General Salim Idris has fled the country after extremist militants from the so-called “Islamic Front” took over key bases and warehouses belonging to FSA.

The commander of the foreign-backed opposition’s main military wing “Free Syrian Army”, General Salim Idris has fled the country after extremist militants from the so-called “Islamic Front” took over key bases and warehouses belonging to FSA.

Idris flew to the Qatari capital of Doha Sunday after fleeing to Turkey, Wall Street Journal quoted US officials as saying.

"He fled as a result of the Islamic Front taking over his headquarters," a senior U.S. official said.
An “Islamic Front” spokesman said Idris fled to Turkey.

The New York Times said Idris flew temporarily to Doha but was now back in Turkey, where he has a house.

The 13-month-old US-backed “Syrian National Coalition, which supports the FSA, is based in Doha.

The Obama administration is urging Idris to return to Syria, the US officials told the Journal.

The “Islamic Front” seized depots belonging to the FSA near the Turkish border last weekend, before taking control of the Bab al-Tawa crossing itself on Dec. 10, according to monitors. The seizure prompted the United States and Britain to suspend non-lethal aid to rebels in northern Syria.