Turkey Provides $500 Monthly Salary to Syrian Militants

Turkey is providing a monthly salary of $500 to militants of the so-called "Syrian National Army," according to journalist and former member of the Turkish Parliament, Mustafa Balbay.

According to the Cumhuriyet newspaper, Balbay stated that the militants supported by Turkey have been complaining about this salary in recent months, expressing their dissatisfaction with it during a meeting in Ankara focused on refugee issues.

Previously known as the "Free Syrian Army," this group consists of more than 35 opposition factions mainly operating in northern Syria. They have participated in Turkey’s military offensives against neighboring territory, including operations such as "Euphrates Shield," "Olive Branch," and "Peace Spring." The group has been accused of committing war crimes during Turkish offensive operations. In particular, the Syrian militants have been reported to loot houses and shops, kidnapped and tortured civilians in Afrin, which was previously controlled by the Kurds, during Turkey's attacks.