View source for Religion:Tahrir al-Sham

{{Short description|Salafi jihadist militant faction during the Syrian Civil War}}
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{{infobox war faction
| name             = Hayʼat Tahrir al-Sham<br />Organization for the Liberation of the Levant
| native_name      = هيئة تحرير الشام
| native_name_lang = ar
| war              = the Syrian Civil War<br /> and the War on Terror
| image            = {{multiple image
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 | image1 = Flag of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham.svg{{!}}border
 | caption1 = Flag of Hayʼat Tahrir al-Sham
 | image2 = Hayyat Tahrir al-Sham logo.jpg{{!}}border
 | caption2 = Logo of Hayʼat Tahrir al-Sham
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| caption          = 
| active           = 28 January 2017 – present
| ideology         = Sunni [[Religion:Islamism|Islamism]]
* Salafism
** Salafist jihadism
** [[Religion:Wahhabism|Wahhabism]]<ref>{{cite journal |last1= Ghanmi |first1= Elyès |last2= Punzet |first2= Agnieszka |date= 11 June 2013 |title= The involvement of Salafism/Wahhabism in the support and supply of arms to rebel groups around the world |url= http://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/etudes/etudes/join/2013/457137/EXPO-AFET_ET(2013)457137_EN.pdf |journal= European Parliament |access-date= 29 January 2017 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20190624184433/http://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/etudes/etudes/join/2013/457137/EXPO-AFET_ET(2013)457137_EN.pdf |archive-date= 24 June 2019 |url-status= live }}</ref>
| clans            = 
| leaders          = * Abu Mohammad al-Julani <small>{{small|(military chief, official leader since October 2017)}}</small><ref name=jaber/><ref name=fate>{{cite web|url=http://www.huffpostarabi.com/2017/10/02/story_n_18159996.html|title=Julani is a temporary leader of the "Liberation of the Sham" .. This is the fate of its former leader|work=HuffPost|date=2 October 2017|access-date=2 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171002165746/http://www.huffpostarabi.com/2017/10/02/story_n_18159996.html|archive-date=2 October 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* Abu Jaber Shaykh <small>{{small|(Shura council leader, official leader until October 2017)}}</small><ref name="new entity">{{cite web |url=http://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2017/01/al-qaeda-and-allies-announce-new-entity-in-syria.php |last=Joscelyn |first=Thomas |title=Al Qaeda and allies announce 'new entity' in Syria |website=Long War Journal |publisher=Foundation for Defense of Democracies |date=28 January 2017 |access-date=29 January 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170529023948/http://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2017/01/al-qaeda-and-allies-announce-new-entity-in-syria.php |archive-date=29 May 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=fate/>
* Abu Ubeidah al-Kansafra{{KIA}}<br /><small>{{small|(top military commander)}}</small><ref>[https://english.iswnews.com/11874/a-prominent-tahrir-al-sham-commander-killed-in-southern-idlib/ A prominent Tahrir al-Sham commander killed in southern Idlib], Islamic World News</ref>
| headquarters     = Idlib Governorate, [[Place:Syria|Syria]]
| area             = Syria<br />Lebanon {{small|(until August 2017)}}
| size             = ~31,000 {{small|(est. 2017)}}<ref name="surfacing">{{cite web|url=http://english.aawsat.com/2017/01/article55366551/syria-surfacing-haiat-tahrir-al-sham-threatens-truce|title=Syria: Surfacing of 'Hai'at Tahrir al-Sham' Threatens Truce|first=Nazeer|last=Rida|date=30 January 2017|publisher=Asharq Al-Awsat|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170215122504/http://english.aawsat.com/2017/01/article55366551/syria-surfacing-haiat-tahrir-al-sham-threatens-truce|archive-date=15 February 2017|df=dmy-all}}</ref> <br />15,000–30,000 {{small|(est. 2018)}}<ref name="Reality Check team 2019">{{cite web|author=Reality Check team|title=Syria: Who's in control of Idlib?|website=BBC News|date=22 June 2019|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-45401474|access-date=25 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190727020858/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-45401474|archive-date=27 July 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="inevitable">{{cite web|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/opinion/confrontation-idlib-remains-inevitable-181017083159556.html|title=A confrontation in Idlib remains inevitable|author=Joe Macaron|publisher=Al-Jazeera|date=17 October 2018|access-date=27 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181027004204/https://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/opinion/confrontation-idlib-remains-inevitable-181017083159556.html|archive-date=27 October 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> <br /> 12,000–15,000 {{small|(est. 2020)}}<ref name="Reality Check 2020">{{cite web|author=Zulfiqar Ali|title=Syria: Who's in control of Idlib?|website=BBC News|date=18 February 2020|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-45401474|access-date=10 March 2020}}</ref> <br /> 6,000–15,000 {{small|(est. 2022)}}<ref name="documents-dds-ny.un.org">{{Cite web|url=https://documents-dds-ny.un.org/doc/UNDOC/GEN/N21/416/14/PDF/N2141614.pdf?OpenElement|title = Ods Home Page}}</ref>
| partof           = Unified Military Council (Idlib)<br />Al-Fateh al-Mubin
| allegiance       = Syrian Salvation Government<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.kas.de/wf/doc/kas_52977-1522-2-30.pdf?180629110003 |title=From Jabhat al-Nusra to Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham: Evolution, Approach and Future |author=Aymen Jawad al-Tamimi| publisher=Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung and Al-Nahrain Center for Strategic Studies | date=2018|access-date=19 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180719083916/http://www.kas.de/wf/doc/kas_52977-1522-2-30.pdf?180629110003 |archive-date=19 July 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://syrianobserver.com/EN/features/21876/who_will_lead_idleb_new_salvation_government.html|title=Who Will Lead Idleb's New 'Salvation Government?'|author=Enab Baladi|publisher=Syrian Observer|date=9 November 2017|access-date=21 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190821143737/https://syrianobserver.com/EN/features/21876/who_will_lead_idleb_new_salvation_government.html|archive-date=21 August 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://futureuae.com/ar-ae/Mainpage/Item/3750/cloning-chaos-why-national-salvation-governments-fail-in-the-arab-region|title=Cloning Chaos Why National Salvation Governments Fail in the Arab Region|first=Middle East, politics, GCC, Iran, Syria, Iraq, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Nuclear deal, Yemen, Trump, MENA, Turkey, Gulf Crisis, Qatar, Future for Advanced Research and|last=Studies|website=مركز المستقبل}}</ref>
| predecessor      = * [[Religion:Al-Nusra Front|Al-Nusra Front]] {{small|(al-Qaeda in Syria)}}
* Ansar al-Din Front
* Nour al-Din al-Zenki Movement<ref name=defect>{{cite web|url=http://syriadirect.org/news/nour-e-din-a-zinki-defects-from-hts-citing-unwillingness-to-end-rebel-infighting/|title=Nour e-Din a-Zinki defects from HTS, citing unwillingness to end rebel infighting|work=Syria Direct|date=20 July 2017|access-date=21 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170725191422/http://syriadirect.org/news/nour-e-din-a-zinki-defects-from-hts-citing-unwillingness-to-end-rebel-infighting/|archive-date=25 July 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> {{small|(January–July 2017)}}
* Liwa al-Haqq
* Jaysh al-Sunna {{small|(Idlib and Aleppo)}}
| successor        = 
| allies           = '''State allies''':
* {{flag|Afghanistan}} {{small|(Claimed by Taliban)}}<ref>{{Cite tweet |user= aamajnews24 |title=Panjshir security chief: Tahrir al-Sham Mujahideen pledge allegiance to Taliban; After this, Afghanistan will be the central government of all Islamic countries |number= 1486624050529120256 |date= 27 January 2022|language= fa |link=https://twitter.com/aamajnews24/status/1486624050529120256}}</ref>
* {{flag|Turkey}} {{small|(sometimes)}}
'''Non-state allies''':
* {{flagicon image|WataniaTahrirFlag.png}} National Front for Liberation {{small|(sometimes)}}
* {{flagicon image|Flag of Ansar al-Islam.svg}} Ansar al-Islam splinter faction
* {{flagicon image|Infobox Ajnad al-Kavkaz flag.png}} Soldiers of the Caucasus
* {{flagicon image|Flag of Jihad.svg}} Katiba Abd Ar-Rahman<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.chechensinsyria.com/?p=25655|title=Tarkhan's Jamaat (Katiba İbad ar-Rahman) Fighting In Hama Alongside Muslim Shishani|date=29 January 2018|publisher=Chechens in Syria|access-date=4 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180204000107/http://www.chechensinsyria.com/?p=25655|archive-date=4 February 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>
*Katibat Jabal al-Islam<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aymennjawad.org/18251/the-factions-of-north-latakia|title=The Factions of North Latakia|first=Aymenn Jawad|last=Al-Tamimi|website=Aymenn Jawad Al-Tamimi|access-date=21 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180921034355/http://www.aymennjawad.org/18251/the-factions-of-north-latakia|archive-date=21 September 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>
* {{flagicon image|Flag of the Turkistan Islamic Party in Syria.svg}} Turkistan Islamic Party
* [[File:JunudAlMakhdiFlag.png|25px]] Junud al-Makhdi<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.chechensinsyria.com/?p=25129|title=More Detailed Information & Interview With Newly-Formed Tatar Group Junud Al-Makhdi Whose Amir Trained In North Caucasus With Khattab|date=3 July 2016|access-date=1 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160906224306/http://www.chechensinsyria.com/?p=25129|archive-date=6 September 2016|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2016/07/foreign-jihadists-advertise-role-in-latakia-fighting.php|title=Foreign jihadists advertise role in Latakia fighting - The Long War Journal|access-date=1 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160915103030/http://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2016/07/foreign-jihadists-advertise-role-in-latakia-fighting.php|archive-date=15 September 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>
* Malhama Tactical<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2016/12/12/malhama-tactical-fanatics-tactical-guru/|title=Malhama Tactical, The Fanatics Tactical Guru!|date=12 December 2016|publisher=The Firearm Blog|access-date=29 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202085132/http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2016/12/12/malhama-tactical-fanatics-tactical-guru/|archive-date=2 February 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>
