These are thought to be rebel fighters in Syria.<br/> <br />They're with a group called the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant - or ISIL -- and they're said to be affiliated with Al Qaeda.<br/> <br />But on Monday, Al Qaeda's general command issued a statement across jihadist websites distancing itself from ISIL, saying there's no link between the two.<br/> <br />Al Qaeda 'doesn't have a relationship with it' the statement read, 'and isn't responsible for their actions.'<br/> <br />Small but powerful, ISIL has been battling other Islamist insurgents in Syria -- largely over territory -- and has become increasingly independent.<br/> <br />Monday's announcement may be an attempt by Al Qaeda to reassert its authority over fragmented Islamist fighters in Syria's civil war.<br/> <br />It could also mean Al Qaeda wants to redirect its efforts towards unseating President Bashar al Assad, instead of wasting resources fighting other rebels.<br/> <br />This 'rebel-on-rebel' fighting has killed nearly 2,000 people this year and
