The Syrian National Coalition has criticised the decision by the al-Nusra front to pledge allegiance to al-Qaeda, warning of the dangers of committing to the extremist group. In a statement issued Sunday, the coalition said; "The Syrian National Coalition denounces any position or direction that refuses the freedom of the Syrian people and confiscates their right to determine their future.” The statement continued, "We urge al-Nusra to stay within ranks, and continue its efforts in fighting the Assad regime," after the group merged with al-Qaeda. They added; “The coalition is deeply concerned about recent statements regarding the affiliations and ideologies of particular factions of the rebel forces.” The coalition stated that such affiliations “only serve the goals of the Assad regime.”