Who Are Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) Forces, Rebel Group That Overthrew Assad Regime In Syria?

Syrian opposition forces reportedly entered the capital city of Damascus on Sunday in a swift offensive, significantly challenging President Bashar al-Assad's regime. This marks the first instance of rebel presence near Damascus since 2018.

The Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), Syria's most prominent insurgent group, joined forces with the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army to initiate the offensive on November 27. Within days, they captured Aleppo, the country's largest city, and Hama, the fourth-largest.

Photo Credit: PTI/AP

HTS leader Abu Mohammed al-Golani outlined the operation's objective, stating, "The aim of the offensive is to overthrow Assad's government." Although HTS has historical links to al-Qaida, it claims to have severed those ties.

The coalition between HTS and the Syrian National Army, however, faces challenges. Turkish-backed factions aim to create a buffer zone along Turkey's border, while Turkey itself denies involvement in the offensive, advocating instead for reconciliation efforts. This divergence in priorities raises doubts about the longevity of their alliance.

Elsewhere, other opposition groups are mobilising. In Sweida, predominantly home to Syria's Druze minority, local forces have asserted control. Similarly, Daraa, a Sunni-dominated area central to the 2011 uprising, has also seen increased opposition activity.

Meanwhile, the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), a US-backed Kurdish-led faction, maintain control over much of eastern Syria. Currently, Assad's government holds sway over just three of Syria's 14 provincial capitals: Damascus, Latakia, and Tartus.

Rebel commander Hassan Abdul-Ghani announced on Telegram that opposition forces had entered the "final stage" of their campaign, encircling Damascus.

Syrian troops have also withdrawn from Homs, the country's third-largest city. The loss of Homs threatens to sever vital links between Damascus and the coastal regions, considered Assad's stronghold.

Compounding Assad's difficulties, his traditional allies are less supportive. Russia and Iran are engaged in other conflicts, while Hezbollah, weakened by its ongoing war with Israel, offers limited assistance.

The United Nations is urging negotiations for a political transition in Syria. Meanwhile, US President-elect Donald Trump commented on the situation, asserting, "THIS IS NOT OUR FIGHT," and expressing that Assad does not deserve American backing.