D9%86--%D8%AC%D9%8A%D8%B4-%D8%A5%D8%AF%D9%84%D8%A8-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AD%D8%B1--%D9%84%D9%85%D9%88%D8%A7%D8%AC%D9%87%D8%A9--%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%8A%D8%A7%D8%AA-%D8%B3%D9%88%D8%AF%D8%A7%D8%A1-%D8%B9%D8%A7%D8%A8%D8%B1%D8%A9-%D9%84%D9%84%D8%AD%D8%AF%D9%88%D8%AF-). *Al-Hayat*. 2 February 2017. Archived from [the original](http://www.alhayat.com/Articles/19917991/%D8%A7%D8%B3%D8%AA%D9%82%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A9-%D9%82%D9%8A%D8%A7%D8%AF%D9%8A-%D9%85%D9%86--%D8%AC%D9%8A%D8%B4-%D8%A5%D8%AF%D9%84%D8%A8-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AD%D8%B1--%D9%84%D9%85%D9%88%D8%A7%D8%AC%D9%87%D8%A9--%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%8A%D8%A7%D8%AA-%D8%B3%D9%88%D8%AF%D8%A7%D8%A1-%D8%B9%D8%A7%D8%A8%D8%B1%D8%A9-%D9%84%D9%84%D8%AD%D8%AF%D9%88%D8%AF-) on 4 February 2017. Retrieved 2 February 2017.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-staff_7-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-staff_7-1) ["Free Idlib Army is making adjustments at the level of the chief of staff"](https://web.archive.org/web/20180529130550/http://aletihadpress.com/2017/07/11/%D8%AC%D9%8A%D8%B4-%D8%A5%D8%AF%D9%84%D8%A8-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AD%D8%B1-%D9%8A%D8%AC%D8%B1%D9%8A-%D8%AA%D8%B9%D8%AF%D9%8A%D9%84%D8%A7%D8%AA-%D8%B9%D9%84%D9%89-%D9%85%D8%B3%D8%AA%D9%88%D9%89-%D8%B1%D8%A6/). *Al-Etihad Press*. 11 July 2017. Archived from [the original](http://aletihadpress.com/2017/07/11/%D8%AC%D9%8A%D8%B4-%D8%A5%D8%AF%D9%84%D8%A8-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AD%D8%B1-%D9%8A%D8%AC%D8%B1%D9%8A-%D8%AA%D8%B9%D8%AF%D9%8A%D9%84%D8%A7%D8%AA-%D8%B9%D9%84%D9%89-%D9%85%D8%B3%D8%AA%D9%88%D9%89-%D8%B1%D8%A6/) on 29 May 2018. Retrieved 29 May 2018.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-arrested_8-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-arrested_8-1) ["HTS arrested Colonel Afif Suleiman, commander of the so-called "Free Army of Idlib""](http://rumaf.net/?p=16479). *RûMaf*. 1 August 2019.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-free_idleb_army_9-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-free_idleb_army_9-1) ["جيش إدلب الحر (@free_idleb_army) - Twitter"](https://twitter.com/free_idleb_army).

