We use essential storage to run PoliticaHub. Under EU and Swedish rules, analytics and advertising stay off unless you actively allow them. Analytics includes Google Analytics plus Microsoft Clarity session recordings and heatmaps. Advertising consent is also required before any personalized Google ads can load. Privacy Policy.
The Sunday briefing, from North
One email a week. Elections worth watching, sharpest pages of the week, the thing most people misread about a country you'd recognise. No hot takes, no churn.
One email a week. Unsubscribe anytime — I don't take it personally.
Hayat Tahrir al-Sham — Syria · founded 2017 | PoliticaHub
PoliticaHub Reference Sheet
Hayat Tahrir al-Sham
Party · Printed May 12, 2026 · politicahub.com/party/hayat-tahrir-al-sham
Syrian Islamist faction that led the December 2024 offensive ending Assad family rule. Formerly affiliated with al-Nusra Front (al-Qaeda's Syria branch), HTS under Ahmad al-Sharaa repositioned itself toward a pragmatic governance model in Idlib before the nationwide offensive. It remains designated as a terrorist organization by the United States and European Union, complicating Syria's international reintegration.
Key Facts
founded year
2017
ideology
Islamist nationalism, pragmatic governance
international status
Designated as a terrorist organization by the United States, European Union, United Kingdom, United Nations, Turkey, and Russia. The U.S. maintains a $10 million reward for information on Ahmad al-Sharaa despite conducting meetings with HTS officials. Several Western governments have sent diplomatic delegations to Damascus while maintaining the terrorist designation — a contradiction that reflects the lack of alternatives for engaging with Syria's new rulers.
key positions
Pragmatic Sunni Islamist governance in the post-Assad transition; declared renunciation of attacks on foreign soil; outreach to Western governments for sanctions relief; integration of Syrian state institutions under HTS administrative control; stated commitment to protecting minorities though enforcement remains inconsistent.
overview
HTS emerged from the merger of Jabhat al-Nusra with several smaller factions in 2017 after al-Jolani broke with al-Qaeda. From 2017 to 2024 it governed Idlib province — Syria's last major opposition stronghold — developing administrative institutions, a taxation system, and a court structure. HTS's December 2024 offensive moved from Aleppo to Hama, Homs, and Damascus within two weeks, routing the Syrian Arab Army. The speed of the collapse was attributed to demoralization among Assad's forces and the withdrawal of Russian close-air support. HTS remains listed as a terrorist organization by the UN, US, EU, and UK.
Hayat Tahrir al-Sham was founded in 2017, about 9 years ago.
Where does Hayat Tahrir al-Sham operate?
Hayat Tahrir al-Sham operates in Syria.
What is Hayat Tahrir al-Sham?
Syrian Islamist faction that led the December 2024 offensive ending Assad family rule. Formerly affiliated with al-Nusra Front (al-Qaeda's Syria branch), HTS under Ahmad al-Sharaa repositioned itself toward a pragmatic governance model in Idlib before the nationwide offensive. It remains designated as a terrorist organization by the United States and European Union, complicating Syria's international reintegration.
Overview
HTS emerged from the merger of Jabhat al-Nusra with several smaller factions in 2017 after al-Jolani broke with al-Qaeda. From 2017 to 2024 it governed Idlib province — Syria's last major opposition stronghold — developing administrative institutions, a taxation system, and a court structure. HTS's December 2024 offensive moved from Aleppo to Hama, Homs, and Damascus within two weeks, routing the Syrian Arab Army. The speed of the collapse was attributed to demoralization among Assad's forces and the withdrawal of Russian close-air support. HTS remains listed as a terrorist organization by the UN, US, EU, and UK.
status
Governing faction (de facto, 2024–)
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When was Hayat Tahrir al-Sham founded?
A: Hayat Tahrir al-Sham was founded in 2017, about 9 years ago.
Q: Where does Hayat Tahrir al-Sham operate?
A: Hayat Tahrir al-Sham operates in Syria.
Q: What is Hayat Tahrir al-Sham?
A: Syrian Islamist faction that led the December 2024 offensive ending Assad family rule. Formerly affiliated with al-Nusra Front (al-Qaeda's Syria branch), HTS under Ahmad al-Sharaa repositioned itself toward a pragmatic governance model in Idlib before the nationwide offensive. It remains designated as a terrorist organization by the United States and European Union, complicating Syria's international reintegration.
Syrian Islamist faction that led the December 2024 offensive ending Assad family rule. Formerly affiliated with al-Nusra Front (al-Qaeda's Syria branch), HTS under Ahmad al-Sharaa repositioned itself toward a pragmatic governance model in Idlib before the nationwide offensive. It remains designated as a terrorist organization by the United States and European Union, complicating Syria's international reintegration.
party
HT
Visual Context
Related people, parties, or institutions mentioned in the page.
Designated as a terrorist organization by the United States, European Union, United Kingdom, United Nations, Turkey, and Russia. The U.S. maintains a $10 million reward for information on Ahmad al-Sharaa despite conducting meetings with HTS officials. Several Western governments have sent diplomatic delegations to Damascus while maintaining the terrorist designation — a contradiction that reflects the lack of alternatives for engaging with Syria's new rulers.
De facto leader of Syria since December 2024 and head of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the Islamist faction that led the offensive toppling Bashar al-Assad. Also known as Abu Mohammad al-Jolani, he commands the transitional Syrian government and is navigating international pressure to broaden political inclusion and cut ties with jihadist networks. His trajectory from al-Qaeda-linked commander to head of state is one of the most unusual in contemporary politics.
