The Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) militia isn't the only armed faction fighting in Syria. On Tuesday, a suicide bomber detonated his explosives at a meeting of one of the other major Syrian rebel groups, Ahrar al-Sham, killing its leader, Hassan Abboud, and at least 11 of its senior leaders.
Ahrar al-Sham is one of the most effective of the seven rebel groups banded together in the Islamist Front, seeking to both overthrow Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and fight off ISIS. Ahrah al-Sham blamed ISIS for Tuesday's suicide attack, as well as a similar attack in Aleppo in February that killed another leader, veteran al Qaeda operative Abu Khalid al Souri. Ahrar al-Sham named a new leader on Wednesday, but it's not clear if the group can recover from losing so many commanders.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
-
Lanzarote travel guide: a sea-swept volcanic paradiseThe Week Recommends Even a short exploration quickly shows the out-of-this-world island is undeserving of its 'Brits abroad' reputation
-
The extra costs to consider when planning your summer holidayThe Explainer Air fares are on the rise but that is not the only charge you need to pay for your getaway
-
8 genre-defining Black country, folk and blues musiciansThe Week Recommends Keeping the legacy alive, even when the industry tries to keep them down
-
Israel proposes two-month pause in Gaza war in exchange for all Hamas hostagesSpeed Read Deal doesn't include an agreement to end war, but might be 'the only path that could lead to a ceasefire', said US officials
-
Nato official warns of all-out war with Russia in next 20 yearsSpeed Read Civilians must prepare for life-changing conflict and mass mobilisation, says military chief
-
Rishi Sunak visits Kyiv to announce £2.5 billion in military support for UkraineSpeed Read Surprise trip comes amid increased Russian bombardment and escalation of Middle East crisis
-
British warship repels 'largest Houthi attack to date' in the Red SeaSpeed read Western allies warn of military response to Iranian-backed Yemeni rebels if attacks on ships continue
-
Israel preparing to flood Hamas tunnels with seawaterSpeed Read IDF pumps could drive out terrorists but critics warn of danger to hostages and Gaza water supply
-
Houthi rebels claim Red Sea ship attacksspeed read Iran-backed Yemeni group vows to escalate aggression towards Israel-linked vessels in revenge for Gaza war
-
Israel plans next phase of Gaza war as first hostages releasedSpeed read After four-day ceasefire 'we will not stop' until destruction of Hamas, says Israel
-
Mob storms Russian airport 'looking for Jews'Speed Read Plane from Israel surrounded by rioters chanting antisemitic slogans after landing in Russia's Dagestan region
