The Free Syrian Army-affiliated al-Mu'tasim Brigade and the Military Police of the National Army launched a security campaign in the Afrin area against groups of bandits.

"The campaign was launched in the surrounding villages of Afrin, after repeated complaints from residents about the existence of gangs of looting, theft and cutting roads under the name of the Free Syrian Army," Mustafa Seijari, Director of the Political Bureau in al-Mu'tasim said.

He added: "The security apparatus in the al-Mu'tasim Brigade, in coordination with the military police, set up several ambushes in the area and arrested armed groups and the seizure of warehouses containing large quantities of loot, especially household items belonging to the people of the region. The thieves were handed over to the military police."

Seijari pointed out that the groups are parts of military factions but they operate away from the eyes of their leaders, stressing the continuation of the campaign and the intention to expand it.

Activists criticized the poor security situation in the area of Afrin after the control of the factions of the "National Army" over, where the ongoing raids and the theft of some houses continue.