Syrian rebels have launched a significant offensive, capturing territory across four provinces and posing a major challenge to President Bashar al-Assad's rule. The Islamist leader, Abu Mohammad al-Jolani, expressed confidence in the rebels' ability to achieve further victories against government forces, which he described as weakened and demoralized.
In an interview, al-Jolani stated, "Our goal is to liberate Syria from this oppressive regime," emphasizing the rebels' determination to end al-Assad's authoritarian rule. He leads Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, an Islamist group that has controlled much of Idlib province and has faced criticism for its authoritarian tactics.
The offensive began on November 27, with the rebels quickly taking over major cities, including Aleppo and Hama. Observers are questioning whether the rebels can maintain control over the newly captured territories and govern effectively in a fractured country.
Despite their gains, al-Jolani acknowledged the potential harm to civilians caused by the conflict, placing blame on al-Assad's government for ongoing airstrikes. He indicated that the rebels are targeting airfields to limit the government's airstrike capabilities.
Al-Jolani's group, previously linked to Al Qaeda, has attempted to gain international legitimacy since breaking ties with the organization in 2016. The rebels' recent offensive has reignited hopes among some factions of the opposition, which had been largely subdued since 2020.
While al-Jolani has sought to reassure minority communities during the offensive, he faces internal dissent within his ranks regarding governance and ideology. The group has established a form of administration in the areas it controls, providing limited public services and collecting taxes.
As the conflict continues, the situation remains fluid, with many civilians expressing fears of both the rebels and government reprisals. Al-Jolani has signaled a willingness to consider political solutions in the future but maintains that the current focus must be on military objectives.