The Islamist rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, or HTS, has made headlines with the toppling of the regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. The leader of HTS, Abu Mohammad al-Jolani, has been at the forefront of these efforts, claiming that the group has cut ties with al-Qaeda and is committed to respecting pluralism and the rights of minorities in Syria.
The downfall of Assad has reportedly led to his fleeing the country and seeking asylum in Russia. This significant development has prompted a range of reactions in the region. Israel, for example, has seized a buffer zone in the Syrian-controlled area of the Golan Heights. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that this move is necessary to protect against potential threats following the collapse of the ceasefire agreement with Syria.
On the ground in Syria, rebels have been seen looting the presidential palace in Damascus, while Kurdish groups in northern Syria have been celebrating Assad’s demise. Various experts and correspondents weigh in on the implications of Assad’s downfall for the region, with discussions on the response of Iraq, Turkey’s support for Syrian rebels, and the broader opposition to the Assad regime over the past 14 years.
The situation in Syria remains fluid, with conflicting reports and shifting alliances shaping the trajectory of the conflict. As leaders like Abu Mohammad al-Jolani assert their authority and new power dynamics unfold in the region, the future of Syria hangs in the balance.
Watch the video by DW News
Video “Who is the leader of Syrian Islamist group HTS, and how is the region reacting to Assad's downfall?” was uploaded on 12/08/2024 to Youtube Channel DW News