Chidinma Kalu
Syrian rebels have overthrown President Bashar al-Assad, ending his 24-year rule in a decisive move that has reshaped the nation’s political landscape.
The capture of Damascus, led by the powerful rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), was met with celebrations across the capital, as thousands filled the streets chanting for freedom. HTS, under the leadership of Abu Mohammed al-Golani, played a central role in the final offensive that led to Assad’s fall.
The group’s capture of Aleppo last week marked a turning point, propelling its forces toward Damascus and cementing its status as the dominant rebel faction in Syria.
Golani, a former al Qaeda operative, has transformed his group from its extremist origins into a powerful political and military force. Since severing ties with al Qaeda in 2016 and rebranding the Nusra Front as HTS, he has sought to position the group as a legitimate part of Syria’s opposition movement.
Throughout the campaign, Golani emphasized discipline among his fighters, urging them to protect civilians and avoid acts of revenge. In a televised statement, he declared, “The future is ours,” as he reassured minority groups, including Christians and Shi’ite Alawites, of their safety.
HTS’s administration, known as the Salvation Government, has begun issuing statements aimed at uniting Syria’s diverse population. Leaders have called on minority communities to reject Assad’s propaganda and have pledged to safeguard their rights and property.
Golani’s leadership and public appearances, including a visit to Aleppo’s historic citadel, have highlighted his efforts to present HTS as a stabilizing force in post-Assad Syria. The group has also adopted symbols of the broader Syrian uprising, including the revolutionary flag, in a bid to align itself with the 2011 movement against Assad.
Despite these efforts, HTS remains designated as a terrorist organization by the United States and Turkey. International experts have noted the group’s attempts to moderate its image. Aron Lund, a fellow at Century International, said HTS’s outreach reflects a shift in strategy. “The fact they are engaging in this effort at all shows they are no longer as rigid as they once were,” Lund said.
As the international community closely monitors the situation, questions remain about HTS’s ability to govern inclusively and maintain stability. While its administrative capacity in northwest Syria under the Salvation Government has been praised, concerns persist over its authoritarian tendencies and long-term vision.
For now, Syrians are celebrating the end of Assad’s rule, hopeful that the nation is on the path to recovery and unity after more than a decade of conflict.
