HTS arrests senior leader in Syria’s Idlib
IDLIB, Syria (North Press) – On Monday, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS – formerly al-Nusra Front) arrested a prominent leader in Idlib Governorate, northwestern Syria, on charges of involvement with Abu Maria al-Qahtani, a prominent leader within the HTS, in a coup plot against Abu Muhammad al-Julani, the HTS leader.
An exclusive source informed North Press that the HTS arrested Abu Muhammad al-Shahil who was responsible for the Eastern Bloc and his companion Abu Humam al-Deri in Dabitt neighborhood, in the city of Idlib.
This action is a strategic move by al-Julani to undermine the Eastern Bloc militants, who are seen as crucial supporters of al-Qahtani within the group.
The source added that Abu Musab al-Shahil, an official of the Eastern Bloc, demanded clarification from the HTS regarding the reason for the arrest.
The source revealed that the decision to carry out the arrest was influenced by recommendations from Abu Ahmad Hudud and Abdurrahim Atoun, both of whom hold high positions and are close associates of the HTS leader. Their concerns primarily revolved around anticipating the potential response from the Eastern Bloc following the arrest of al-Qahtani.
On August 17, the HTS imposed a house arrest on al-Qahtani.
The HTS has been experiencing internal divisions for over two months, with one faction supporting al-Qahtani and another supporting al-Julani. These divisions became evident during a recent security campaign that targeted numerous leaders and militants affiliated with the group, particularly within the GSS.