Al-Nusra Front Asks for ISIL Help to Survive in Qalamoun Fight

(FNA)- The Al-Nusra Front has demanded ISIL leaders to help the terrorist group stand against the joint operations of the Syrian army and Hezbollah forces in the Southern region of al-Qalamoun, sources close to the ISIL said on Monday.

Saer al-Qalamouni was quoted by the Lebanese al-Safir newspaper as saying that the al-Nusra terrorist group attempted to join the war in Qalamoun under the name of Jaish al-Fath so that it will not bear the responsibility for any possible defeat against Hezbollah and the Syrian forces.

He said there are many proofs to show that the al-Nusra Front has urged certain ISIL leaders and commanders in Qalamoun to help the al-Nusra in the war against the Syrian army and Hezbollah.

Qalamouni who claimed to be a media activist close to the ISIL said that there are two documents proving that Abu Malik al-Teli, the al-Nusra ringleader in Qalamoun, has requested ISIL to rush to his aid in the clashes with Hezbollah and Syrian forces' attacks in the Hills of Asal al-Ward.

He said that the ISIL terrorists have already withdrawn from Asal al-Ward but are still being equipped militarily.

The Syrian troops and Hezbollah fighters in a series of operations which started near the al-Qalamoun mountainous region near the Lebanese border regained control of many strategic areas, including Assal al-Ward, on Sunday.

Tens of Takfiri terrorists, specially members of the Al-Nusra Front, were killed in heavy clashes with Syrian troops and Hezbollah fighters.

The Syrian army also destroyed tens of vehicles of the Al-Nusra Front in the clashes.