* Katibat al-Ghuraba al-Turkistan<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2018/01/new-uighur-jihadist-group-emerges-in-syria.php |title=New Uighur jihadist group emerges in Syria |author=Caleb Weiss |work=Long War Journal |date=18 January 2018 |access-date=19 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180119043418/https://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2018/01/new-uighur-jihadist-group-emerges-in-syria.php |archive-date=19 January 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref>
* {{flagicon image|Logo of the Army of Glory.png}} Army of Glory
| opponents        = '''State opponents'''
* {{flag|Syria}}
* {{flag|Iran}}
* {{flag|Russia}}
* {{flag|Egypt}}
* {{flag|Lebanon}} <small>{{small|(Until 2017)}}</small>
* {{flag|United States}}
* {{flag|Israel}}<ref name="Hay'at Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS): Israel Purposely Choose Ramadan To Attack Aqsa Mosque To Provoke Muslims">{{cite news |last1=Hay'at Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS): Israel Purposely Choose Ramadan To Attack Aqsa Mosque To Provoke Muslims |first1=Hay'at Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS): Israel Purposely Choose Ramadan To Attack Aqsa Mosque To Provoke Muslims |title=Hay'at Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS): Israel Purposely Choose Ramadan To Attack Aqsa Mosque To Provoke Muslims |url=https://www.memri.org/jttm/hayat-tahrir-al-sham-hts-israel-purposely-choose-ramadan-attack-aqsa-mosque-provoke%C2%A0-muslims |access-date=12 October 2021 |agency=MEMRI TV |publisher=Al-Shami Al-Hr |date=12 May 2021}}</ref>
'''Non-state opponents'''
* {{flagicon image|Liwa Zainebiyoun infobox flag.png}} Liwa Zainebiyoun
* Liwa Fatemiyoun
* {{flagicon|Syrian Opposition}} Free Syrian Army <small>{{small|(Sometimes)}}</small>
** Syrian National Army
*** {{flagicon image|WataniaTahrirFlag.png}} National Front for Liberation {{small|(sometimes)}}
**National Liberation Movement
***Men of God Brigade<ref name="wordpress.com">{{cite web|url=https://yallasouriya.wordpress.com/2016/04/09/syria-homs-div-liwa-rijal-allah-joins-harakat-tahrir-homs/|title=#Syria, Homs – Div Liwa Rijal Allah joins Harakat Tahrir Homs|date=9 April 2016|publisher=Yalla Souriya|access-date=24 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612140017/https://yallasouriya.wordpress.com/2016/04/09/syria-homs-div-liwa-rijal-allah-joins-harakat-tahrir-homs/|archive-date=12 June 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="wordpress.com1">{{cite web|url=https://hasanmustafas.wordpress.com/2015/05/08/the-moderate-rebels-a-complete-and-growing-list-of-vetted-groups-fielding-tow-missiles/|title=The Moderate Rebels: A Growing List of Vetted Groups Fielding BGM-71 TOW Anti-Tank Guided Missiles|date=8 May 2015|publisher=Hasan Mustafa|access-date=24 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160602182613/https://hasanmustafas.wordpress.com/2015/05/08/the-moderate-rebels-a-complete-and-growing-list-of-vetted-groups-fielding-tow-missiles/|archive-date=2 June 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>
*{{flagicon image|Flag of Hizb ut-Tahrir.png}} Hizb ut-Tahrir<ref>{{cite web |url=https://foreignpolicy.com/2019/09/19/idlib-faces-a-fearsome-future-islamist-rule-or-mass-murder-syria-civil-war-hayat-tahrir-al-sham/ |title=Idlib Faces a Fearsome Future: Islamist Rule or Mass Murder |access-date=22 September 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190920055615/https://foreignpolicy.com/2019/09/19/idlib-faces-a-fearsome-future-islamist-rule-or-mass-murder-syria-civil-war-hayat-tahrir-al-sham/ |archive-date=20 September 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref>
*{{flagicon image|InfoboxHez.PNG}} Hezbollah
* Liwa Abu al-Fadhal al-Abbas
* {{flagdeco|Iraq}} Harakat Hezbollah al-Nujaba<ref>{{cite web|url=https://syrian-mirror.net/ar/%d9%87%d8%ac%d9%88%d9%85-%d9%85%d8%a8%d8%a7%d8%ba%d8%aa-%d9%84%d9%87%d9%8a%d8%a6%d8%a9-%d8%aa%d8%ad%d8%b1%d9%8a%d8%b1-%d8%a7%d9%84%d8%b4%d8%a7%d9%85-%d9%81%d9%8a-%d8%b1%d9%8a%d9%81-%d8%ad%d9%84%d8%a8/|title=هجوم مباغت لهيئة تحرير الشام في ريف حلب يسفر عن مقتل 10 عناصر من ميليشيا النجباء العراقية|date=12 September 2017|access-date=21 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190610070915/https://syrian-mirror.net/ar/%d9%87%d8%ac%d9%88%d9%85-%d9%85%d8%a8%d8%a7%d8%ba%d8%aa-%d9%84%d9%87%d9%8a%d8%a6%d8%a9-%d8%aa%d8%ad%d8%b1%d9%8a%d8%b1-%d8%a7%d9%84%d8%b4%d8%a7%d9%85-%d9%81%d9%8a-%d8%b1%d9%8a%d9%81-%d8%ad%d9%84%d8%a8/|archive-date=10 June 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>
*{{flagdeco|ISIL}} [[Religion:Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant|Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant]]
* [[File:Flag of al-Qaeda.svg|25px]] [[Religion:Al-Qaeda|Al-Qaeda]] {{small|(since 2020)}}
**{{flagicon image|Guardians Of Religion INFOBOX flag.png}} Guardians of Religion Organization
| battles          = '''Syrian Civil War'''
* Inter-rebel conflict during the Syrian Civil War
** Idlib Governorate clashes (January–March 2017)<ref>{{cite news |date=14 February 2017 |title=Syria war: 'Dozens killed' as jihadists clash in Idlib |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-38966601 |newspaper=BBC News |access-date=22 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171018121613/http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-38966601 |archive-date=18 October 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="morningstar">{{cite news |last=Tweedie |first=James |date=1 February 2017 |title=Syria: Factions jockey for position ahead of new peace talks |url=http://www.morningstaronline.co.uk/a-9b65-Syria-Factions-jockey-for-position-ahead-of-new-peace-talks |newspaper=BBC News |access-date=15 February 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170220175247/http://www.morningstaronline.co.uk/a-9b65-Syria-Factions-jockey-for-position-ahead-of-new-peace-talks |archive-date=20 February 2017 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="newsok">{{cite news |last=Mroue |first=Bassem |date=14 February 2017 |title=Clashes between 2 extremist groups kill scores in Syria |url=http://newsok.com/clashes-between-2-extremist-groups-kill-scores-in-syria/article/feed/1167334 |newspaper=Associated Press |location=Beirut |access-date=20 February 2017 |archive-date=9 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200309231239/http://newsok.com/clashes-between-2-extremist-groups-kill-scores-in-syria/article/feed/1167334 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
** Idlib Governorate clashes (July 2017)
** Syrian Liberation Front–Tahrir al-Sham conflict
** 5th Idlib inter-rebel conflict
* Siege of al-Fu'ah and Kafriya
* Daraa offensive (February–March 2017)
* ISIL Daraa offensive (February 2017)
* Qaboun offensive (February–March 2017)
* 2017 Hama offensive
* Daraa offensive (June 2017)
* Quneitra offensive (June 2017)
* Syrian Civil War spillover in Lebanon
** Qalamoun offensive (July–August 2017)
*Military intervention against ISIL
* American-led intervention in Syria
* Russian military intervention in Syria
* East Ghouta inter-rebel conflict (April–May 2017)
* Turkish military operation in Idlib Governorate
* Northwestern Syria campaign (October 2017–present)
* Eastern Syria insurgency (2017–present)
* Rif Dimashq offensive (February–April 2018)<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.irinnews.org/analysis/2018/02/23/understanding-eastern-ghouta-syria|title=Understanding Eastern Ghouta in Syria|agency=IRIN|date=23 February 2018}}</ref>
* Northern Homs offensive (April–May 2018)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://eldorar.com/node/121138|title="Liberation Sham" Tdk sites of the regime north of Homs .. And suffered losses (Photos)|work=El-Dorar al-Shamia|date=17 April 2018}}</ref>
* 2018 Southern Syria offensive
* Idlib demilitarization (2018–2019)
* National Front for Liberation–Tahrir al-Sham conflict
* Northwestern Syria offensive (April-August 2019)
* Northwestern Syria offensive (December 2019–March 2020)
* Idlib Governorate clashes (June 2020)
* Idlib Governorate clashes (October 2021)
* 2022 Ahrar al-Sham–Levant Front clashes
| url              = 
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}}
'''Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham''' ('''HTS''') ({{Lang-ar|هيئة تحرير الشام}}, [[Social:Romanization of Arabic|transliteration]]: ''{{transl|ar|ALA|Hayʼat Taḥrīr aš-Šām}}'',<ref>{{cite news |author=BBC Monitoring |date=12 February 2017 |title=Tahrir al-Sham: Al-Qaeda's latest incarnation in Syria |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-38934206 |newspaper=BBC News |access-date=22 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180925200450/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-38934206 |archive-date=25 September 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref> "'''Organization for the Liberation of the Levant'''" or "'''Levant Liberation Committee'''"),<ref name="morningstar"/><ref name="newsok"/> commonly referred to as '''Tahrir al-Sham''', is an active Sunni Islamist  militant group involved in the Syrian Civil War. It was formed on 28 January 2017 as a merger between Jabhat Fateh al-Sham (formerly [[Religion:Al-Nusra Front|al-Nusra Front]]), the Ansar al-Din Front, Jaysh al-Sunna, Liwa al-Haqq, and the Nour al-Din al-Zenki Movement.<ref name="new entity"/> After the announcement, additional groups and individuals joined. The merged group is currently led by Jabhat Fatah al-Sham and former Ahrar al-Sham leaders, although the High Command consists of leaders from other groups.<ref name="Reuters01-28-17">{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-rebels-idUSKBN15C0MV|title=Syria Islamist factions, including former al Qaeda branch, join forces: statement|date=28 January 2017|access-date=28 January 2017|work={{wipe|Reuters}}|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170128172736/http://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-rebels-idUSKBN15C0MV|archive-date=28 January 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> Many groups and individuals defected from Ahrar al-Sham, representing their more conservative and Salafist elements. The Ansar al-Din Front<ref name="auto9">{{cite web|url=http://nedaa-sy.com/en/news/4175|title=New component split from "Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham"|work=Syria Call|date=9 February 2018|access-date=10 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180213075603/http://www.nedaa-sy.com/en/news/4175|archive-date=13 February 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> and Nour al-Din al-Zenki Movement<ref name=defect/> have since split off from Tahrir al-Sham. It had an estimated 6,000-15,000 members in 2022.<ref name="documents-dds-ny.un.org">{{Cite web|url=https://documents-dds-ny.un.org/doc/UNDOC/GEN/N21/416/14/PDF/N2141614.pdf?OpenElement|title = Ods Home Page}}</ref>