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-learn_10-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-learn_10-1) ["Free Idlib Army is Close to Form … Learn its main factions"](https://web.archive.org/web/20161025031725/http://en.eldorar.com/node/3273). *El-Dorar*. 20 September 2016. Archived from [the original](http://en.eldorar.com/node/3273) on 25 October 2016. Retrieved 21 September 2016.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-masdar_11-0)** ["New rebel group formed in Idlib"](https://web.archive.org/web/20160923100636/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/new-rebel-group-formed-idlib/). *Al-Masdar News*. 20 September 2016. Archived from [the original](https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/new-rebel-group-formed-idlib/) on 23 September 2016. Retrieved 20 September 2016.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-assassination_12-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-assassination_12-1) ["Activists: Sham Liberation Army assassinated a senior commander of Idlib Free (Photos)"](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). *Arabi 21*. 5 April 2017.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-najat_13-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-najat_13-1) ["Najat leader of the free Idlib Jaish Albyosh an assassination attempt Brive Idlib"](https://web.archive.org/web/20170116171353/http://aletihadpress.com/2016/11/23/%D9%86%D8%AC%D8%A7%D8%A9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%82%D9%8A%D8%A7%D8%AF%D9%8A-%D9%81%D9%8A-%D8%AC%D9%8A%D8%B4-%D8%A7%D8%AF%D9%84%D8%A8-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AD%D8%B1-%D9%85%D8%AD%D9%85%D8%AF-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A8%D9%8A/). *Al-Etihad Press*. 23 November 2016. Archived from [the original](http://aletihadpress.com/2016/11/23/%D9%86%D8%AC%D8%A7%D8%A9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%82%D9%8A%D8%A7%D8%AF%D9%8A-%D9%81%D9%8A-%D8%AC%D9%8A%D8%B4-%D8%A7%D8%AF%D9%84%D8%A8-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AD%D8%B1-%D9%85%D8%AD%D9%85%D8%AF-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A8%D9%8A/) on 16 January 2017. Retrieved 15 January 2017.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-now_14-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-now_14-1) ["Syria rebels form Free Idlib Army"](https://web.archive.org/web/20181105183824/https://now.mmedia.me/lb/en/NewsReports/567375-syria-rebels-form-free-idlib-army). *Now News*. 23 September 2016. Archived from [the original](https://now.mmedia.me/lb/en/NewsReports/567375-syria-rebels-form-free-idlib-army) on 5 November 2018. Retrieved 23 September 2016.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-commander_15-0)** ["Free Idlib Army's Field commander Amin Haj Ali has been killed tonight in IED blast in Kafransa (Jebal Zawiyah, S. Idlib)"](https://www.reddit.com/r/syriancivilwar/comments/ayhg4o/free_idlib_armys_field_commander_amin_haj_ali_has/). 7 March 2019.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-amin_16-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-amin_16-1) ["The commander of the Free Idlib army, Amin Haj Ali, was killed by an explosive device in his car at a petrol station in the town of Kanafra in Jabal al Zawiya south of Idlib Kansafra, Idlib Governorate"](https://syria.liveuamap.com/en/2019/7-march-the-commander-of-the-free-idlib-army-amin-haj-ali).

