Tahrir al-Sham

Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham: A Complex Entity in the Syrian Conflict

Imagine a shadowy figure standing at the crossroads of history, where the lines between politics, religion, and violence blur into an intricate web. This is Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a Sunni Islamist political and paramilitary organization that has played a pivotal role in the Syrian civil war since its formation on January 28, 2017. But who exactly are they, and what drives their actions?

The Formation of HTS

HTS was born out of the merger of several armed factions, including Jabhat Fatah al-Sham (formerly Al-Nusra Front) and Ahrar al-Sham. This amalgamation was not just a simple union; it was a strategic move to consolidate power in a conflict-ridden landscape. The organization’s leaders, initially led by Jabhat Fatah al-Sham and former Ahrar al-Sham leaders, sought to establish a stable civilian administration and maintain law and order within the territories they controlled.

Expansion and Governance

HTS quickly expanded its territorial control, establishing governance structures that were both feared and respected. They implemented Shafi’ite thought in their legal system and educational curriculum, giving allegiance to the Syrian Salvation Government. By 2019, HTS had control over 80% of the greater Idlib area, making it one of the most powerful military factions within the Syrian opposition.

Challenges and Conflicts

The path of HTS has been fraught with challenges. In June 2013, Ayman al-Zawahiri directly rebuked Al-Baghdadi’s moves by recognizing the Al-Nusra Front as the only official Syrian branch of al-Qaeda. This led to a series of conflicts and alliances that reshaped the organization’s structure and goals.

HTS faced significant opposition from other factions, including Ahrar al-Sham, which sought to unify Islamist rebel groups under a central command. The group launched a series of crackdowns against Al-Qaeda loyalists while also targeting ISIL cells through military operations. Despite these efforts, HTS has been designated as a terrorist group by several countries, including the United States.

Human Rights and Governance

While HTS has implemented reconstruction projects and repatriated confiscated properties, it has also faced criticism for its human rights violations. Women face widespread discrimination and violence, with many accused of high treason as a pretext to stop their activities critical of HTS. The group enforces forced conversions to Sunni Islam, confiscates property from Christians and Druze, and bans education for married females.

Protests are rarely tolerated, often met with violent repression. Journalists face significant risks, including threats, imprisonment, and physical abuse. HTS obstructs humanitarian aid in areas under its control, severely hindering assistance to those in need. The group systematically suppresses dissent through violent repression, arbitrary arrests, and severe mistreatment of critics.

Strategic Alliances

Despite being designated as a terrorist organization by several countries, HTS has pursued strategic co-operation with Turkey, viewing them as allies in the fight against Al-Qaeda and Islamic State remnants. Within a few weeks of being designated as a terrorist organization by the US, HTS dismantled Al-Qaeda networks and gained control of Idlib.

However, reports from the UN, US, EU, and human rights organizations document HTS’s involvement in serious human rights violations and war crimes. These include extrajudicial executions, arbitrary arrests, torture, violence against women and girls, and restrictions on their freedom of movement and access to education.

Conclusion

Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) is a complex entity that has evolved from a merger of several armed factions into one of the most powerful military factions within the Syrian opposition. While it has implemented governance structures and reconstruction projects, it also faces significant criticism for its human rights violations and strategic alliances with other groups.