Tahrir al-Sham has been accused of working as [[Religion:Al-Qaeda|al-Qaeda]]'s Syrian branch on a covert level, and is considered by many analysts to be one of its branches,<ref name=eightyears>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-48056433 |title=Osama bin Laden: Eight years after his death, where is al-Qaeda? |last=Ali |first=Zulfiqar |date=7 May 2019 |access-date=20 May 2019 |website=BBC |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190509103908/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-48056433 |archive-date=9 May 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref> and that many of the group's senior figures, particularly Abu Jaber, held similarly extreme views.<ref name="al-Qaeda's grand plan">{{cite web|url=http://stopterrorfinance.org/stories/511082466-al-qaeda-s-grand-plan-for-syria-passes-through-hayat-tahrir-al-sham|title=Al-Qaeda's Grand Plan for Syria Passes Through Hayat Tahrir al-Sham|first=CATF|last=Reports|access-date=20 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170430221229/http://stopterrorfinance.org/stories/511082466-al-qaeda-s-grand-plan-for-syria-passes-through-hayat-tahrir-al-sham|archive-date=30 April 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-38934206|title=Tahrir al-Sham: Al-Qaeda's latest incarnation in Syria|work=BBC News|access-date=22 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180925200450/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-38934206|archive-date=25 September 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> However, Tahrir al-Sham has officially denied being part of al-Qaeda and said in a statement that the group is "an independent entity and not an extension of previous organizations or factions".<ref name=jaber/>

Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham gives allegiance to the Syrian Salvation Government, which is an alternative government of the Syrian opposition in Idlib Governorate.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://english.enabbaladi.net/archives/2017/09/syrian-general-conference-faces-interim-government-idlib/ |title=The Syrian General Conference Faces the Interim Government in Idlib |date=18 September 2017 |publisher=Enab Baladi |access-date=13 December 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171123205055/http://english.enabbaladi.net/archives/2017/09/syrian-general-conference-faces-interim-government-idlib/ |archive-date=23 November 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>[http://www.shaam.org/news/syria-news/تعريف-بالاسم-وكامل-التفاصيل-لـ-11-وزيراً-في-حكومة-الإنقاذ-في-الداخل-السوري.html Syria news] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181009124057/http://www.shaam.org/news/syria-news/%D8%AA%D8%B9%D8%B1%D9%8A%D9%81-%D8%A8%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A7%D8%B3%D9%85-%D9%88%D9%83%D8%A7%D9%85%D9%84-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AA%D9%81%D8%A7%D8%B5%D9%8A%D9%84-%D9%84%D9%80-11-%D9%88%D8%B2%D9%8A%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%8B-%D9%81%D9%8A-%D8%AD%D9%83%D9%88%D9%85%D8%A9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A5%D9%86%D9%82%D8%A7%D8%B0-%D9%81%D9%8A-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AF%D8%A7%D8%AE%D9%84-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B3%D9%88%D8%B1%D9%8A.html |date=9 October 2018 }} Shaam network</ref>