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-call_17-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-call_17-1) ["11 FSA Factions in New Command in of "National Front Liberation""](https://web.archive.org/web/20181118162023/https://nedaa-sy.com/en/news/6391). *Syria Call*. 28 May 2018. Archived from [the original](https://nedaa-sy.com/en/news/6391) on 18 November 2018. Retrieved 29 May 2018.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-merge_18-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-merge_18-1) ["National Front for Liberation (الجبهة الوطنية للتحرير) on X"](https://twitter.com/alwataniaTahrer/status/1723266078728433794). 11 November 2023.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-19)** Alwsl, Zaman (August 23, 2016). ["Syria rebels form Free Idlib Army"](https://en.zamanalwsl.net/news/article/18460). *Zaman Alwsl | جريدة زمان الوصل*. Retrieved November 11, 2023.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-20)** ["Lieutenant-colonel Faris Bayoush to RFS: We Have to Be One Force Against Assad"](https://web.archive.org/web/20160923181830/https://rfsmediaoffice.com/en/2016/08/25/lieutenant-colonel-faris-bayoush-rfs-one-force-assad/#.V-TQaPB97IU). *RFS Media Office*. 25 August 2016. Archived from [the original](https://rfsmediaoffice.com/en/2016/08/25/lieutenant-colonel-faris-bayoush-rfs-one-force-assad/#.V-TQaPB97IU) on 23 September 2016. Retrieved 23 September 2016.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-21)** ["Brigade Mountain Hawks stopped work in northern Syria until further notice"](http://all4syria.info/Archive/345766). *All4Syria*. 18 September 2016.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-22)** [US-backed rebels defect to al-Qaeda branch in Syria](https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/us-backed-rebels-defect-al-qaeda-branch-syria/) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20170824014213/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/us-backed-rebels-defect-al-qaeda-branch-syria/) 2017-08-24 at the [Wayback Machine](/source/Wayback_Machine) Al Masdar News, 5 October 2016

1. **[^](#cite_ref-23)** ["Two Free Syrian Army leaders assassinated in Idlib"](https://web.archive.org/web/20161226163016/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/two-free-syrian-army-leaders-assassinated-idlib/). *Al-Masdar News*. 25 December 2016. Archived from [the original](https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/two-free-syrian-army-leaders-assassinated-idlib/) on 26 December 2016. Retrieved 26 December 2016.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-24)** ["Exclusive: Commander In Soqor Al-Jabal: Fatih Al-Sham Detained Our Soldiers For Joining Euphrates Shield"](https://web.archive.org/web/20161227195636/http://qasioun.net/en/news/show/45360). *Qasioun*. 26 December 2016. Archived from [the original](http://qasioun.net/en/news/show/45360) on 27 December 2016. Retrieved 26 December 2016.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-25)** @Dalatrm (23 January 2017). ["Confirmed 13th Div of free idlib army checks JFS vanguard advance vs MaaratNuman, some prisoners taken. Night Pro-FSA protests were raging"](https://twitter.com/Dalatrm/status/823750601196572673) ([Tweet](/source/Tweet_(social_media))) – via [Twitter](/source/Twitter).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-26)** [""Band 13" denies my News Anagha about "Idlib Free Army""](https://web.archive.org/web/20170413003630/http://baladi-news.com/ar/news/details/18008/%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%81%D8%B1%D9%82%D8%A9_13_%D8%AA%D9%86%D9%81%D9%8A_%D9%84%D8%A8%D9%84%D8%AF%D9%8A_%D9%86%D9%8A%D9%88%D8%B2_%D8%A7%D9%86%D8%B4%D9%82%D8%A7%D9%82%D9%87%D8%A7_%D8%B9%D9%86_%D8%AC%D9%8A%D8%B4_%D8%A5%D8%AF%D9%84%D8%A8_%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AD%D8%B1). *Baladi News Network*. 11 April 2017. Archived from [the original](http://www.baladi-news.com/ar/news/details/18008/%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%81%D8%B1%D9%82%D8%A9_13_%D8%AA%D9%86%D9%81%D9%8A_%D9%84%D8%A8%D9%84%D8%AF%D9%8A_%D9%86%D9%8A%D9%88%D8%B2_%D8%A7%D9%86%D8%B4%D9%82%D8%A7%D9%82%D9%87%D8%A7_%D8%B9%D9%86_%D8%AC%D9%8A%D8%B4_%D8%A5%D8%AF%D9%84%D8%A8_%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AD%D8%B1) on 13 April 2017. Retrieved 12 April 2017.