Syrian Rebel Leader Dissolves HTS Military Wing, Aims for Unified Army
Syrian Rebel Leader Vows to Dismantle Armed Wing, Unify Opposition Forces
New Leader Seeks to Forge Single Army, Preserve Syria’s Territorial Integrity
Ahmed al-Sharaa, the newly appointed leader of the Syrian rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), has announced plans to dissolve the group’s military wing, marking a meaningful shift in the Syrian conflict. Al-Sharaa, who took the helm of HTS earlier this month, declared that his group would be “the first” to disband its armed forces, paving the way for the creation of a unified Syrian army.
“Our goal is to bring together all armed groups that fought against the Assad regime under a single banner, under the Ministry of Defense,” al-Sharaa stated, emphasizing his commitment to national unity. He further stressed his dedication to preserving Syria’s territorial integrity, asserting, “Syria will not be divided,” and vowing to include Kurdish-held areas in the northeast in his vision for a unified nation.
US-brokered Truce Extended Between Pro-Turkish and Kurdish Forces
Simultaneously occurring, the United States has announced an extension of the ceasefire between pro-Turkish fighters and the US-backed Syrian democratic Forces (SDF), a Kurdish-led militia.The two groups clashed violently near the northern Syrian city of Manbij last week, but a truce was brokered after three days of fighting.
The SDF, which is largely composed of Kurds, is viewed by Turkey as an extension of the kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), a group designated as a terrorist institution by Ankara. A spokesperson for the US State department acknowledged Turkey’s concerns regarding the PKK, calling them “legitimate,” while emphasizing the need for a peaceful resolution.
“We are committed to extending the ceasefire and engaging with both the SDF and Turkey to find a path forward,” the spokesperson said. “Conflict is in no one’s interest, and we want to ensure that no party exploits the current instability to pursue narrow interests at the expense of Syria’s broader national interest.”
The SDF has also expressed support for a “complete ceasefire throughout Syria,” previously accusing Turkey of planning an offensive against the Kurdish city of Kobane. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a UK-based monitoring group, has also reported preparations for such an offensive.
As the Syrian conflict enters a new phase, the future of the country remains uncertain. The potential for a unified Syrian army under al-Sharaa’s leadership, coupled with the ongoing efforts to broker a lasting ceasefire between Turkey and the SDF, could offer a glimmer of hope for a peaceful resolution to the decade-long war.
NewsDirectory3 Exclusive Interview: HTS Leader Vows Unification Amidst Syrian Truce Extension
NewsDirectory3:Ahmed al-Sharaa, newly-appointed leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), your proclamation to dismantle HTS’s military wing has sent shockwaves throughout the Syrian conflict. Could you elaborate on this decision and its implications for the future of Syria?
Al-Sharaa: Our goal is clear: to unify all Syrians who fought against the Assad regime under a single banner, under the Ministry of Defense.We will be the first to dismantle our armed wing to pave the way for this unified Syrian army. This is the only path to true national unity and lasting peace.
NewsDirectory3:
You’ve also emphasized preserving Syria’s territorial integrity, including Kurdish-held areas. How do you envision incorporating these regions into your vision for a unified Syria?
Al-Sharaa: Syria will not be divided. We believe in a Syria for all its people, regardless of ethnicity or religion. The Kurdish-held areas are an integral part of our country, and we are committed to finding a peaceful and inclusive solution that respects their rights and ensures their portrayal in a future unified syrian government.
NewsDirectory3:
The US has recently brokered a ceasefire extension between pro-Turkish fighters and the SDF. How does HTS view this progress, and how do you believe it will impact the broader peace process?
Al-Sharaa:
Any step towards reducing violence and establishing peace in Syria is welcomed. We believe that all parties must engage in dialog and negotiations to find a lasting political solution that satisfies the aspirations of all Syrians.
NewsDirectory3:
many remain skeptical about the possibility of a unified Syrian army and lasting peace. What message do you have for them?
Al-Sharaa:
I understand the skepticism.Syria has suffered tremendously. But we must believe in the possibility of a better future. We must be willing to make difficult sacrifices for the sake of our country and future generations. I am confident that through dialogue, reconciliation, and a shared commitment to peace, we can overcome these challenges and rebuild our nation.