The recent capture of Aleppo by a rebel coalition in Syria marked a major turning point in the conflict that has ravaged the country for years. The surprise offensive has exposed the complex rivalries and alliances that shape Syria’s political landscape.
At the heart of this coalition is Hayat Tahrir Al Sham (HTS), led by Abu Mohammad al-Jolani. Founded after a public break with al-Qaeda in 2016, HTS is designated a terrorist organization by the United States and other Western countries. Despite these accusations, Jolani maintains that his group does not pose a threat to Western societies.
The Turkish-backed Syrian National Army is also a key player in the Aleppo offensive. Made up of factions with diverse ideologies, this coalition acts as a proxy for Turkey. However, experts point out that its involvement in actions against Kurdish-controlled areas instead of fighting the Assad regime is problematic.
The capture of Aleppo has reignited tensions and highlighted the complex political issues underlying the Syrian conflict. The relationships between the various rebel groups, the foreign powers involved, and the Kurdish factions are closely intertwined and continue to influence the evolution of the situation on the ground.
It is clear that the situation in Syria remains volatile and uncertain, with actors with divergent interests and objectives shaping the course of events. For the people of Aleppo and Syria as a whole, the hope of lasting peace remains a distant mirage, in a country torn apart by war and violence for too long.