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-27)** وعالم, المدن عرب (17 May 2019). ["ريف حماة: مليشيات النظام مشغولة بالتعفيش!"](https://www.almodon.com/arabworld/2019/5/17/%D8%B1%D9%8A%D9%81-%D8%AD%D9%85%D8%A7%D8%A9-%D9%85%D9%84%D9%8A%D8%B4%D9%8A%D8%A7%D8%AA-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%86%D8%B8%D8%A7%D9%85-%D9%85%D8%B4%D8%BA%D9%88%D9%84%D8%A9-%D8%A8%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AA%D8%B9%D9%81%D9%8A%D8%B4) [Hama countryside: the regime's militias are busy with Altafish!]. *Almodon* (in Arabic). Retrieved 11 August 2018.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-28)** ["Urgent: HTS releases the leader of the Free Army of Idlib. Colonel Afif Suleiman, commander of the Free Army of Idlib, was released two days after his arrest at one of its checkpoints"](https://web.archive.org/web/20201127145644/https://www.jesrpress.com/2019/08/02/%d8%b9%d8%a7%d8%ac%d9%84-%d9%87%d9%8a%d8%a6%d8%a9-%d8%aa%d8%ad%d8%b1%d9%8a%d8%b1-%d8%a7%d9%84%d8%b4%d8%a7%d9%85-%d8%aa%d8%b7%d9%84%d9%82-%d8%b3%d8%b1%d8%a7%d8%ad-%d9%82%d8%a7%d8%a6%d8%af-%d8%ac%d9%8a/). *Jesr Press*. 2 August 2019. Archived from [the original](https://www.jesrpress.com/2019/08/02/%D8%B9%D8%A7%D8%AC%D9%84-%D9%87%D9%8A%D8%A6%D8%A9-%D8%AA%D8%AD%D8%B1%D9%8A%D8%B1-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B4%D8%A7%D9%85-%D8%AA%D8%B7%D9%84%D9%82-%D8%B3%D8%B1%D8%A7%D8%AD-%D9%82%D8%A7%D8%A6%D8%AF-%D8%AC%D9%8A/) on 27 November 2020. Retrieved 27 October 2019.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-29)** ["Syrian Leader Ahmed Al-Sharaa Delivers 'Victory Speech,' Outlines Syria's Future Roadmap, Announces Dissolution Of Ba'ath Party, Armed Factions Into New 'Syrian Army'; Military Operations Command Declares Al-Sharaa President Of Syria During Transitional Phase"](https://www.memri.org/jttm/syrian-leader-ahmed-al-sharaa-delivers-victory-speech-outlines-syrias-future-roadmap-announces). MEMRI. Retrieved 29 January 2025.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-30)** ["Syrian rebels get new rockets from foreign states: commander"](https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-rockets-idUSKCN11Y175). *Reuters*. 28 September 2016.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-31)** Adnan Ali (18 October 2016). [""New weapons" for the Syrian opposition factions... mere gossip"](https://www.alaraby.co.uk/%22%D8%A3%D8%B3%D9%84%D8%AD%D8%A9-%D8%AC%D8%AF%D9%8A%D8%AF%D8%A9%22-%D9%84%D9%84%D9%81%D8%B5%D8%A7%D8%A6%D9%84-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B3%D9%88%D8%B1%D9%8A%D8%A9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85%D8%B9%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%B6%D8%A9-%D9%85%D8%AC%D8%B1%D9%91%D8%AF-%D8%AB%D8%B1%D8%AB%D8%B1%D8%A9). *[The New Arab](/source/The_New_Arab)*. In the context, the colonel of the "Free Idlib Army", Fares al-Bayoush, stated that his forces had received "excellent quantities" of "Grad" missiles from supportive foreign countries, with a range of between 22 and 40 kilometers, and they will be used on the battle fronts in Hama, Aleppo and the coastal region, he said.

