New Delhi: In a dramatic turn in Syria’s civil war, the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) rebel group has launched a major offensive, capturing key areas, including Aleppo, for the first time since 2016. This bold move has reignited global attention on HTS, an Islamist militant organisation that has been a major force in the conflict. But who are they, and what drives their actions?
Hayat Tahrir al-Sham evolved from Jabhat al-Nusra, an Al-Qaeda affiliate established in 2011 during the early days of Syria’s civil war. Under the leadership of Abu Mohammed al-Jawlani, HTS initially operated as a branch of Al-Qaeda in Syria, pursuing insurgent attacks against Syrian government forces.
Al-Jawlani remains one of the most wanted individuals by US
In 2016, al-Jawlani announced the group’s formal break with Al-Qaeda, rebranding it as HTS. This shift was part of a strategic move to consolidate control over Syria’s northwestern Idlib region and gain broader support among local populations and other rebel factions.
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Abu Mohammed al-Jawlani, the leader of HTS, is a key figure in Syria’s rebel landscape. Originally associated with Al-Qaeda in Iraq, he returned to Syria in 2011, where he led Jabhat al-Nusra before transforming it into HTS. Al-Jawlani remains one of the most wanted individuals by the United States, with a $10 million bounty on his head.
HTS operates through a quasi-governmental body called the Syrian Salvation Government (SSG), which administers areas under its control. The SSG manages local governance, provides essential services, and controls economic activities, including trade through border crossings with Turkey.
HTS seeks to establish an Islamic state within Syria
HTS seeks to establish an Islamic state within Syria, focusing on removing President Bashar al-Assad and expelling Iranian militias. Unlike global jihadist organisations like the Islamic State, HTS concentrates its efforts on reshaping Syria’s political landscape rather than pursuing a transnational caliphate. Statements from al-Jawlani have also hinted at anti-Israel sentiment, with rhetoric suggesting ambitions beyond Syria’s borders.
The group’s stronghold lies in Syria’s Idlib province and parts of Aleppo’s western countryside. HTS controls vital infrastructure, including the Bab al-Hawa border crossing, and oversees economic activities through entities like the Watad Company, which manages fuel distribution.
HTS has faced accusations of human rights violations
HTS has faced accusations of human rights violations, including targeting civilians and suppressing dissent within its territories. Between 2020 and 2022, the group was linked to the deaths of at least 54 civilians.
The recent HTS offensive represents a significant escalation in the Syrian conflict, with the group capturing Aleppo and advancing into Hama. This resurgence has dealt a blow to Assad’s forces, highlighting vulnerabilities despite years of military backing from Russia and Iran.
While HTS justifies its actions as a response to attacks by pro-government forces, the international community, including the UN and Western nations, has called for de-escalation, citing concerns for civilian safety and regional stability.
