Syrian media have reported that the leader of the Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), Abu Mohammad al-Julani, was inside a building that was bombed in Aleppo on Sunday morning. Though his death has not been confirmed, the attack has raised questions about the fate of one of Syria's most wanted figures. Al-Julani, who commands a major faction fighting against Syrian government forces, is valued by the U.S. State Department at $9.8 million as part of its rewards for justice program.
The bombing took place as HTS, a militant group with significant influence in northwestern Syria, launched a rapid offensive, seizing control of several towns near Aleppo. The operation, which began on Friday, led to the capture of multiple districts in the city and surrounding areas. The situation in Aleppo remains volatile, with government forces and their Russian allies now facing heightened opposition.
HTS's success in Aleppo and neighboring Idlib province has escalated tensions in the region, particularly as the group is supported by factions aligned with Turkey. In retaliation, Russian warplanes, in cooperation with the Syrian government, initiated airstrikes on Aleppo&mdash;the first such strikes in the area since 2016. These military actions have intensified the conflict, resulting in significant casualties. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reports that at least 327 fighters and civilians have been killed in the fighting, with 44 of them being non-combatants.
The intense clashes and airstrikes reflect the broader geopolitical struggle in Syria, where foreign powers&mdash;including Russia, Turkey, and Western countries&mdash;continue to back rival factions. Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has long accused Western nations, along with their allies, of supporting terrorist groups in an effort to destabilize the country. In recent weeks, tensions have further mounted with Syria accusing Israel of backing opposition forces fighting against the Assad government.
The conflict, which began in 2011, has seen shifting alliances and a complex web of military interventions. For now, the frontlines in Aleppo and Idlib remain fluid, as both rebel and government forces prepare for continued escalation. President Assad's military has already announced plans for a counteroffensive in response to the HTS gains in Aleppo.
Al-Julani's strategic moves and the ongoing airstrikes underscore the broader volatility in Syria, where military actions and geopolitical disputes continue to fuel a deadly and destabilizing conflict.

Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), Abu Mohammad al-Julani (file photo)

Syrian media reports al-Julani was in bombed building; HTS escalates Aleppo conflict.

Al-Julani Targeted in Aleppo Bombing Amid Rising Tensions

Syrian media reports al-Julani was in bombed building; HTS escalates Aleppo conflict.

December 2, 2024 | 24:56 IST