Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham

Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) is an Islamist militant group based in northwestern Syria, primarily in Idlib province. It emerged from the merger of various factions, including the al-Nusra Front, which was affiliated with al-Qaeda. HTS aims to establish an Islamic state governed by Sharia law and has significant military power in the region. While once closely linked to international jihadist movements, HTS has attempted to portray itself as more moderate, seeking local support and engaging in some governance efforts amidst the ongoing Syrian civil war. Its actions and relations with other factions are complex and fluid.