Syrian Islamist Rebels raided the Aleppo headquarters of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) in Syria on Wednesday. ISIL fighters, linked to al-Qaeda, used the hospital compound to plan attacks and hold prisoners as they fought Syrian government forces. The hospital takeover highlights increased tensions between nationalist Syrian Islamist groups and ultra-conservative foreign fighters associated with al-Qaeda.
Activists report that ISIL housed hundreds of prisoners in the hospital and killed most of them as the group lost control of the area. A video released to local media reportedly depicts the scene left by foreign fighters. Specifically, bruised bodies suggest inmates were tortured before being bound and shot.
![]() Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant headquarters in Aleppo Syria. (Photo: AFP) |
Summary executions and arbitrary, but exceedingly strict, enforcement of Islamic law have caused a backlash against foreign fighters in Syria. The killing of a rebel doctor, Hussein Suleiman, earlier this year outraged local Islamists and helped concentrate rebel minds against al-Qaeda fighters. The Islamic Front, an umbrella group of different religious militias, accused ISIL of being “worse than the Assad regime” following the attack against Hussein.
Another well known al-Qaeda affiliate, the al-Nusra Front, has called for a cease fire, but neither side seems intent on rapprochement. Infighting between opposition group will surely weaken their ability to launch successful attacks or a coordinated campaign against government forces. Ultimately, greater fighting between these fighters gives President Bashar al-Assad a new strategic advantage.