ERBIL, Kurdistan Region—Syria’s Jabhat al-Nusra, also known as the Nusra Front, has announced that it is splitting from al Qaeda in a video obtained by Al Jazeera, confirming months of rumours that such a move was forthcoming.
"We declare the complete cancellation of all operations under the name of Jabhat al-Nusra, and the formation of a new group operating under the name 'Jabhat Fath al-Sham' noting that this new organisation has no affiliation to any external entity," said Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, commander of the now-former Jabhat al-Nusra.
Jabhat Fath al-Sham means the front for the liberation of Syria.
Jabhat al-Nusra was declared a terrorist group by the United States and was sanctioned by the UN Security Council. It, along with the Islamic State, was excluded from cessations of hostilities in Syria.
Syrian opposition are wary of the group’s motivation for the split from al Qaeda, reported Al Jazeera, but some suspect the group may be looking to be removed from the terror list and receive more international support.
That change will not be forthcoming according to a White House spokesperson.
"There continues to be increasing concern about Nusra Front's growing capacity for external operations that could threaten both the United States and Europe," Josh Earnest told reporters at a press briefing on Thursday.
"We declare the complete cancellation of all operations under the name of Jabhat al-Nusra, and the formation of a new group operating under the name 'Jabhat Fath al-Sham' noting that this new organisation has no affiliation to any external entity," said Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, commander of the now-former Jabhat al-Nusra.
Jabhat Fath al-Sham means the front for the liberation of Syria.
Jabhat al-Nusra was declared a terrorist group by the United States and was sanctioned by the UN Security Council. It, along with the Islamic State, was excluded from cessations of hostilities in Syria.
Syrian opposition are wary of the group’s motivation for the split from al Qaeda, reported Al Jazeera, but some suspect the group may be looking to be removed from the terror list and receive more international support.
That change will not be forthcoming according to a White House spokesperson.
"There continues to be increasing concern about Nusra Front's growing capacity for external operations that could threaten both the United States and Europe," Josh Earnest told reporters at a press briefing on Thursday.
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