Tag: HTS

Mohammed al-Jolani (File photo) Abu Mohammed al-Jolani is the leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), who stepped into the spotlight after his Islamist alliance led a decisive offensive that rebels claim has toppled President Bashar al-Assad, ending five decades of Baath Party rule in Syria.Jolani, whose real name is Ahmed al-Sharaa, has a controversial past. His group, rooted in Syria’s branch of Al-Qaeda, has been accused of extremist activities. However, he has recently adopted a more moderate image while leading the fight to oust Assad.On Sunday, as rebels entered Damascus, Jolani ordered fighters to stay away from public institutions to maintain order. Earlier this week, he had stated the primary goal of the campaign: “to overthrow Assad.” Thirteen years after Assad’s violent crackdown ...