Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) is one of the key players in the Syrian conflict. Here are the main points about the group:

Dec 8, 2024 - 02:32 AM EST

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- History and Origin: HTS was originally known as "Jabhat al-Nusra" (Front for the Support of the People of the Levant), which was the Syrian branch of Al-Qaeda. In 2016, it announced a break from Al-Qaeda and changed its name to "Jabhat Fateh al-Sham" and then to "Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham", meaning "Organization for the Liberation of the Levant".

- Ideology: HTS follows a Salafi-jihadist ideology; however, after breaking ties with Al-Qaeda, it attempted to soften its rhetoric and portray itself as a more moderate force, although it is still considered a terrorist organization by many international organizations and countries.

- Territorial Control: The group controls a significant part of Idlib province in northwest Syria, where it has also established its own administration and judicial system. Recently, HTS has also undertaken offensives in other parts of Syria, including attempts to capture Aleppo.

- International Recognition: HTS is recognized as a terrorist organization in Russia, the USA, and several other countries. Despite this, it is sometimes referred to in Western media as "rebels" or "resistance fighters," which sparks controversy and criticism.

- Relations with Other Groups: In its relations with other Syrian opposition groups, HTS shows both cooperation and conflict. It has been part of various alliances but has also engaged in combat against other Islamist groups, such as against ISIS.

- Goals: HTS's primary goal is to overthrow Bashar al-Assad's regime and establish Islamic governance in Syria. However, their actions and statements sometimes suggest broader ambitions, including the establishment of an Islamic state.

- Financing and Support: HTS receives funding from various sources, including local taxes, zakat, and, according to some reports, support from abroad, although the exact sources of funding remain subjects of speculation and research.