The liberated areas of Syria have recently been exposed to misinformation intended to cause fear, panic, and distrust among the population. These rumors, largely spread by sources close to the Assad regime, allege that Turkey and various opposition factions are preparing to surrender key territories to the Assad regime. The timing of these rumors coincides with talks of Turkish-Assad normalization, exacerbating tensions and confusion within the region.
The National Liberation Front (NLF), operating in the Idlib Governorate and affiliated with the Syrian National Army (SNA), issued a statement vehemently denying these rumors. The NLF emphasized that these false claims are part of the Assad regime’s ongoing psychological warfare aimed at destabilizing the Syrian revolution.
A recent rumor alleged that electrical equipment and infrastructure were being dismantled for return to Turkey ahead of the areas being handed to the Assad regime. Started by outlets and propagandists loyal to the regime they were picked up and carried by non-regime outlets. Similarity stories alleging the abandonment of the front lines by military factions ahead of surrendering the areas to the regime have also been spread by outlets claiming to be part of the revolution.
“There is no truth to this news about the transfer or removal of equipment,” an NFL statement declared. “On the contrary, the facts on the ground indicate that work is expanding in these vital projects.” The NLF highlighted that these rumors are intended to cover up the regime’s own failures, including rampant poverty, corruption, and unemployment in areas under its control.
The statement further noted that Turkey has provided reassurances against any reconciliation with the Assad regime, stressing that no such discussions have taken place during recent meetings. “We in the National Liberation Front, along with the rest of the revolutionary factions, have not and will not give up an inch of the liberated areas,” the statement affirmed.
Ali Al-Rifai, Press Relations Manager of the Syrian Salvation Government’s Ministry of Media, spoke to L24 about the ministry’s efforts to combat such misinformation campaigns. “The ministry has worked to enhance credibility by denying rumors and responding to them through the relevant authorities,” Al-Rifai explained. He emphasized the importance of facilitating and organizing the work of media professionals within the liberated areas and maintaining open communication with media figures and institutions abroad.
Al-Rifai advised the public to verify the credibility of information before sharing it, highlighting the dangers of unintentional misinformation spread. “We recommend taking your time before publishing any incomplete media narrative from reliable sources, and not helping in promoting the enemy’s rumors under the pretext of a media scoop,” he said.
The military correspondent Telegram channel detailed how external figures, including some influential religious scholars, have inadvertently contributed to the disunity among revolutionary forces. These figures often lack the necessary expertise in military and political matters, leading to the spread of misinformation and false military concepts. Their actions, intended or not, provide the enemy with valuable information about the conditions and capabilities of the revolutionary military factions.
The correspondent stressed the importance of individuals sticking to their areas of expertise and avoiding the dissemination of unverified information. “Every worker in a field must commit to his field and look for ways to develop it, and be careful not to neglect it before intervening in other fields,” the correspondent advised.
The spread of misinformation in the liberated areas remains a significant challenge, with the Assad regime’s propaganda machine playing a crucial role. Efforts by the revolutionary military and civil institutions, journalists, and regional media outlets, are focused on countering these false narratives and maintaining unity among the people of the liberated area.
