The Syrian rebels who have captured Damascus are led by two major factions: Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and the Syrian National Army (SNA). HTS is an Islamist alliance and the most powerful rebel faction in Syria. Meanwhile, the SNA comprises Turkish-backed Syrian militias that have been active in northern Syria.
Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS)
HTS originated as Jabhat al-Nusra, or the Al-Nusra Front, and was initially affiliated with al-Qaida. Its leader, Abu Muhammad al-Jolani, played a key role in the Iraqi insurgency against the US as part of the group that eventually evolved into the Islamic State. In 2016, HTS rebranded itself as Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, distancing from al-Qaida, but the group remains designated as a terrorist organization by the United States.
Human rights organizations have raised concerns over HTS-controlled areas, reporting allegations of severe abuses, including executions for charges such as blasphemy, adultery, and alleged ties to rival groups. Despite its extremist roots, HTS has consolidated significant power in northwestern Syria.
The Syrian National Army (SNA)
The SNA is a coalition of militias supported by Turkey. Its primary aim has been to establish a buffer zone along the Turkish border to counter Kurdish groups that Ankara considers threats. Although Turkey has historically supported factions opposing President Bashar al-Assad, it has recently urged reconciliation efforts in Syria. Turkish officials have denied involvement in the current rebel offensive but maintain close ties to the SNA.
The November Offensive
The surprise offensive launched by HTS and the SNA on November 27 marked a significant escalation in Syria’s prolonged conflict. The rebels captured Aleppo, Syria’s largest city, and Hama, the fourth-largest, before advancing to Damascus. By December 8, they announced the capture of the capital, claiming that President Bashar al-Assad had fled.
Complex Alliance Between HTS and SNA
While HTS and the SNA have cooperated in the recent offensive, their long-term goals may differ. HTS’s vision is rooted in Islamist governance, while the SNA aligns with Turkish strategic objectives. The sustainability of their alliance is uncertain as both factions navigate the challenges of controlling newly acquired territories.
Humanitarian and Geopolitical Concerns
The swift advance of rebel forces has raised alarms about the future governance of Syria. In territories under HTS control, human rights abuses and strict governance measures have been reported. This raises concerns about the conditions civilians may face in newly captured areas.
Internationally, the offensive has unsettled key stakeholders. The United States, which designates HTS as a terrorist group, is closely monitoring the situation. Turkey’s role in the conflict remains a point of contention, given its historical support for the SNA and its calls for reconciliation.
Implications for Syria’s Future
The capture of Damascus represents a critical turning point in Syria’s civil war. However, the aftermath of this offensive remains uncertain. Whether the HTS-SNA alliance can maintain control and address governance challenges will significantly shape the country’s future. With President Assad’s whereabouts unknown, the Syrian political landscape faces unprecedented upheaval.
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