The Islamist Ahrar al-Sham Movement has purportedly arrested a Syrian parliament member in the eastern Deir Al-Zor province, according to a YouTube video posted by activists.
In a statement read by armed fighter, Ahrar al-Sham confirmed the arrest of a number of pro-Assad militiamen, nicknamed “Shabbiha”, in Shoumaitliyah village including MP Muhnna Fayyad al-Nasser.
Ahrar al-Sham is believed to be Syria’s largest Salafi faction. It claims to administer about 100 armed groups, as well as operate offices for humanitarian aid and the administration of Shariah law. It was created in the Idlib-Hama region in early summer 2011. In December 2012 it spearheaded the creation of the SIF alliance, which drew like-minded Islamist groups into its orbit.
In spring 2013, several SIF member factions merged into Ahrar al-Sham, greatly adding to its numbers and influence. It seeks an Islamic state based on Shariah law.
Translated and edited by The Syrian Observer
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