v t e Syrian civil war Overviews Main overviews Syrian civil war Timeline Background and causes Syrian government reactions Belligerents Inter-rebel conflict Spillover Cities and towns Sectarianism and minorities Syrian Desert campaign (2017–2024) 2024 Syrian opposition offensives Fall of the Assad regime Effects and ongoing concerns Casualties of the Syrian civil war Refugees of the Syrian civil war Humanitarian aid during the Syrian civil war Human rights violations during the Syrian civil war Phases and processes Syrian revolution Early insurgency phase 2012–2013 escalation Ceasefires Syrian peace process World reaction International reactions to the Syrian civil war Foreign involvement in the Syrian civil war Reactions to the fall of the Assad regime Specific groups and countries Russian involvement Russian intervention Turkish involvement Turkish occupation of northern Syria Second Northern Syria Buffer Zone Russian-Turkish agreement on Syria US intervention in the Syrian civil war 2023 attacks on U.S. bases in Iraq and Syria Kurdish Area in Syria Syrian Democratic Forces Rojava conflict U.S. task force Agreements and dialogues Russian-Turkish agreement on Syria Relations between the Syrian government and North-East Syria Transitional phase Syrian caretaker government Syrian transitional government Timeline Background 1963 coup 1963 failed coup 1966 coup Corrective Revolution Islamist uprising Latakia protests Damascus Spring Qamishli riots Syrian occupation of Lebanon Damascus Declaration Human rights in Syria 2010s in Syria political history Arab Spring 2011 Jan–Apr May–Aug Sep–Dec Syrian revolution Killing of Hamza Ali Al-Khateeb Siege of Daraa Siege of Baniyas May Talkalakh siege Siege of Rastan and Talbiseh June Jisr ash-Shughur operation Siege of Hama Siege of Homs Siege of Latakia Deir ez-Zor clashes (2011–2014) Rif Dimashq clashes (Nov 2011-Mar 2012) Battle of Zabadani Battle of Douma Daraa Governorate clashes Battle of Rastan Idlib Governorate clashes December Jabal al-Zawiya massacres 2012 Jan–Apr May–Aug Sep–Dec January al-Midan bombing Battle of Rastan First Battle of Idlib Battle of al-Qusayr Idlib Governorate operation (Apr) Battle of Taftanaz May Battle of Rastan Houla massacre Battle of al-Haffah Al-Qubeir massacre Battle of Tremseh Battle of Damascus 18 July 2012 Damascus bombing Battle of Aleppo Battle of Anadan Siege of Base 46 Hasakah Governorate campaign (2012–2014) Rif Dimashq offensive (Aug-Oct) Darayya massacre Battle of Khirbet Al-Joz Battle of Maarrat al-Numan First siege of Wadi Deif Battle of Harem Rif Dimashq offensive (Nov 2012–Feb 2013) Battle of Darayya Aqrab massacre Hama offensive Halfaya massacre Battle of Darayya Quneitra Governorate clashes Talbiseh bakery massacre 2013 Jan–Apr May–Dec Battle of Safira Battle of Shadadeh Damascus offensive Raqqa campaign (2012–2013) Battle of Raqqa (Mar) Daraa offensive Rif Dimashq offensive (Mar–Aug) Battle of Jdaidet al-Fadl Ghouta chemical attack Al-Qusayr offensive Battle of al-Qusayr Bayda and Baniyas massacres Hama offensive Hatla massacre Khan al-Assal chemical attack Khan al-Assal massacre Adra massacre Battle of Ras al-Ayn Battle of Tell Abyad Rif Dimashq offensive (Sep–Nov) Aleppo offensive (Oct–Dec) Battle of al-Yaarubiyah Battle of Tell Hamis and Tell Brak (Dec–Jan) 2014 Jan–Jul Aug–Dec First Inter-rebel conflict Battle of Markada Deir ez-Zor offensive Battle of Morek Daraa offensive (Feb–May) Maan massacre Al-Otaiba ambush Idlib offensive Battle of Hosn Latakia Offensive Battle of Al-Malihah Kafr Zita chemical attack Second siege of Wadi Deif Qalamoun offensive (Jun–Aug) Battle of Arsal First Battle of the Shaer gas field Eastern Syria offensive Battle of Tabqa Airbase Northern Aleppo offensive (Feb–Jul) Hama Offensive Quneitra offensive Rif Dimashq offensive (Aug–Nov) Siege of Kobanî Homs school bombing Daraa offensive (Oct) Al-Safira offensive Idlib Raid Second Inter-Rebel Conflict Second Battle of the Shaer gas field Battle of Al-Shaykh Maskin Deir ez-Zor offensive (Dec) 2015 Jan–Jul Aug–Dec Air Force An-26 crash Daraa Offensive (Jan) Southern Syria Offensive Eastern Hasakah offensive Battle of Sarrin (Mar–Apr) Battle of Sarrin (Jun–Jul) Battle of Bosra Idlib Offensive Second