Proto-state in Syria

A supposedly former British army officer who was said to have helped establish the as called white helmets, was found dead, reportedly on Monday. Details unknown.
The white helmets are described as an anti-government Syrian group, said to operate in parts of Syria and Turkey. They began under the guise of humanitarian concern during the war in Syria and are reported by some to have territorial control in northern Syria which is described by themselves as a proto-state. They are believed to have ambitions to be an alternative government.