Lagatar24 Desk
Damascus: Abu Mohammed al-Julani, the leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), has emerged as a central figure following the Syrian rebels’ dramatic capture of Damascus and the ousting of President Bashar al-Assad. The offensive marked the end of Assad’s 24-year reign and left the regime in disarray.
The Rise of Abu Mohammed al-Julani
Born in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in 1982, Julani spent his early years in Saudi Arabia before returning to Syria in 1989. His journey into militancy began in 2003 when he joined Al-Qaeda during the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq.
In 2011, Julani founded Jabhat al-Nusra, a Syrian affiliate of Al-Qaeda, which later evolved into HTS. He severed ties with Al-Qaeda in 2013, following a power struggle with the Islamic State (ISIS) led by Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. Julani fought against ISIS and distanced his group from its practices.
Designation as a Terrorist Leader
In 2018, the United States designated HTS as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) and placed a $10 million bounty on Julani, citing his role in armed insurgency and links to extremist activities.
Julani has since sought to rebrand HTS, focusing on civilian governance in the Idlib province and projecting the group as a credible political force. He established a civil administration, the Salvation Government, in northwest Syria, aiming to transition HTS into a governing body.
Vision for Syria
In interviews, Julani has expressed his intent to overthrow the Assad regime and establish a government led by a council elected by the people. Middle East experts believe he now seeks to position HTS as a potential partner in global counterterrorism efforts.
What Lies Ahead
As the rebels consolidate control over Damascus, Julani faces the challenge of transitioning HTS from an insurgent group to a governing entity. The international community remains skeptical, given the group’s past affiliations, but the rapid political shifts in Syria could redefine Julani’s role in the region.
