[Syria’s Rebel Coalition: A Complex Mix of Islamist and Moderate Factions
Syria’s rebel coalition consists of various groups united in fighting the Assad regime, ISIS, and Iran-backed militias. Despite their differences, these factions share a common goal of toppling the Syrian government and establishing a new political order.
At the forefront of the rebellion is Hayat Tahrir Al Sham (HTS), also known as the Organization for the Liberation of the Levant. Founded by Abu Mohammad al-Jolani, HTS is a formidable force that was previously affiliated with al Qaeda. Although HTS has distanced itself from al Qaeda and ISIS, it has been designated as a terrorist organization by the US and other Western countries.
Another key component of the rebel coalition is the Syrian National Army (SNA), which includes dozens of factions with varying ideologies. The SNA receives funding and arms from Turkey and includes groups like the National Liberation Front, which aims to overthrow the Assad regime and establish an Islamic state governed by Sharia law.
Complicating matters is the fact that some members of the rebel coalition are also fighting against the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). The SDF, which is predominantly made up of Kurdish fighters from the Peoples’ Protection Units (YPG), is considered a terrorist organization by Turkey.
In the south, fighters from Syria’s Druze religious minority have also joined the fight. Druze forces are battling against government forces in the southern city of as-Suwayda, which is adjacent to the Daraa province, where opposition forces claim to have taken control of Daraa city.
The Turkish-backed Free Syrian Army has also been making gains, capturing the city of Tal Rifaat and other territories in the northern Aleppo governorate from the SDF. These gains have created a complex and multi-front conflict in Syria, with various factions vying for power and territory.
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