A group of powerful rebel units have rejected the authority of the Western-backed Syrian opposition leadership abroad and called for it to be reorganized under an Islamic framework, according to a video statement posted on the internet.
At least 13 rebel factions were said to have endorsed the statement, including the al Qaeda-linked Nusra Front and the powerful Islamist battalions Ahrar Asham and the Tawheed Brigade.
“These forces feel that all groups formed abroad without having returned to the country do not represent them, and they will not recognise them,” said an elderly man reading the statement on film.
“Therefore the National Coalition and its transitional government led by Ahmad Tumeh do not represent it and will not be recognised.”
Since the 2-1/2-year revolt against President Bashar al-Assad began, Syria’s opposition forces have been riven with factionalism and rivalries. There have also been tensions between Islamist groups and those that support a secular vision for a post-Assad Syria.