==History==

===Background===
Al-Nusra/JFS co-operated with Ahrar al-Sham for much of 2015–16. Leading Ahrar al-Sham cleric Abu Jaber had long criticized al-Nusra's affiliation to al-Qaeda as setting back the cause of the rebels, and had also been the focus of attempts to unify Islamist rebel elements.<ref name="Petkova 2018 After Sochi">{{cite news | last=Petkova | first=Mariya | title=After the Sochi agreement, HTS is facing internal divisions | website=Al Jazeera | date=25 September 2018 | url=https://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/turkey-idlib-180924191442969.html | access-date=18 December 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181217235116/https://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/turkey-idlib-180924191442969.html | archive-date=17 December 2018 | url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="new entity"/><ref name="Joscelyn 2016 unite behind">{{cite web | last=Joscelyn | first=Thomas | title=Aleppo-based rebel groups reportedly unite behind Ahrar al Sham's former top leader | website=FDD's Long War Journal | date=20 February 2016 | url=http://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2016/02/zleppo-based-rebel-groups-unite-behind-ahrar-al-sham-former-top-leader.php | access-date=18 December 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180828090713/https://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2016/02/zleppo-based-rebel-groups-unite-behind-ahrar-al-sham-former-top-leader.php | archive-date=28 August 2018 | url-status=live }}</ref> He led a more Islamist and less nationalist faction within Ahrar al-Sham, Jaysh al-Ahrar, which supported merger of Ahrar al-Sham with JFS. There were merger talks in late 2016, but these broke down. In early 2017 it clashed with rival Islamist groups in Idlib, in particular Ahrar al-Sham, but Jaish al-Ahrar detached itself from Ahrar al-Sham to merge with JFS in a new body.<ref name="Combating Terrorism Center at West Point 2018 How al-Qa`ida Lost Control">{{cite web | title=How al-Qa'ida Lost Control of its Syrian Affiliate: The Inside Story – Combating Terrorism Center at West Point | author=Charles Lister | website=Combating Terrorism Center at West Point | date=15 February 2018 | url=https://ctc.usma.edu/al-qaida-lost-control-syrian-affiliate-inside-story/ | access-date=19 December 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181201145330/https://ctc.usma.edu/al-qaida-lost-control-syrian-affiliate-inside-story/ | archive-date=1 December 2018 | url-status=live }}</ref>

===Formation===
Abdullah al-Muhaysini, Abu Taher al-Hamawi, and Abd ar-Razzaq al-Mahdi worked on the formation of the group.<ref>{{cite tweet|number=825807698423906304|user=ajaltamimi|title=#Syria: One might understand the...|access-date=28 February 2017|date= 29 January 2017 }}</ref>{{better source needed|A tweet with unclear attribution of information|date=December 2018}} The new formation was announced on 28 January 2017.

According to Syria analyst Charles Lister, Ahrar al-Sham lost some 800-1,000 defectors to HTS, but gained at least 6,000-8,000 more from the merger into its ranks of Suqor al-Sham, Jaish al-Mujahideen, Fastaqim Union and the western Aleppo units of the Levant Front, and the Idlib-based units of Jaysh al-Islam. JFS meanwhile lost several hundred fighters to Ahrar al-Sham, but gained 3,000-5,000 fighters from its merger with Harakat Nour al-Din al-Zinki, Liwa al-Haq, Jaish al-Sunna, and Jabhat Ansar al-Din into HTS.<ref name="Combating Terrorism Center at West Point 2018 How al-Qa`ida Lost Control"/> Nour al-Din al-Zenki had at one time been supported by the US.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/terror-list-omission-1.4114621 |title=Why Syria's al-Qaeda affiliate is no longer on Canada's terror list |access-date=15 May 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170706115740/http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/terror-list-omission-1.4114621 |archive-date=6 July 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Consolidation of power (January-August 2017)===
====January====
[[File:Hayat Tahrir al-Sham fighters in Mushairfa, northeastern Hama.png|250px|left|thumb|Fighters of Tahrir al-Sham in the village of Mushairfa, northeast of Hama, during the northeastern Hama offensive in October 2017.]]

