Abu Mohammed al-Julani, a name synonymous with Syria’s rebel movement, rose to prominence as the leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a powerful Islamic militant group that played a pivotal role in ending President Bashar al-Assad’s 24-year rule.
His journey from an Al-Qaeda affiliate to the head of a rebranded and autonomous group reflects a complex trajectory of ideological evolution, strategic shifts, and military triumphs.
From Al-Qaeda Affiliate to Rebel Leader
Born in Saudi Arabia in 1982, Julani’s early years were shaped by his upbringing in a family that later settled near Damascus. His involvement in militant activities began during the Iraq War in 2003, where he joined Al-Qaeda and fought alongside prominent figures like Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the future leader of ISIS. Julani’s early career in Al-Qaeda saw him establish a reputation for strategic acumen and leadership.
In 2011, during the Syrian Civil War, Julani returned to his homeland and founded Jabhat al-Nusra as an Al-Qaeda affiliate. The group rapidly gained notoriety for its military prowess and ideological fervor, emerging as one of the most influential factions in the Syrian conflict.
However, ideological differences and strategic disagreements led Julani to sever ties with Al-Qaeda in 2013, a move that marked a turning point in his leadership.
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Julani’s decision to distance his group from Al-Qaeda was both ideological and pragmatic. The rebranding to Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) in 2017 signaled an attempt to gain broader support and legitimacy.
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While the United States designated HTS as a terrorist organization in 2018, Julani’s efforts to present the group as a Syrian nationalist movement, rather than a global jihadist entity, reflected his evolving vision for the organization.
The Fall of Assad’s Regime
Julani’s leadership of HTS coincided with significant military victories that reshaped the Syrian conflict. Over the years, HTS consolidated control over large swathes of northwestern Syria, including the Idlib province. This stronghold became a base of operations for launching offensives against Assad’s forces and other rival factions.
The culmination of HTS’s military campaign came with the fall of Damascus in December 2024, following a week of rapid advances that encountered minimal resistance. Julani’s forces capitalized on the weakening grip of Assad’s regime, which had been propped up by Russian and Iranian support for years.
The announcement of Damascus’s liberation marked a historic moment in the Syrian Civil War, effectively ending Assad’s reign and signaling a new phase in the country’s tumultuous history.
Julani’s role in this victory cemented his status as a central figure in Syria’s opposition movement. However, the triumph also brought new challenges, as HTS faced the task of transitioning from a militant organization to a governing authority capable of stabilizing and rebuilding war-torn regions.
The Future of HTS and Julani’s Vision
In the aftermath of Assad’s fall, Julani has focused on consolidating HTS’s governance in northwestern Syria through the establishment of the Salvation Government. This civil administration oversees various aspects of daily life, including education, healthcare, and infrastructure, aiming to provide a semblance of normalcy to regions under its control.
Julani’s public statements have emphasized his commitment to establishing a government “chosen by the people,” reflecting his effort to distance HTS from its extremist origins and present it as a legitimate political entity.
In interviews with Western media, he has sought to redefine HTS’s image, denouncing indiscriminate violence and emphasizing the group’s focus on Syria’s internal issues rather than global jihad.
Despite these efforts, HTS’s designation as a terrorist organization by the United States and other countries remains a significant obstacle to its international recognition. The group’s history of association with Al-Qaeda and its militant activities continue to raise concerns among global counterterrorism agencies.
For Julani, the challenge lies in balancing the demands of governance with the need to maintain military strength in a volatile region. The prospect of gaining international legitimacy while navigating internal and external threats will test his leadership in the years to come.
Abu Mohammed al-Julani’s rise to prominence as the leader of Syria’s most powerful armed opposition force reflects a complex interplay of ideology, strategy, and ambition. His role in ending President Assad’s reign and his efforts to rebrand HTS as a credible governing entity mark significant milestones in the Syrian conflict.
As Syria faces the daunting task of rebuilding and reconciling, Julani’s vision for HTS and its future role in the country’s political landscape will continue to shape the narrative of a nation seeking stability after years of turmoil.
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