Who tried to kill Syria's Al-Julani?
The foiled plot comes just as diplomatic insiders suggest unprecedented backchannel discussions between the longtime enemies may be advancing.
Twitter
The Turkish newspaper "Istiqlal" reported yesterday that Turkish intelligence thwarted an assassination attempt on the Syrian leader Ahmad al-Sharaa (al-Julani), which was planned to take place in the Daraa area in southern Syria.
According to the report, the attempt was foiled in an operation by Turkish intelligence and Syrian forces, marking the third such attempt to eliminate him thus far.
The Turkish newspaper also reported that the terrorist operative who planned the assassination had previously collaborated with Hezbollah, but later joined ISIS. The newspaper noted that the plan was identified with the help of field sources and additional means. That information was passed on to the Syrian government.
Earlier today, it was reported that the new Syrian regime fears a planned and extensive assault by ISIS to capture major cities in Syria, with the starting point being the city of Homs. A Syrian researcher addressed the issue, stating: "This is a real threat and not propaganda from the new regime." This was reported today in Israel.
Meanwhile, sources close to the government in Damascus told the Saudi newspaper "Asharq Al-Awsat" that negotiations are taking place with Israel under regional and international auspices, as al-Sharaa confirmed last May.