“Bashar al-Assad’s Fall: The Map of Armed Groups Under the Banner of ‘Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham'”

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With the announcement by its leader, Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, of Bashar al-Assad‘s fall, questions arose about the identity of “Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham,” its strength, and how it managed to take control of Syria alongside other armed factions in just 11 days.

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Before launching its surprise attack on November 27, Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (formerly Jabhat al-Nusra before breaking away from the terrorist group Al-Qaeda) controlled, along with less influential factions, areas in Idlib province and its surroundings. The organization managed these areas through the Salvation Government, headed by Mohammed al-Bashir, who was tasked with creating a transitional government after Bashar al-Assad‘s regime fell.

What do we know about “Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham”?

When the events in Syria erupted in 2011, several armed groups and factions emerged, launching attacks against the Syrian army. However, most of these groups were dismantled after being defeated by Syrian forces or pushed out by other armed factions. In contrast, “Jabhat al-Nusra,” or “Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham” by its current name, was able to adapt to the situation on the ground. Before Bashar al-Assad’s fall, it had become “the most powerful armed faction” in northwestern Syria.

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When was it founded?

In its current form, Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham was founded in 2017, after its official split from Al-Qaeda. However, it went through four major stages in its development:

1. 2012-2013: First Stage

Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham, under the name Jabhat al-Nusra, was formed and funded by the “ISIS” organization.

1. 2013-2016: Second Stage

It split from ISIS and pledged allegiance to Al-Qaeda.

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1. 2016-2017: Third Stage

The group officially severed its ties with Al-Qaeda and began forming military militias with other factions under the name “Jabhat Fateh al-Sham.”

1. 2017-2024: Fourth Stage

It officially separated from Al-Qaeda and merged with other armed factions under the name “Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham.”

The groups under Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham’s banner:

Five armed factions merged under its command:

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• Jabhat Fateh al-Sham
• Harakat Nour al-Din al-Zenki
• Liwa al-Haqq
• Jabhat Ansar al-Din
• Jaysh al-Sunna

Operational scope of Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham:

• After its separation from Al-Qaeda, it abandoned the idea of global jihad and focused its operations within Syria.
• It imposed dominance over other armed factions, asserting its influence.
• It took control of most of Idlib province, in northwestern Syria, an area housing more than 3 million people.

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How powerful is it?

Experts describe it as the “strike force,” “the most important force,” and “the spearhead” among the groups that contributed to the fall of President al-Assad‘s regime. It is the strongest, most prepared, and best equipped of the top 10 most powerful armed factions. It was the one that struck the heart of the Syrian army in Aleppo.

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