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Turkish Press Criticizes Appointment of Known Extremist as HTS Army Brigadier
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Selective criticism raises questions about Turkish media credibility in confronting terrorism that entered Syria through its territory
HTS leader Abu Mohammad al-Jolani's appointment of Omar Mohamed Çiftçi as brigadier sparked controversy, given his presence on Turkish terror lists and involvement in beheadings.
Turkish Interior Ministry offers 20 million liras for Çiftçi's capture, classifying him as a dangerous Al-Qaeda operative.
Some Turkish media criticized the appointment, though observers note their selective outrage ignores years of extremist fighters flowing through Turkish territory and airports into Syria.
Independent Turkish press and AKP opposition were alone in covering extremist crossings through Turkey over thirteen years.
Extremist group experts say appointing someone with such a violent history exposes HTS's false moderation claims.
Security experts warn that giving leadership positions to those involved in crimes against humanity signals continued regional instability threats.
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