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According to unconfirmed reports HTS units told locals to defend themselves as they are far too thinly spread out.
Talkalakh, Syria: Upon closer inspection it seems this rogue militia has called itself "Talkalakh Martyrs Battalion", having been established in the last week or so & unilaterally declaring itself part of HTS operations room.
In their videos they constantly claim to be part of the HTS operations room, & present their leader as "Hammoudi Layla", "Mahmoud Ismail" & more commonly known by the nickname "Abu Sulayman".
There is no indication anywhere that HTS has acknowledged this militia's self-identification as being part of its operations room or in any way related to it.
10 days ago civilians fleeing Talkalakh had claimed on video that this militant leader was behind lawlessness, robberies & expelling people from their homes, calling on HTS & "people of Tripoli" [Lebanon] to intervene.
In videos uploaded by this group on its page they are numerous & heavily armed, claiming to be "establishing checkpoints" and "ensuring security in the area".
They have a dedicated Facebook page where they constantly post updates, the earliest activity being from a week ago.
Video 2: Militia movement on Syrian-Lebanese border, 18th December 2024
Video 3: Talkalakh, Syria: Civilians flee from the city as local rebel militant leader in charge of the city is robbing people, expelling them from their homes, killing at random.
The woman says "every one is establishing his own state" & the commander "(...) is taking weapons to Lebanon". 13th December 2024, a week prior. She also calls on the people of Tripoli (Lebanon) to help.
Video 4: Statement released by Alawite locals declaring that an Alawite sheikh has been shot & wounded by militant group "Talkalakh Martyrs Battalion" earlier today & list other crimes & violations. Locals issue ultimatum to HTS of 24 hrs to re-establish security in area.
Their Facebook page.