Soon after the group's formation, many local Syrians began referring to the group as '''Hetesh''', which was an [[Social:Arabic|Arabic]] acronym meant as a pejorative, similar to the "Daesh" label applied to ISIL by much of the Arab world. This labeling indicated that many Syrians saw Tahrir al-Sham as no different from ISIL, especially given the similarities between Tahrir al-Sham's recent attacks and ISIL's massive offensive on rebel forces in 2014.<ref name="reshapes">{{cite web |url= http://henryjacksonsociety.org/2017/02/06/analysis-al-qaeda-reshapes-the-insurgency-in-northern-syria/ |title= Analysis: 'Al-Qaeda Reshapes the Insurgency in Northern Syria' |date= 6 February 2017 |author= Kyle Orton |publisher= Henry Jackson Society |url-status= dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170210104907/http://henryjacksonsociety.org/2017/02/06/analysis-al-qaeda-reshapes-the-insurgency-in-northern-syria/ |archive-date= 10 February 2017 |df= dmy-all }}</ref>

On 30 January, it was reported{{by whom|date=December 2018}} that there were around 31,000 fighters in Tahrir al-Sham.<ref name="surfacing" />

====February====
HTS suffered losses from air attacks by Coalition forces. On 3 February, a US airstrike struck a Tahrir al-Sham headquarters<ref name="strikes down" /> in Sarmin, killing 12 members of HTS and Jund al-Aqsa. 10 of the killed militants were HTS members.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-airstrikes-idUSKBN15I1YY |title= Air strikes kill 12 fighters in Syria's Idlib: monitor |work= Reuters |date= 3 February 2017 |access-date= 2 July 2017 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170922152408/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-airstrikes-idUSKBN15I1YY |archive-date= 22 September 2017 |url-status= live }}</ref><ref name="11 terrorists killed" /> The airstrike also killed HTS commander Ibrahim al-Rihaal Abu Bakr, according to analyst Kyle Orton.<ref name="strikes down" />

There has been resistance to HTS by civilians in rebel areas it controls. On 3 February, hundreds of Syrians demonstrated under the slogan "There is no place for [[Religion:Al-Qaeda|al-Qaeda]] in Syria" in the towns of Atarib, Azaz, Maarat al-Nu'man to protest against HTS. In response, supporters of HTS organized counter-protests in al-Dana, Idlib, Atarib, and Khan Shaykhun.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://arabi21.com/story/982670/%D8%B3%D9%88%D8%B1%D9%8A%D9%88%D9%86-%D9%8A%D8%AA%D8%B8%D8%A7%D9%87%D8%B1%D9%88%D9%86-%D8%A8%D8%AC%D9%85%D8%B9%D8%A9-%D9%84%D8%A7-%D9%85%D9%83%D8%A7%D9%86-%D9%84%D9%84%D9%82%D8%A7%D8%B9%D8%AF%D8%A9-%D9%81%D9%8A-%D8%B3%D9%88%D8%B1%D9%8A%D8%A7-%D8%B4%D8%A7%D9%87%D8%AF|title=Syrians demonstrating collecting "no place for a base in Syria"|work=Arabi 21|date=3 February 2017|access-date=4 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170730113435/http://arabi21.com/story/982670/%D8%B3%D9%88%D8%B1%D9%8A%D9%88%D9%86-%D9%8A%D8%AA%D8%B8%D8%A7%D9%87%D8%B1%D9%88%D9%86-%D8%A8%D8%AC%D9%85%D8%B9%D8%A9-%D9%84%D8%A7-%D9%85%D9%83%D8%A7%D9%86-%D9%84%D9%84%D9%82%D8%A7%D8%B9%D8%AF%D8%A9-%D9%81%D9%8A-%D8%B3%D9%88%D8%B1%D9%8A%D8%A7-%D8%B4%D8%A7%D9%87%D8%AF|archive-date=30 July 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> In Idlib pro- Hayyat Tahrir al-Sham protests were held waving pictures of its emir Abu Jaber on 3 February 2017.<ref>{{cite news |date=3 February 2017 |title=سوريون ينتقدون رفع صور "هاشم الشيخ" في مظاهرات إدلب |url=https://www.enabbaladi.net/archives/128990 |newspaper=عنب بلدي أونلاين |access-date=28 February 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170223042209/http://www.enabbaladi.net/archives/128990 |archive-date=23 February 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref> Attendance at a speech by HTS cleric Abdullah al-Muhaysini was manipulated by drawing internally displaced persons and impoverished people with promises of [[Engineering:Motorcycle|motorcycle]]s and [[Physics:Refrigerator|refrigerator]]s through a raffle.<ref>{{cite tweet|number=828648275024683008|user=Charles_Lister|title=#JFS/#HTS also came under criticism...|access-date=28 February 2017|date=6 February 2017 }}</ref>{{Better source needed|date=February 2017}}

On 4 February 2017, a US airstrike killed al-Qaeda commander Abu Hani al-Masri, who was a part of Ahrar al-Sham at the time of his death. It was reported that he was about to defect to Tahrir al-Sham before his death.<ref name="11 terrorists killed">{{cite web|url=https://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2017/02/pentagon-11-al-qaeda-terrorists-killed-in-airstrikes-near-idlib-syria.php|title=Pentagon: 11 al Qaeda terrorists killed in airstrikes near Idlib, Syria &#124; FDD's Long War Journal|date=8 February 2017|website=longwarjournal.org|access-date=21 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190619051934/https://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2017/02/pentagon-11-al-qaeda-terrorists-killed-in-airstrikes-near-idlib-syria.php|archive-date=19 June 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> On the same day, Tahrir al-Sham official Muslah al-Alyani criticized other groups for not joining Tahrir al-Sham, arguing that any group that "fought for Islam" would be bombed, regardless of terrorist designations. In his statement, he indicated that one of the reasons why most Ahrar al-Sham fighters refused to join Tahrir al-Sham was because the latter group contained terrorist-designated individuals.<ref name="strikes down">{{cite web|url=https://kyleorton1991.wordpress.com/2017/01/20/the-coalition-strikes-down-al-qaedas-leaders-in-syria/|title=The Coalition Strikes Down Al-Qaeda's Leaders In Syria|first=Kyle|last=Orton|date=20 January 2017|publisher=Kyle Orton|access-date=20 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202074035/https://kyleorton1991.wordpress.com/2017/01/20/the-coalition-strikes-down-al-qaedas-leaders-in-syria/|archive-date=2 February 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>

