HTS (Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham)

Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) is a militant group operating mainly in northwestern Syria. Formed in 2017, it emerged from a coalition of factions, including the former al-Nusra Front, linked to al-Qaeda. HTS aims to establish an Islamic governance system in Syria. While it has gained a significant foothold in the Idlib province, it often navigates complex relationships with other rebel groups, regional powers, and international actors. HTS has been both a military force against the Syrian government and a player in the humanitarian crisis, influencing local governance and the lives of civilians in its territory.