Syrian security forces clash with armed French nationals in Idlib

Clashes have erupted in northwestern Syria between Syrian security forces and members of armed Syrian groups composed of French nationals, Al Arabiya reported.

According to the channel’s correspondent, Syrian security forces have surrounded a camp near Idlib where the French fighters, led by extremist Oumar Diaby (or Omar Omsen) are hiding.

The operation came after the extremist allegedly kidnapped a girl and refused to hand himself over to the authorities.

Earlier, the French outlet L’Express published an investigation revealing that around 120 French citizens are currently residing in northwestern Syria, particularly in the Idlib area. They reportedly arrived during the Syrian civil war and later joined various armed groups.

Following the ousting of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, “some of them laid down their arms, while for others, the fight continues,” the report added.

According to estimates by French media, between 1,200 and 1,700 French citizens left the country for the Middle East — mainly Syria and Iraq. France is considered the European nation with the highest number of individuals who have traveled abroad to join armed formations.

By Khagan Isayev