Syrian opposition leader pushes for buffer zone near Israel border

Visiting Syrian opposition leader Kamal al-Labwani called on Thursday for a small safe zone to be created near Israel’s border in Syria.

 

Asked if he really has enough power on the ground in Syria to create a buffer zone, Labwani told The Jerusalem Post that the goal is “to protect civilians and some military groups could be able to cooperate with me.”

 

He said the zone could be created with the help of Israel, the US, Jordan, Qatar, Turkey and Saudi Arabia.

 

The local population would defend themselves from Islamist groups, the Syrian regime and Hezbollah forces if given the weapons and assistance to do so, he said. Things will “start weak and will become strong if we work in a good way.”

 

Asked about the presence of al-Qaida Nusra Front fighters in the area, he replied that with the help of their allies they could be forced out of the area.

 

Read More: Syrian opposition leader pushes for buffer zone near Israel border – Middle East – Jerusalem Post