World
Who is Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, the Syrian rebel leader who overthrew ?
The HTS leader played a pivotal role in the 13-day offensive that toppled Assad’s regime, cementing his place as Syria’s most powerful figure.
Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, born Ahmed al-Sharaa, is the enigmatic leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), an Islamist group central to Syria’s civil war. Also known as the Organization for the Liberation of the Levant, HTS has emerged as the dominant force in the country, recently spearheading the offensive that dismantled Bashar al-Assad’s regime in just 13 days.
While his origins are debated—some claim he was born in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, while others suggest western Syria—his rise to power is indisputable. Thought to have been born in either 1979 or 1981, al-Jolani’s journey reflects decades of radical and military evolution.
From Al-Qaeda to HTS: A Decade of Transformation
In 2011, al-Jolani was tasked by Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi to establish an Al-Qaeda presence in Syria. This led to the creation of Jabhat al-Nusra in 2012, a militant group active in Syria’s ongoing conflict. Al-Jolani allegiance to Al-Qaeda was cemented when Ayman al-Zawahiri, Al-Qaeda’s then-leader, confirmed his leadership of Jabhat al-Nusra in 2013.
However, al-Jolani later severed ties with both ISIS and Al-Qaeda, reforming his group under the name Hayat Tahrir al-Sham. Today, HTS operates independently, enforcing a moderate form of Islamic law in its territories. Unlike other extremist factions, HTS interacts with religious minorities, including Christians, drawing criticism from hardline jihadist groups who view them as too moderate.
U.S. Pursuit and International Spotlight
Al-Jolani’s history with terrorism has placed him on the radar of global powers. The U.S. State Department has offered a $10 million reward for information leading to his capture, citing his past affiliations with Al-Qaeda and leadership of HTS.
His early years as a fighter against the U.S. invasion of Iraq in 2003, supported by the Assad regime, were marked by his integration into Al-Qaeda in Iraq. He was imprisoned from 2006 to 2011, and upon release, he returned to Syria to establish the Al-Nusra Front.
What’s Next for Syria’s “Strongman”?
Now firmly in control, al-Jolani faces critical decisions about his future role. Will he remain a behind-the-scenes military leader or step into the limelight as a political and bureaucratic figurehead? His ability to navigate this new chapter will determine the trajectory of Syria’s recovery—or further turmoil—in the months to come.
Original article written by Laura Martin Sanjuan, translated with the assistance of AI and edited by Greg Heilman.
Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.
Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.