The leader of Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and head of Syria‘s new leadership views the victory achieved by Syrian factions as not just a triumph for Syrians but for Turks as well.

Turkey is expected to reap the benefits of its support for Syrian factions led by HTS, which toppled Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s regime. This includes securing reconstruction contracts and participating in the reorganization and rearmament of the new Syrian army. These plans were publicly confirmed by the new leader, Ahmad al-Shara, known as Abu Mohammad al-Julani, during an interview with the Turkish state-owned newspaper Yeni Şafak.

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Turkey played a decisive role in the surprise offensive launched by HTS and allied factions on Damascus, leading to the regime’s fall. Ankara is now working to rally international recognition for the new authority, openly requesting an opportunity to govern.

It was the first to send a high-level delegation led by intelligence chief and former presidential advisor Ibrahim Kalin after al-Assad’s fall and the first to establish a diplomatic mission in Syria.

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Al-Julani stated that Turkey, which sheltered millions of Syrians during the civil war, would have priority over other nations in Syria’s reconstruction. In his interview with Yasin Aktay of Yeni Şafak, he discussed the collapse of al-Assad’s regime, Syria’s rebuilding, relations with Turkey, and delivered a message to the Turkish people.

He praised Ankara’s treatment of Syrian refugees, saying, “I hope Syria will not forget this kindness.” He added that Turkey would play a key role in rebuilding, including mutual trade relations.

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Since the conflict began in 2011, Turkey has hosted around 3.6 million Syrian refugees and provided significant support to armed factions, with its intelligence services heavily involved in their military capabilities and organization.

Regarding plans for the return of refugees, especially those in Turkey, al-Julani emphasized the need to create favorable conditions for displaced people to return, including quality housing, services, and economic growth.

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He also highlighted the regime’s atrocities, particularly in Saydnaya Prison, stressing the importance of documenting these crimes and bringing perpetrators to justice. He suggested turning the prison into a museum as a memorial to the regime’s crimes.

Al-Julani attributed Assad’s rapid downfall to strategic planning and popular resolve, dismissing any deals with foreign powers like Russia or Iran.

Turkey, which had a tense relationship with HTS, ultimately recalibrated its strategy, backing factions that succeeded in overthrowing the regime.

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