Battle of Idlib Battle of Nasib Border Crossing Battle of Yarmouk Camp Western Hasakah offensive Palmyra offensive (May) Qamishli bombings Tell Abyad offensive Kobanî massacre Quneitra offensive (Jun) Palmyra offensive (Jul–Aug) Rif Dimashq offensive (Sep) Northwestern Syria offensive (Oct–Nov) Aleppo offensive (Oct–Dec) Al-Hawl offensive Homs offensive (Nov-Dec) East Aleppo offensive (2015–2016) 2015–2016 Latakia offensive Tishrin Dam offensive Russian Sukhoi Su-24 shootdown 2016 Jan–Apr May–Aug Sep–Dec Second Battle of Al-Shaykh Maskin Deir ez-Zor offensive (Jan) January Sayyidah Zaynab bombings Northern Aleppo offensive (Feb) Ithriyah-Raqqa offensive (Feb–Mar) Al-Shaddadi offensive February Homs bombings February Sayyidah Zaynab bombings Khanasir offensive Battle of Tel Abyad Battle of Maarrat al-Numan Battle of Qamishli (Apr) Northern Aleppo offensive (Mar–Jun) Palmyra offensive (Mar) East Ghouta inter-rebel conflict (Apr–May) Rif Dimashq offensive (Apr–May) Northern Raqqa offensive (May) May Jableh & Tartous bombings Ithriyah-Raqqa offensive (Jun) Rif Dimashq offensive (Jun–Oct) Manbij offensive Tokhar massacre Southern Aleppo campaign Battle of al-Rai (Aug) Operation Euphrates Shield Aleppo summer campaign Western al-Bab offensive (Sep) 5 September bombings September Deir ez-Zor air raid September Urum al-Kubra aid convoy attack Aleppo offensive (Sep–Oct) Dabiq offensive Western al-Bab offensive (Oct–Nov) Khan al-Shih offensive (Oct–Nov) Raqqa campaign Battle of al-Bab Aleppo offensive (Nov-Dec) Palmyra offensive (Dec) 2017 Jan–Apr May–Aug Sep–Dec Wadi Barada offensive (2016–2017) January Azaz bombing Desert campaign (Dec 16–Apr 17) Idlib clashes (Jan–Mar) Deir ez-Zor offensive (Jan–Feb) Daraa offensive (Feb–Jun) Southwestern Daraa offensive (Feb) Qaboun offensive Palmyra offensive East Aleppo offensive (Jan–Apr) March Damascus bombings Al-Jinah airstrike Hama offensive (Mar–Apr) Battle of Tabqa Khan Shaykhun chemical attack Shayrat missile strike Aleppo bombing April Turkish airstrikes East Ghouta inter-rebel conflict (Apr–May) Desert campaign (May–Jul) Maskanah Plains offensive East Hama offensive Battle of Raqqa Daraa offensive (Jun) Southern Raqqa offensive (Jun) Jobar offensive (Jun–Aug) Quneitra offensive (Jun) Idlib clashes (Jul) Central campaign Qalamoun (Jul–Aug) Deir ez-Zor offensive (Sep 17–Mar 18) Hama offensive (Sep) Northwestern campaign (Oct 17–Feb 18) Turkish military operation in Idlib Governorate Battle of Harasta Eastern campaign (Sep–Dec) Euphrates Crossing offensive Mayadin offensive Battle of Deir ez-Zor (Sep–Nov) Abu Kamal offensive Beit Jinn offensive 2018 Jan–Apr May–Aug Sep–Dec Operation Olive Branch Battle of Khasham Rif Dimashq offensive (Feb–Apr) Southern Damascus offensive (Jan–Feb) Syrian Liberation Front–Tahrir al-Sham conflict Southern Damascus offensive (Mar) Douma chemical attack Missile strikes (Apr) Northern Homs offensive (Apr–May) Eastern Qalamoun offensive (Apr) Southern Damascus offensive (Apr–May) Deir ez-Zor clashes (Apr) Deir ez-Zor offensive (May–Jun) Suwayda offensive (Jun) Southern offensive Suwayda attacks Suwayda (Aug-Nov) Qamishli clashes (Sep) Missile strikes (Sep) Northern border clashes 2019 Jan–Apr May–Aug Sep–Dec Idlib inter-rebel conflict Manbij bombing Battle of Baghuz Fawqani ISIL insurgency in Deir-ez-Zor Dêrik prison escape attempt Tell Rifaat clashes Northwestern offensive (Apr–Aug) June bombings Hass refugee camp bombing Missile strikes (Aug) Turkish offensive into northeast Barisha raid November bombings Israeli missile strikes (Nov) Qah missile strike Northwestern offensive (Dec 19–Mar 20) US airstrikes 2020 Jan–Dec COVID-19 pandemic Afrin bombing Idlib Governorate clashes Kafr-Takharim airstrike Ayn Issa clashes Deir ez-Zor ambush 2021 Jan–Dec Siege of Qamishli