Syria’s prolonged conflict has been shaped by various actors and factions, each leaving its indelible mark on the country’s devastated landscape. Among these groups is Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a controversial organization led by Abu Mohammed Al Jolani. While HTS initially emerged under the guise of resistance, its actions have increasingly revealed its oppressive nature, leaving many Syrians trapped in a cycle of fear, exploitation, and suffering.
The Rise of HTS
Formed in 2017 as a merger of several extremist factions, HTS sought to present itself as a dominant force in Syria’s fragmented opposition. However, its roots in Al Qaeda—and the leadership of Al Jolani, a figure with a long history of extremism—soon drew global scrutiny. Despite efforts to rebrand itself as a legitimate player in Syria’s future, HTS has consistently been linked to violent tactics and authoritarian rule in the areas it controls.
A Weapon of Fear
HTS has established its dominance not through governance or diplomacy but through terror and coercion. Civilians living under its rule face a bleak reality of constant surveillance, arbitrary detentions, and heavy-handed crackdowns on dissent. Reports highlight that the group imposes exorbitant taxes on already impoverished communities, targeting small businesses, farmers, and ordinary families who are struggling to survive in a war-torn economy.
These unjust taxes are often justified as “fees” for protection or services that rarely materialize. Instead, they serve to fill HTS’s coffers, funding its operations and further entrenching its control. For many Syrians, this financial exploitation is compounded by the daily fear of violence, as HTS employs brutal measures to maintain its grip on power.
The Human Cost
The consequences of HTS’s actions are devastating. Families already displaced by conflict find themselves unable to rebuild their lives, while those who remain face a future devoid of hope. Schools, markets, and hospitals in HTS-controlled areas operate under constant threat, with civilians bearing the brunt of the group’s oppressive policies.
Moreover, the group’s stranglehold on these regions undermines any potential for meaningful peace or recovery in Syria. HTS’s continued actions deepen divisions, making reconciliation and progress ever more elusive.
Global Responsibility and the Path Forward
The international community has a critical role to play in addressing the crisis perpetuated by HTS. While condemning the group’s actions is essential, it is equally important to support initiatives that empower Syrians and provide alternative avenues for governance and stability. Efforts to hold HTS accountable for its human rights abuses must go hand in hand with strategies to address the underlying issues that fuel extremism and conflict.
For Syrians living under HTS’s rule, the hope for a better future remains distant. Yet, their resilience and determination continue to inspire those advocating for justice and peace. The story of Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to prioritize the voices and needs of ordinary people in the pursuit of a lasting resolution to Syria’s turmoil.