Syrian Rebel Leader Jolani Hails Victory In First Comments Since Ousting Assad

PARIS, December 9, 2024 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) – The leader of the main group behind Syria’s armed opposition, Abu Mohammad al – Jolani, called the toppling of President Bashar al – Assad a “victory for the entire Islamic nation” in his first public remarks since the rebels captured Damascus.

“This victory, my brothers, is a victory for the entire Islamic nation. This new triumph, my brothers, marks a new chapter in the history of the region”, said the leader of Hayat Tahrir Al – Sham (HTS), a group that was formed out of a former Al Qaeda affiliate.

In a speech delivered inside a mosque in the capital, Jolani added that Syria has been a “playground for Iranian ambitions, spreading sectarianism, stirring corruption”, but now, “Syria is being purified by the grace of God Almighty and through the efforts of the heroic Mujahideen”, Iran and its  proxy Hezbollah were key backers of Assad’s government.

“This is a nation that, if its rights are taken, will continue to demand them until they are restored”, Jolani said, adding that HTS was liberating people who were imprisoned by the Assad regime.

“My borders, I left this land over 20 years ago, and my heart longed for this moment”, Jolani said to the crowd gathered at Umayyad mosque.

“There is not a single household in Syria that the war has not touched. Praise be to God, today is recovering”.