and Hasakah Missile strikes (Jan) US airstrike (Feb) Battle of Qamishli (Apr) US airstrike (Jun) Daraa clashes Tahrir al-Sham–Junud al-Sham conflict 2022 Jan–Dec Battle of Hasakah Ahrar al-Sham–Levant Front clashes Jabal al-Bishrī clashes Jarqli airstrikes Northern Aleppo clashes (Oct) Operation Claw-Sword Northwest clashes (Dec) 2023 Jan–Dec Al-Sukhnah attack Damascus airstrike Hama attack Northern border clashes 2024 Jan–Oct Nov–present Opposition offensives Deir ez-Zor offensive Northwestern Syria offensive Battle of Aleppo Hama offensive Southern offensive Operation Dawn of Freedom Manbij offensive Ayn Issa attack Kobani clashes Homs offensive Palmyra offensive Fall of Damascus Fall of the Assad regime Western Syria clashes Hezbollah-Syria clashes Turkish offensive Israeli invasion 2025 Nov 2024 –present Druze insurgency Jaramana clashes Southern clashes (April–May) Massacres of Syrian Druze Southern clashes (July–present) Massacres of Syrian Alawites Daraa clashes Mar Elias Church attack Aleppo clashes Homs mosque bombing 2026 Nov 2024 –present Northeastern Syria offensive Spillover Israel and Golan Heights: March 2017 incident February 2018 incident May 2018 Israel–Iran incidents Iraq: Akashat ambush Operation al-Shabah April 2014 Iraqi border airstrike Jordanian border incidents April 2014 Jordanian border airstrike Lebanon: Lebanese border clashes Battle of Sidon Iranian embassy bombing in Beirut North Lebanon clashes Qalamoun (Jul–Aug 2017) Turkey: December 2011 Turkish border clash 2012 Turkish F-4 Phantom shootdown 2012 Turkish border clashes 2013 Reyhanlı car bombings January 2014 Turkish attack in Syria Assassination of Andrei Karlov Russian Air Force Al-Bab incident 2020 Balyun airstrikes Operation Spring Shield Elsewhere: Deir ez-Zor missile strike (Iran) Belligerents Ba'athist regime Politics of Ba'athist Syria Arab Socialist Ba'ath Party – Syria Region Ba'ath Brigades Syrian Social Nationalist Party Arab Socialist Movement Syrian Communist Party Syrian Communist Party (Unified) Military and militias Lions of Hussein Guardians of the Dawn Arab Nationalist Guard Jaysh al-Muwahhidin Sootoro Ba'ath Brigades National Defence Forces Popular Committees Golan Regiment Syrian Arab Armed Forces Eagles of the Whirlwind The Islamic Resistance Front in Syria Military Council for the Liberation of Syria Syrian Popular Resistance Syrian Resistance Popular Resistance of the Eastern Region PFLP-GC Jihad Jibril Brigades Galilee Forces Free Palestine Movement Palestinian People's Party Liwa Fatemiyoun As-Sa'iqa al-Quds Brigade Palestine Liberation Army Foreign support Hezbollah involvement Iranian involvement Liwa Fatemiyoun Russian involvement medical facility targeting military intervention Wagner Group Iraqi involvement Popular Mobilization Forces Opposition Interim government National Coalition Local Coordination Committees Syrian National Council Supreme Council of the Syrian Revolution National Coordination Committee for Democratic Change Syrian Revolution General Commission Syrian Support Group Adopt a Revolution Syrian Patriotic Group Opposition militias Syrian National Army Free Syrian Army National Front for Liberation Army of Glory Authenticity and Development Front Army of Free Tribes Syrian Free Army Muslim Brotherhood in Syria Grey Wolves Syrian Council of Tribes and Clans Foreign support US intervention Jordanian intervention Qatar Saudi Arabia Turkey Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria DFNS Government Democratic Union Party Kurdish National Council Smaller political parties SDF militias People's Protection Units Women's Protection Units Anti-Terror Units Al-Sanadid Forces Army of Revolutionaries SDF military councils Syriac Military Council Liwa Thuwar al-Raqqa Northern Democratic Brigade Support