US replaces FSA leadership, works on fortifying its occupation bases
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Following internal objections concerning Faris al-Qasim's conduct, the US dismissed him from his role and appointed a replacement.
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American soldiers sit in a fighting vehicle at the Hassakeh, Syria, Tuesday, Feb. 8, 2022 (AP Photo/Baderkhan Ahmad)
The American international coalition leadership decided to dismiss the commander of the Free Syrian Army (FSA), Muhammad Farid Al-Qasim, from his position, and appoint the non-conformist lieutenant colonel from FSA, Salem Turki al-Antari, as his replacement.
Farid al-Qasim was appointed in 2023 after his predecessor was dismissed by the US for working independently from it.
Informed sources told Al Mayadeen that "the decision came after a series of objections from members of the FSA and local council regarding Al-Qasim's strategies in the area."
The sources also remarked that initially appointing Al-Qasim 16 months ago was rejected through organized protests within the al-Rukban camp accusing him of torturing several people while operating under the Revolutionary Commando Army.
It was further shown that the United States is working on uniting all US-backed factions operating in the 55-kilometer area surrounding the al-Tanf military base and utilizing them to enhance the area's security.
Read more: US uses displaced Syrians as human shields to protect occupation bases
US occupation 'cannot persist'
As the US plans to sustain its occupation of Syria territories, the Syrian military released a statement earlier this month calling for the removal of all foreign occupation forces from its lands.
The statement affirmed that the Syrian army will continue to defend Syria's land and people, and strike all terrorist groups, regardless of how much their sponsors and supporters try to obstruct this goal. It added that it is determined to liberate the entire Syrian territory from all terrorism and occupation, including the US occupation which "cannot persist."
