HTS and Syrian Salvation Government: A Divergence Between Rhetoric and Reality

 The ongoing offensive led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and its allied opposition groups has been accompanied by a series of bold statements from the HTS-led Syrian Salvation Government. These declarations, while projecting a moderate and inclusive image, sharply contrast with the group's actions on the ground, revealing a significant disconnect between public rhetoric and operational reality.

Key Statements and Promises

The Syrian Salvation Government has issued a range of statements addressing multiple regional and international issues. Notably, they criticized Russia for its support of the Syrian government, urging Russian troops to halt airstrikes on opposition positions, which they claimed were causing civilian casualties. The rebels insisted their focus was on combating the Syrian authorities, not Russia, and expressed a desire to establish mutually beneficial relations with Moscow.

The Government also called on neighboring Iraq to close its borders to prevent the flow of pro-Iranian groups aiding Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Furthermore, it vowed to protect foreign embassies, humanitarian organizations, and journalists within areas under HTS control.

On the issue of chemical weapons, the Syrian Salvation Government assured the international community that these weapons would not be used or fall into irresponsible hands, inviting global monitoring organizations to oversee their handling.

Another notable statement was directed at Syria’s ethnic and religious minorities, including Kurds, Alawites, Christians, and Shiites. The rebels emphasized their commitment to protecting these groups, stating that no minority would face persecution or genocide. They positioned inclusivity as a strength for the future of Syria, specifically condemning the practices of ISIS against the Kurdish population and promising protection for Syrian soldiers who surrender.

HTS's Public Image and Western Media Reception

HTS leader Abu Mohammad al-Julani, a key figure behind the Syrian Salvation Government, has received praise from experts in Islamic radicalism and fundamentalism for his professionalism, transparency, and moderation. His efforts to distance himself from his jihadist origins were lauded, with some Western media outlets, including CNN, publishing interviews that showcased this moderate stance. In these interviews, al-Julani reiterated the Salvation Government's goals: the overthrow of Assad and the rebuilding of Syria.

This portrayal of al-Julani as a pragmatic leader who seeks stability and peace in Syria has been warmly received by some Western observers. However, this narrative contrasts sharply with the realities of HTS's actions.

The Reality on the Ground

Despite the moderate rhetoric, the actions of HTS and its allies paint a different picture. Numerous videos released by the rebels document the brutal execution of prisoners, including Syrian soldiers—both those who fought and those who surrendered—along with members of the Alawite and Shiite communities. These executions, often depicted in horrific detail, serve as a grim reminder of the group's true nature.

Furthermore, the rebels have continued to target former soldiers, describing their actions as "patrolling" or "clearing" areas, during which captured individuals are often executed on the spot. Videos also include threats against minorities and neighboring countries, with some even claiming that the ongoing conflict in Syria provides an opportunity to destroy Israel and liberate Palestinian territories.

Russian-speaking jihadists, particularly those from Jaish al-Muhajireen wal-Ansar and Ajnad al-Kavkaz, have openly threatened Russia, indicating the regional and international volatility surrounding HTS’s activities.

Governance in Idlib: A Totalitarian Regime

Since the establishment of the Syrian Salvation Government in 2017, HTS has presented itself as a stabilizing force in the areas it controls, particularly in Syria's Idlib governorate. While the leadership claims that peace and stability prevail under HTS rule, the reality is far from this idealized vision. The population in Idlib faces severe economic and social hardships, exacerbated by corruption within HTS's leadership. Despite receiving substantial financial support from Turkey, much of the aid has been misappropriated by the group's leaders.

HTS has established a totalitarian regime where dissent is brutally suppressed. Torture, abduction, and extrajudicial killings are rampant. Protests against HTS’s leadership have been frequent, and al-Julani himself has been implicated in orchestrating terrorist attacks, engaging in human trafficking, and facilitating drug trade networks. These claims were substantiated by Abu Ahmed Zakura, the former chief financier and head of HTS security, who fled Idlib in December 2023.

The ongoing actions of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham and its affiliated opposition groups starkly contrast with their public promises. While HTS has portrayed itself as a moderate force striving for a peaceful and inclusive Syria, its actions in Idlib and across Syria tell a different story. The group’s brutal treatment of minorities, suppression of dissent, and widespread human rights abuses illustrate the reality of life under its control. Despite the polished rhetoric, the governance of HTS remains characterized by violence, corruption, and authoritarianism.