Hay´at Tahrir al-Sham

**Hay´at Tahrir al-Sham** (HTS; Arabic: هيئة تحرير الشام) translating to “The Organization for the Liberation of the Levant”, is a Sunni Islamist armed group and political organization in Syria. It was formed on January 28th 2017 in Idlib as Jabhat Fateh al-Sham and merged with several other groups such as Harakat Nour al-Din al-Zinki, Liwa al-Haq, Jaysh al-Sunna, and Jabhat Ansar al-Din, establishing Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham under one body. HTS commands around 16,000 fighters. In December 2024, HTS led a coalition including Ahrar al-Sham, the National Front for Liberation, the Free Syrian Army, the Syrian National Army (SNA) and Nour al-Din al-Zenki and overthrew the Syrian government. They ended the rule of the Assad family in Syria. After the overthrow, they set up a transitional government. It is led by Ahmed al-Shaara. HTS emerged as one of the most powerful armed factions during the Syrian civil war. The group became known for its bombings, its use of suicide attacks, and its efforts to dominate rival opposition factions through force. In 2016, the group rebranded as Jabhat Fatah al-Sham in an attempt to cut formal ties with al-Qaeda and present itself as a more locally focused Syrian movement, distancing itself from the global jihadist image that had made it a target of Western powers. This shift was strategic, aimed at consolidating local support, reducing international pressure, and gaining legitimacy among other rebel groups and the civilian population.  The rebranding lead up to the formation of HTS in 2017, a merger of Jabhat Fatah al-Sham with several smaller Islamist groups.

## Leadership and Structure 
HTS is led by Ahmed Hussein al-Sharaa, also known as Abu Mohammad al-Julani, which is his fighter name.  He is HTS´s founder and Syria's current political leader. Before joining HTS he was part of Jabhat al-Nusra and also had ties with al-Qaeda, but he denies any ideological affiliation. Abdul-Rahim Attoun (Abu Abdullah al-Shami) is HTS´s chief religious figure and plays a critical role in the group’s ideological direction and political strategy. His influence was a key factor in HTS shift from an al-Qaeda affiliate into a local-focused actor embedded in a nationalist movement. Overtime, HTS underwent several internal transformations distancing itself from its transnational jihadist roots to focus on local governance. This shift was exemplified by the establishment of the Syrian Salvation Government (SSG) in Idlib in 2017. With its own ministries and departments, the civilian technocratic administrative body oversees governance in HTS controlled areas. Structurally, HTS is divided into military and administrative arms, while the military and intelligence branches are firmly under HTS´s control. Their governance model, although conservative, is not extremist. Most countries do not recognize or support HTS, such as the United States, European Union, United Kingdom. The United Nations (UN) also categorized HTS as a terrorist group in 2018 in a key Security Council resolution.  Israel intensified its presence by occupying areas in southern Syria, including the United Nations (UN) buffer zone and Mount Hermon. They justify their actions as a security measure and as targeted strikes on sites previously used for chemical weapons by the Assad regime. For Iran and Hezbollah, Assad’s fall marked a significant setback. It broke a key link in Iran’s regional “axis of resistance” and reduced its power in the Levant. Russia, having provided Assad asylum, appeared to reduce its military role, although HTS indicated some openness to allowing Russia to retain bases, if it served Syria’s interests. Against the landscape of changing alliances and ongoing instability, humanitarian concerns remain urgent. In a statement published in November 29, 2024, Al-Sharaa urged that soldiers refrain from violence, and to respect the diversity of sects and cultures in Syria.  However, as recently as March 2025, the UN has reported targeted attacks and killings of Alawites (the minority that was protected under Assad regime). This includes children and women in the coast of Syria, where most of them reside. The humanitarian crisis remains an issue in Syria; people need food, clean water, healthcare, and safe places to live. Hospitals and clinics are damaged or closed, and there are not enough doctors or medical care. HTS is seeking increased support, but many areas still suffer because of the war and past government actions. 

Marking a notable political shift, HTS cooperates with the SDF under a March 2025 agreement, integrating SDF into national institutions. This marks a major shift from past conflict and suggests HTS is working with some parts of the broader opposition, especially against common threats like ISIS. 

HTS received mixed international responses. Saudi Arabia welcomed Al-Sharaa on February 2025 to discuss bilateral relations.  Other countries like the U.S. and some in Europe have started talking with HTS, showing they may be open to working with the group if it becomes more moderate.  However HTS faces major challenges.  First, there is a lack of international and national credibility and a global reluctance to engage with an HTS-led government**.** Secondly, Syria is still divided. Other powerful groups, like the Kurdish-led SDF and Turkish-backed rebel forces, reject HTS control over Syria. Thirdly, after years of civil war and sanctions, it has led to the economy being damaged. The future of HTS´s government therefore remains uncertain as it struggles to gain legitimacy, rebuild a fractured nation, and navigate regional and international dynamics.

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