Rebel leader Abu Muhammad al-Jolani: The name of rebel leader Abu Muhammad al-Jolani, who played a special role in the jihadist movement of the notorious terrorist organization, has emerged as a key player in the complex conflict in Syria. Jolani’s journey from being a member of al-Qaeda and the Islamic State (ISIS) to becoming the head of a local rebel force was not just an achievement, but his role in the Syrian war and his multifaceted power as well as his There was also a connection. It has played a special role with the public.
Early Life and Rise in Al Qaeda
He was born in 1981 in Deir Ezzor province of Syria to Ahmad Hussain al-Shaara. Some places give his place of birth as Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and year of birth as 1982. Ahmad Hussain al-Shaara later became known as Abu Muhammad al-Jolani. Born Ahmad Hussain al-Sharaa, Al-Jolani took the path of militancy at an early age. His family is from the Golan Heights, but he spent his childhood in Damascus. Jolani pursued a career that took him into extremist circles. In the early 2000s, he went to Iraq and joined the terrorist organization al-Qaeda (AQI) under the leadership of Abu Musab al-Zarqawi. After the 2003 US invasion of Iraq, Jolani rose to prominence within AQI, taking advantage of the chaos to build his reputation as an insurgent strategist.
Arrest and release
After Zarqawi’s death in 2006, Abu Muhammad al-Jolani became a close associate of the future leader of ISIS, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. He was reportedly captured by US forces in Iraq and released in 2008. It was a pivotal moment, which gave him the opportunity to rejoin the jihadi ranks.
Formation of Jabhat al-Nusra
In 2011, in the midst of the Syrian uprising against Bashar al-Assad, Abu Muhammad al-Jolani returned to his homeland with the mission of establishing an al-Qaeda branch in Syria. He founded Jabhat al-Nusra (Support Front) in 2012, pledging allegiance to al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri. The al-Nusra group quickly became notorious for its battlefield success against Assad’s forces and its brutal tactics, including suicide bombings and executions.
Cut ties with al-Qaeda
Experts believe that Abu Muhammad al-Jolani’s ambitions went beyond al-Qaeda’s ideology, as he sought to expand his influence among Syria’s fragmented opposition forces. In 2016, he re-established Jabhat al-Nusra as Jabhat Fateh al-Sham (JFS) and announced a formal separation from al-Qaeda. The move was strategic, aimed at gaining broad consensus and support among the Syrian rebels and the local population.
Stay away from Jihadi movement
A year later, the JFS merged with other factions to form Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), led by Abu Muhammad al-Julani. HTS established itself as a rebel group fighting against the Assad regime. The group had distanced itself from the global jihadist cause and movement.
Illustrated as a practical guide.
Under the leadership of Abu Muhammad al-Jolani, HTS emerged as the dominant force in northwestern Syria, particularly in Idlib province. He created an image as a pragmatic leader who focused on governance, public services and security in HTS-controlled areas. Despite being haunted by his past as a jihadist, Jolani tried to present himself as a legitimate political figure.
In interviews and public appearances, Jolani ditched his military uniform for a suit, and emphasized a narrative of moderation. However, his critics have accused him of dictatorship, extortion and human rights abuses under HTS rule.
A blow to Assad’s army.
Abu Muhammad al-Jolani’s forces have inflicted significant losses on Assad’s forces over the past few years, hampering the regime’s advances in the northwest. HTS remains a thorn in the side of both Assad and his Russian allies, with Idlib the last and main rebel stronghold in Syria.
Conflict and international perception
Despite their rebranding efforts, Abu Muhammad al-Jolani and HTS are still designated as terrorist organizations by the United States and other countries. Analysts are divided on whether the change is genuine or a strategic move.
Jolani’s path is not easy.
As Syria’s war continues, Abu Muhammad al-Jolani’s struggle is informing him of the difficult road ahead, blurring the lines between insurgency, rebellion and governance. It remains to be seen whether he will remain a key player in the Syrian regime or fade into obscurity. However, this will all depend on the changing circumstances of the ongoing crisis in Syria, the coalition and the politics on the ground.
Translation Crime Syria