Patriotic Union of Kurdistan Kurdistan Workers' Party International Freedom Battalion Sinjar Resistance Units Êzîdxan Women's Units Islamists Islamic State Military activity of ISIL Dokumacılar Al-Barakah Khalid ibn al-Walid Army Yarmouk Martyrs Brigade Islamic Muthanna Movement Jaysh al-Jihad Jund al-Aqsa Group of the One and Only Liwa Dawud Liwa Aqab al-Islami Katibah Nusantara Katiba al-Bittar al-Libi Al-Khansaa Brigade Saraya Ansar al-Sunnah al-Qaeda and allies Al-Nusra Front (Jabhat Fatah al-Sham (Khorasan group, Suqour al-Ezz) Jaysh Muhammad in Bilad al-Sham Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham Turkistan Islamic Party in Syria Caucasus Emirate Ajnad al-Kavkaz Junud al-Makhdi Rouse the Believers Operations Room (Ansar al-Tawhid (Firqat al-Ghuraba), Hurras al-Din, Ansar al-Din Front (Harakat Sham al-Islam), Ansar al-Islam in Kurdistan) Jaish al-Haramoun Jaysh al-Sunna Liwa al-Muhajireen wal-Ansar (Green Battalion) Mujahideen Shura Council Malhama Tactical Katibat al-Tawhid wal-Jihad Katibat Jabal al-Islam Jama'at Ansar al-Furqan in Bilad al Sham Ghuraba al-Sham Taliban (Pakistani Taliban, Imam Bukhari Jamaat) Fatah al-Islam Muhajirin wa-Ansar Alliance (Liwaa al-Umma) People Pro-Government Assad family Bashar Maher Rifaat Rami Makhlouf Hafez Makhlouf Fahd Jassem al-Freij Suheil al-Hassan Ali Habib Mahmud Dawoud Rajiha Bouthaina Shaaban Mohamad Anas Haitham Soueid (Accused) Dissidents Ammar Abdulhamid Ali al-Abdallah Adnan al-Aroor Riad al-Asaad Hadi al-Bahra Anwar al-Bunni Haitham al-Maleh Moaz al-Khatib Kamal al-Labwani Hamza al-Khateeb Tal al-Mallohi Fida al-Sayed Riad al-Turk Khaled Khoja Ammar al-Qurabi Suheir Atassi Ali Sadreddine Al-Bayanouni Aref Dalila Farid Ghadry Burhan Ghalioun Razan Ghazzawi Ghassan Hitto Salim Idris Randa Kassis Abdul Halim Khaddam Michel Kilo Bassma Kodmani Ali Mahmoud Othman Yassin al-Haj Saleh Ahmed al-Sharaa Abdulbaset Sieda Riad Seif Fadwa Souleimane Yaser Tabbara Razan Zaitouneh Rami Jarrah Abdurrahman Mustafa Fadlallah al-Haji DAANES Mazloum Abdi Ferhad Şamî Salih Muslim Related Elections 2011 local elections 2012 parliamentary election 2014 presidential election 2015 Northern local elections 2016 parliamentary election 2017 Northern local elections 2017 Northern regional elections 2018 local elections 2020 parliamentary election 2021 presidential election Issues Casualties Cities and towns Chemical weapons Damaged heritage sites Foreign involvement Human rights violations Humanitarian aid International demonstrations and protests International reactions Massacres Mass graves Refugees Sectarianism and minorities Status of the Golan Heights Spillover in Lebanon Syrian government reactions Peace process Arab League monitors Friends of Syria Group Kofi Annan peace plan UN supervision mission Lakhdar Brahimi peace plan U.S.–Russia peace proposals 39th G8 summit UN Security Council Resolution 2118 Geneva II conference 2015 Zabadani cease-fire agreement Vienna talks 2016 Geneva talks Idlib demilitarization (2018–present) First Northern Syria Demilitarization Deal Second Northern Syria Demilitarization Deal Syrian Negotiation Commission Syrian Constitutional Committee Investigations/legal cases Investigations International Commission Chemical weapons War crimes cases Germany Canada + Netherlands vs Syria Related topics Exclusive mandate Fourth Extraordinary Session of the Islamic Summit Conference Syria Files Syrian detainee report Syrian media coverage 2015 European migrant crisis Syrian civil war in popular culture Category

---
Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Free Idlib Army](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Free_Idlib_Army) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Free_Idlib_Army?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.