Around 8 February, Abu Muhammad al-Maqdisi confirmed that 2 senior Jabhat Fateh al-Sham leaders loyal to al-Qaeda, including former al-Nusra deputy leader Sami al-Oraydi, left Tahrir al-Sham after its formation.<ref name="formation" />

A speech was released by Abu Jaber on 9 February.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://jihadology.net/2017/02/09/new-video-mesaage-from-hayyat-ta%e1%b8%a5rir-al-shams-hisham-al-shaykh-first-words/ |title=New video mesaage from Hayy'at Taḥrīr al-Shām's Hishām al-Shaykh: "First Words" |date=9 February 2017 |website=Jihadology |access-date=17 February 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170216092840/http://jihadology.net/2017/02/09/new-video-mesaage-from-hayyat-ta%e1%b8%a5rir-al-shams-hisham-al-shaykh-first-words/ |archive-date=16 February 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref> He emphasized his group being an "independent entity" and praised his "brothers" in the "Syrian [[Religion:Jihad|Jihad]]". The statement included [[Religion:Anti-Shi'ism|derogatory rhetoric on Shia Muslims]], saying the Shiites (“rejectionists”) will “enslave the region" if the rebels lose the war.<ref name=jaber>{{cite web|url=http://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2017/02/hayat-tahrir-al-sham-leader-calls-for-unity-in-syrian-insurgency.php|title=Hay'at Tahrir al Sham leader calls for 'unity' in Syrian insurgency|work=Long War Journal|first=Thomas|last=Joscelyn|date=10 February 2017|access-date=11 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170216005715/http://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2017/02/hayat-tahrir-al-sham-leader-calls-for-unity-in-syrian-insurgency.php|archive-date=16 February 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 12 February, the Bunyan al-Marsous Operations Room, of which Tahrir al-Sham was a member, launched an offensive against the Syrian Army in Daraa's Manshiyah district. Tahrir al-Sham forces reportedly began the attack with 2 suicide bombers and car bombs.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=60794|title=At least 23 were killed today during an attack by the factions and Fateh al-Sham Front in Daraa al-Balad at the city of Daraa|work=Syrian Observatory for Human Rights|date=12 February 2017|access-date=13 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170213165613/http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=60794|archive-date=13 February 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 13 February, clashes erupted between the previously-allied Tahrir al-Sham and Jund al-Aqsa, also called Liwa al-Aqsa, in northern Hama and southern Idlib.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thestar.com.my/news/world/2017/02/13/jihadist-rebel-groups-clash-in-northwest-syria--monitor/|title=Jihadist rebel groups clash in northwest Syria - monitor|agency=Reuters|date=13 February 2017|access-date=13 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170213120204/http://www.thestar.com.my/news/world/2017/02/13/jihadist-rebel-groups-clash-in-northwest-syria--monitor/|archive-date=13 February 2017|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://jihadology.net/2017/02/13/new-statement-from-hayyat-ta%e1%b8%a5rir-al-sham-excuses-and-warning-for-the-liwa-al-aqsa-group/ |title=New statement from Hayy'at Taḥrīr al-Shām: "Excuses and Warning for the Liwā' al-Āqsā Group" |date=13 February 2017 |website=Jihadology |access-date=17 February 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170216215434/http://jihadology.net/2017/02/13/new-statement-from-hayyat-ta%E1%B8%A5rir-al-sham-excuses-and-warning-for-the-liwa-al-aqsa-group/ |archive-date=16 February 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref>

On 15 February, Ahrar al-Sham published an infographic on its recent defections, claiming that only 955 fighters had defected to Tahrir al-Sham.<ref name="formation" /> There were also reports that Ahrar al-Sham, the Sham Legion, Jaysh al-Izza, the Turkistan Islamic Party in Syria, and the Tamkin Brigade would soon merge to form a new organization called the Syrian Liberation Front.<ref name="executes hundred">{{cite web|url=http://en.abna24.com/news/middle-east/jund-al-aqsa-executes-hundred-members-of-rival-groups-in-idlib.html|title=Jund al-Aqsa executes hundred members of rival groups in Idlib|author=FNA|date=15 February 2017|publisher=AhlulBayt News Agency (ABNA)|access-date=24 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170224211409/http://en.abna24.com/news/middle-east/jund-al-aqsa-executes-hundred-members-of-rival-groups-in-idlib.html|archive-date=24 February 2017|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="tens of terrorists">{{cite web|url=http://en.farsnews.ir/newstext.aspx?nn=13951205000681|title=Tens of Terrorists Killed, Wounded in Intensified Clashes amongst Rival Groups in Northern Syria|publisher=Farsnews|access-date=24 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170224133730/http://en.farsnews.ir/newstext.aspx?nn=13951205000681|archive-date=24 February 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>

On 19 February, HTS arrested local FSA commander Anas Ibrahim in Atarib, and, in response, an anti-HTS protest was held in the town.<ref>{{cite AV media |date=19 February 2017 |title=Popular demonstrations against for Hayat Tahrir al-Sham in the city of Aleppo Atarib Brive |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=45FKwFAoDBc |publisher=Qasioun News Agency |access-date=28 February 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170405140958/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=45FKwFAoDBc |archive-date=5 April 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>[https://en.zamanalwsl.net/news/23587.html Assailants kidnap FSA commander near Atareb, Aleppo] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171019093123/https://en.zamanalwsl.net/news/23587.html |date=19 October 2017 }}, zamanalwsl.net, 21 February 2017</ref>{{better source needed|date=September 2017}}

