13th Division (Syrian rebel group)

The 13th Division (13 تقسيم), is a Syrian rebel group sanctioned by the Syrian National Council. It was among the first armed Syrian opposition groups to receive U.S.-made BGM-71 TOW anti-tank missiles. The group's leader Ahmad Al-Sa’oud said during an interview that the missiles were provided by the Friends of Syria, which also (according to Al-Sa'oud) provided training on how to use the advanced weaponry. According to a spokesperson for the FSA's Supreme Military Council, the 13th Division is funded by sources within Saudi Arabia.

History
The group was formed in 2013, after being incorporated into the Free Syrian Army.

In December 2013, Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIS) overran a Division 13 base in Kafr Nabl, seizing ammunition and weaponry. This came after a history of clashes between the two groups. The following day, Lieutenant Colonel Ahmad Al-Sa’oud was ambushed and kidnapped in Taftanaz by ISIS while he was trying to negotiate for their return. He was released after two weeks. The group is currently fighting the Syrian government and ISIS.

The group fought in Khan al-Asal, the Rashideen neighbourhood, and the Research Sciences Centre in Aleppo. In Idlib and Hama Governorates, the 13th Division fought at Mork, Khan Shaykhun, Heish, Qumeis, Baboulin, Wadi Al-Deif military base and Al-Hamdiyyeh military base.

Structure
According to its leader, the 13th Division is split into 10 companies, with another 200 in support roles.

Stance on Israel
According to its leader, the group supports the idea of returning all Syrian land occupied by Israel to Syria.