HTS Seeks to Consolidate Control in syria Amid Regional Instability Fears
The rebel force that toppled bashar al-Assad sought to consolidate its control of Syria on Monday, amid fears the change of regime in Damascus could fuel regional instability.
Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a former al-Qaeda affiliate, issued a general amnesty for conscripted members of the Assad military, as state bodies ordered a resumption of public services and activity in the economically vital oil sector.
“let us be one hand in building the new Syria,” stated the public works ministry,which,like other government departments,has adopted the flag featuring three stars long used by the rebels.
HTS released a video on Monday showing Jalali meeting its leader Abu Mohammad al-Jolani. they were accompanied by mohamed al-Bashir, the head of HTS’s de facto government in Idlib province, a potential candidate for interim prime minister.
The ministry of oil and mineral resources stated that the military operations department of HTS, which led various rebel factions to overthrow the Assad dynasty, now provides “the necessary protection” for workers to return to oil facilities.
However, Adam Abdelmoula, UN coordinator for Syria, informed the Associated Press that the public sector had “just come to a complete and abrupt halt.”
The health ministry has called for workers in both the private and public sectors to return to work, even during the curfew now in effect between 4 PM and 5 AM in Damascus.
An official indicated that public transport would resume in the city at 8 AM on Tuesday, although all flights to and from Damascus and Aleppo airports remain suspended, and some border posts are unstaffed.
Crowds of people gathered at the notorious Saydnaya prison on the outskirts of Damascus on Monday,attempting to locate long-missing loved ones.
The hope among Syrians is for a relatively smooth transition after more than half a century of Assad family rule and nearly 14 years of civil war in this strategically vital country.
Nevertheless, the middle East is still haunted by the chaos that followed regime changes in countries like Libya and Iraq, where Saddam Hussein’s army was disbanded.
A range of countries,both opponents and supporters of Assad,have expressed concern that the regime’s fall could lead to further instability in the shattered arab state,home to many armed factions.
On Monday night, at least four large blasts were heard in Damascus, which followed air strikes earlier in the day and over the weekend.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar stated that Israel was targeting suspected chemical weapons sites in Syria to destroy the Assad regimeS capabilities before they fell into rebel hands.
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Germany, Austria, Finland, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, and the UK announced on Monday that they were suspending their processing of asylum claims from Syrians.
While HTS is designated as a terrorist movement by the US, EU, UK, and Turkey, Geir Pedersen, the UN’s special envoy for Syria, stated that international powers aiming for a peaceful transition in the country would need to consider lifting this designation.
US State Department spokesperson Matt Miller, when asked about potential contact wiht HTS, mentioned: “We do have the ability to engage with organisations that have been designated. We always want to see groups that we have sanctioned take a different path going forward.”
During this upheaval, the US has executed numerous strikes against ISIS targets in Syria, while Turkey-backed Syrian fighters have clashed with Kurdish forces in the north of the country.
Russia, which maintains naval and air bases in Syria and has granted asylum to Assad, stated it was “doing everything it can to get in touch” with the country’s new leaders to ensure the security of these sites.
The push was condemned “in the strongest possible terms” by Egypt, claiming it amounted to the “occupation of Syrian land” and a “severe breach” of a 1974 armistice deal. Qatar stated that “a fait accompli will lead the region to further violence and tension.”
Israeli commandos seized a strategic Syrian military position at the highest point on the Golan Heights, known as Jabal al-Shaykh.
Israel has occupied most of the Golan Heights since capturing it from Syria during the six-day war in 1967 and annexing it in 1981, although its claim over the land is not recognized internationally.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin netanyahu mentioned during a border visit on Sunday that the 1974 agreement had “collapsed” after syrian army units abandoned their positions,with Israel’s forces taking over “to ensure no antagonistic force embeds itself right next to the border of Israel.”
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What is Hayat Tahrir al-Sham’s role in the ongoing Syrian conflict?
Interview with Dr. Sara El-Masri, Middle East Regional Stability Expert, on Recent Developments in Syria
Time.news Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. El-Masri. The situation in Syria is evolving rapidly, especially following HTS’s recent efforts to consolidate control. Could you give us a brief overview of HTS and its importance in this context?
Dr. El-Masri: Absolutely,and thank you for having me. Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, or HTS, is a group that emerged from the remnants of al-qaeda in Syria. It has become one of the dominant rebel factions in the northwest,especially in Idlib province. Their significance lies not only in their military capabilities but also in their attempts to establish a semblance of governance after the Assad regime, particularly amid a power vacuum that has emerged from the chaos over more than a decade of civil war.
Time.news editor: Speaking of governance,HTS recently issued an amnesty for conscripted members of the assad military. What do you think this signals about their intentions and the broader political landscape?
Dr. El-Masri: This amnesty is a significant move. It indicates an attempt by HTS to project an image of inclusiveness and a willingness to rebuild Syria, inviting former regime members to join in the nation-building process. It also reveals their strategic goal of consolidating power and stabilizing the region under their control.However,it could also backfire if not managed carefully—many syrians may still harbor animosity towards former regime forces.
Time.news Editor: In addition to the amnesty,we’ve seen HTS taking steps to resume public services and support the oil sector. how does this play into their strategy of strengthening their governance?
Dr. El-Masri: By resuming public services and protecting oil facilities, HTS is essentially trying to present itself as a legitimate governing body. Control over critical resources like oil not only enhances their financial independence but also boosts their legitimacy in the eyes of the local population. These actions illustrate a calculated effort to demonstrate that they can provide stability and essential services, which have been severely lacking under the Assad regime.
Time.news Editor: Amidst all this, we also have reports of a complete halt in public sector activity as noted by Adam Abdelmoula, the UN coordinator for Syria. What does this say about the current socio-political habitat in Damascus?
Dr. El-Masri: This juxtaposition of HTS’s actions in the northwest versus the paralysis in Damascus is telling. It highlights the fragmented nature of Syrian governance and the growing disparity between regions. The halt in the public sector signals uncertainty and fear, particularly in areas still loyal to the assad regime. Such instability could exacerbate tensions and lead to unrest, especially if the peopel perceive a lack of basic services or security.
Time.news Editor: There were also incidents of people gathering outside saydnaya prison searching for missing loved ones. How does this reflect the broader societal impacts and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Syria?
Dr. El-Masri: It reflects deep-seated trauma and the desperate need for closure among families affected by the conflict. Saydnaya prison has become a symbol of the human rights violations perpetrated by the Assad regime. As people resume their lives, the quest for justice for the missing is a potent reminder of the unresolved humanitarian crisis. The emotional and psychological scars of the conflict remain, and addressing these is crucial for any genuine reconciliation and rebuilding process.
Time.news Editor: lastly, with the backdrop of potential regional instability, what do you envision for Syria’s future in the coming weeks or months?
Dr. El-Masri: The future remains uncertain. there are hopes for a smooth transition now that the Assad family’s rule appears to be waning.However, the risks of increasing violence and fragmentation are high. The situation could escalate quickly, particularly if outside powers take sides, or if the assad loyalists resort to violence to maintain their grip. It’s a critical time for Syria, and the international community’s engagement—or lack thereof—will play a substantial role in shaping what comes next.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. El-Masri, for yoru insights. It’s imperative that we continue to highlight the complexities of the situation in Syria, as the world watches to see how it unfolds.
Dr.El-Masri: Thank you for having me. it’s vital to keep the dialog going as we navigate these turbulent times.