Bloody Fighting between Opposition Factions in N.Syria in Struggle for Power, Influence

Disputes have erupted between rival factions over a struggle for power and influence. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Disputes have erupted between rival factions over a struggle for power and influence. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Bloody Fighting between Opposition Factions in N.Syria in Struggle for Power, Influence

Disputes have erupted between rival factions over a struggle for power and influence. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Disputes have erupted between rival factions over a struggle for power and influence. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Internal fighting continued between different factions of the Syrian National Army, supported by Ankara, in the areas of Turkish military operations in northern Syria.

Disputes have erupted over a struggle for power and influence, and for material gains that are reaped from ports and smuggling crossings.

Activists in the countryside of Aleppo said a member was killed on Thursday in an armed clash between two groups of the Sultan Suleiman Shah Division, affiliated with the Syrian National Army, in the city center of Jindires in the countryside of Afrin, northern Aleppo. The dispute resulted in the serious injury of other militants.

On April 18, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said violent clashes, using with medium and light machine guns, erupted between two groups of the Syrian Front faction, which is affiliated with the Syrian National Army, near Al-Qabban roundabout in the center of Afrin city.

The dispute developed into violent clashes between the two parties, without reports on human casualties.

Husam al-Shihabi, a resident of the city of al-Bab in the countryside of Aleppo, said violent clashes erupted on April 2, between the Ahrar al-Sham and Al-Jabha al-Shamiya factions, near the city, located within the Euphrates Shield area.

The dispute erupted when a leader in Ahrar al-Sham refused to give up his position in the Third Legion, which is affiliated with the National Army.

The clashes led to the killing and wounding of four members of the factions, and the blocking of the roads leading to al-Bab, prompting the residents to stage a mass demonstration in the city, calling on the factions to stop the fighting and observe the sanctity of the month of Ramadan.

“About 17 members have been killed and more than 30 others wounded, since the beginning of 2022, in bloody clashes between the factions affiliated with the Syrian National Army, in the areas of the northern countryside of Aleppo (al-Bab, Afrin Jandiris, Azaz and Al-Ra’i), which caused the closure of roads and markets,” Shihabi said.



Jeddah Historic District Program Set to Host Red Sea International Film Festival in December

Held under the theme "The New Home of Film", the festival will take place for the first time in the Culture Square of Jeddah Historic District. (SPA)
Held under the theme "The New Home of Film", the festival will take place for the first time in the Culture Square of Jeddah Historic District. (SPA)
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Jeddah Historic District Program Set to Host Red Sea International Film Festival in December

Held under the theme "The New Home of Film", the festival will take place for the first time in the Culture Square of Jeddah Historic District. (SPA)
Held under the theme "The New Home of Film", the festival will take place for the first time in the Culture Square of Jeddah Historic District. (SPA)

The Jeddah Historic District Program, affiliated with the Saudi Ministry of Culture, will host the fourth edition of the Red Sea International Film Festival (RSIFF) from December 5 to 14.

Held under the theme "The New Home of Film", the festival will take place for the first time in the Culture Square of Jeddah Historic District, providing a unique setting for artists and culture enthusiasts.

The Culture Square features cinema halls, a theater, and service facilities, along with the teamLab Borderless Jeddah Art Museum, a digital art museum. Situated by Lake Al-Arbaeen, the square offers scenic views of the surroundings.

As part of its commitment to preserving heritage and promoting cultural creativity, the program has transformed the square into a cultural landmark while retaining the area's architectural essence. This initiative aligns with Saudi Vision 2030 goal aiming to establish the area as a global cultural hub.

At this year's festival 120 films from 81 countries will be screened, including 48 world premieres, 66 Arab movies, 34 Saudi films, 54 short films, and 63 feature films.

Moreover, 36 filmmakers will vie for awards, and 38 outstanding film and television projects will be featured at the Red Sea Souk Project Market, highlighting a variety of storytelling styles and talents from across the globe.