Recent military advances in Syria focused on “toppling Assad” – Al-Julani
DAMASCUS, Syria (North Press) – Abu Muhammad al-Julani, leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS, once known as al-Nusra Front), stated on Friday that the recent military operations and the capture of key cities in Syria are part of an effort to overthrow Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
In his first media interview in years, al-Julani spoke to CNN, revealing plans for the creation of a government based on institutions and a council elected by the people.
“When we talk about objectives, the goal of the revolution remains the overthrow of this regime,” al-Julani told CNN. “It is our right to use all available means to achieve that goal.”
He further explained that the roots of the Syrian government’s defeat have always existed within it, noting that the Iranians tried to revive it and buy time, and the Russians later came to its support but the truth remains that the Syrian government is dead, according to the HTS leader.
He expressed a desire for the withdrawal of foreign forces from Syria, including the U.S., Turkey, Russia, Iran, and Iranian-backed militias.
He also pointed out that the HTS could dissolve at any time, stating that the group is not an end in itself but a means to an end—to confront the Syrian government.
Despite his attempts to distance his group from al-Qaeda, the U.S. designated the HTS as a Foreign Terrorist Organization in 2018 and offered a $10 million reward for information leading to al-Julani’s capture.
Since Nov. 27, the HTS, along with the Turkish-backed armed opposition factions, aka the Syrian National Army (SNA), have gained control of the governorates of Aleppo and Hama and is now advancing toward Homs.