A Reconciled Rebel Commander Was Assassinated in the Southern Region of Syria

BEIRUT, LEBANON (7:00 A.M.) – A reconciled rebel commander was assassinated in the southern region of Syria on Thursday, a source from the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) told Al-Masdar News.

According to the army source, unknown assailants opened fire on the vehicle of the reconciled rebel commander, Firas Al-Masalameh, as he was traveling northwest of Daraa city.

The source said Masalameh was killed during the attack, which was carried out in the town of Al-Yadoudah.

The assailants reportedly fled the scene after the assassination; they are suspected to be part of a Free Syrian Army (FSA) sleeper cell in the Daraa Governorate.

Masalameh was a former commander in the Free Syrian Army’s Southern Front Brigades before he accepted a reconciliation deal that was sponsored by the Russian Armed Forces.