- Source: Salem Turki al-Antri
Salem Turki al-Antri (Arabic: سالم تركي العنتري) is a Syrian militant and leader of the U.S.-backed Syrian Free Army (SFA). He was appointed leader of the SFA on 29 February 2024. This was to replace Muhammad Farid al-Qasim. He has remained in territory controlled by the SFA since his appointment as leader and played a key role in coordinating and executing the Palmyra offensive (2024) and the Fall of Damascus, which significantly expanded the area under SFA control.
Early Life and Defection
Al-Antri hails from Palmyra in eastern Homs Governorate, Syria. In 2012, amid the early stages of the Syrian civil war, he defected from the Syrian government's forces. Following his defection, he engaged in advisory roles with opposition factions, focusing on instructing fighters in the laws of war, military regulations, and international humanitarian law.
Involvement in the Syrian Conflict
Al-Antri asserts that he began actively fighting against ISIS in 2014, participating in battles across the Syrian Desert alongside U.S.-backed opposition factions.
Leadership of the Syrian Free Army
On February 29, 2024, al-Antri was appointed as the commander of the Syrian Free Army, succeeding Muhammad Farid al-Qasim. The leadership transition was announced through the faction's official channels, expressing enthusiasm for the new opportunities and leadership al-Antri would bring.
Controversies
Al-Antri's appointment has been contentious due to allegations of his prior association with ISIS. Some reports claim that after leaving ISIS, he joined the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army before aligning with the SFA in 2019.
Current Role
As commander of the SFA, al-Antri oversees operations in the al-Tanf region, a strategic area near the Syria-Iraq-Jordan border. The SFA collaborates with U.S. forces in combating ISIS and maintaining security within the 55-kilometer deconfliction zone surrounding al-Tanf.