On 20 February, a Ma'arat al-Numan Shura Council was created by the Sham Legion, Ahrar al-Sham, and Tahrir al-Sham.<ref>{{cite tweet|number=833735053318451200|user=siteintelgroup|title=Tahrir al-Sham, Ahrar al-Sham, Faylaq...|date=20 Feb 2017 }}</ref>{{better source needed|date=September 2017}}

On 22 February, the Combating Terrorism Center reported that Jabhat Fateh al-Sham had formed the Tahrir al-Sham group due to its fear of being isolated, and to counter Ahrar al-Sham's recent expansion during the clashes in the Idlib Province.<ref name="formation">{{cite web|url=https://www.ctc.usma.edu/posts/the-formation-of-hayat-tahrir-al-sham-and-wider-tensions-in-the-syrian-insurgency|title=The Formation of Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham and Wider Tensions in the Syrian Insurgency|publisher=Combating Terrorism Center at West Point|access-date=23 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170411215707/https://www.ctc.usma.edu/posts/the-formation-of-hayat-tahrir-al-sham-and-wider-tensions-in-the-syrian-insurgency|archive-date=11 April 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>

On 22 February, the last of Liwa al-Asqa's 2,100 militants left their final positions in Khan Shaykhun, with unconfirmed reports in pro-government media that they were to join ISIL in the Ar-Raqqah Province after a negotiated withdrawal deal with Tahrir al-Sham and the Turkistan Islamic Party.<ref name="leaves for Raqqa">{{cite web|url=http://syriadirect.org/news/search-for-the-dead-begins-in-idlib-after-islamic-state-linked-brigade-leaves-for-raqqa/|title=Search for the dead begins in Idlib after Islamic State-linked brigade leaves for Raqqa|publisher=SyriaDirect|access-date=24 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170419043650/http://syriadirect.org/news/search-for-the-dead-begins-in-idlib-after-islamic-state-linked-brigade-leaves-for-raqqa/|archive-date=19 April 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref> Afterward, Tahrir al-Sham declared terminating Liwa al-Aqsa, and promised to watch for any remaining cells.<ref name="declare terminating">{{cite web|url=https://news.siteintelgroup.com/Jihadist-News/tahrir-al-sham-declare-terminating-liwa-al-aqsa.html|title=Tahrir al-Sham Declare Terminating Liwa al-Aqsa|author=SITE|publisher=siteintelgroup.com|access-date=24 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170224213119/https://news.siteintelgroup.com/Jihadist-News/tahrir-al-sham-declare-terminating-liwa-al-aqsa.html|archive-date=24 February 2017|url-status=live|date=24 February 2017}}</ref>

On 26 February, a US airstrike in Al-Mastoumeh, Idlib Province, killed Abu Khayr al-Masri, who was the deputy leader of al-Qaeda.<ref name="war">{{cite web|url=http://www.ibtimes.com/war-terror-who-abu-khayr-al-masri-al-qaeda-second-command-killed-drone-strike-syria-2497897|title=War On Terror: Who Is Abu Khayr al-Masri? Al Qaeda Second In Command Killed In Drone Strike In Syria|date=26 February 2017|publisher=IB Times|access-date=27 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170227150020/http://www.ibtimes.com/war-terror-who-abu-khayr-al-masri-al-qaeda-second-command-killed-drone-strike-syria-2497897|archive-date=27 February 2017|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="drone strike">{{cite web|url=https://www.stratfor.com/situation-report/syria-al-qaeda-deputy-killed-apparent-drone-strike|title=Syria: Al Qaeda Deputy Killed In Apparent Drone Strike|publisher=Stratfor}}</ref> The airstrike also killed another Tahrir al-Sham militant.<ref name="2 Tahrir al-Sham fighters killed">{{cite web|url=http://orient-news.net/en/news_show/132758/0/Tahrir-al-Sham-fighters-killed-by-US-led-coalition-drone-near-Idlib|title=2 Tahrir al-Sham fighters killed by US-led coalition drone near Idlib|publisher=Orient News|access-date=28 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181004023807/https://www.orient-news.net/en/news_show/132758/0/Tahrir-al-Sham-fighters-killed-by-US-led-coalition-drone-near-Idlib|archive-date=4 October 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="AQ deputy killed2">{{cite news|url=http://www.cnn.com/2017/02/27/middleeast/deputy-al-qaeda-leader-killed/index.html|title=Deputy al Qaeda leader killed In Syria|author=Hamdi Alkhshali and Barbara Starr|publisher=CNN|access-date=1 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170301040302/http://www.cnn.com/2017/02/27/middleeast/deputy-al-qaeda-leader-killed/index.html|archive-date=1 March 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> Abu Khayr's death left HTS freer to move away from al-Qaeda's control.<ref name="Combating Terrorism Center at West Point 2018 How al-Qa`ida Lost Control"/>

====March====
In early March 2017, local residents in the Idlib Province who supported FSA factions accused Tahrir al-Sham of doing more harm than good, saying that all they've done is "kidnap people, set up checkpoints, and terrorize residents."<ref name="rally against">{{cite web|url=http://syriadirect.org/news/residents-rally-against-hardline-islamists-%E2%80%98we%E2%80%99re-not-afraid-because-we%E2%80%99ve-got-nothing-to-lose%E2%80%99/#.WLclOfnwtik.twitter|title=Residents rally against hardline Islamists: 'We're not afraid because we've got nothing to lose'|publisher=SyriaDirect|access-date=5 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170306135039/http://syriadirect.org/news/residents-rally-against-hardline-islamists-%E2%80%98we%E2%80%99re-not-afraid-because-we%E2%80%99ve-got-nothing-to-lose%E2%80%99/#.WLclOfnwtik.twitter|archive-date=6 March 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 16 March, a US airstrike struck the village of al-Jinah, just southwest of Atarib, killing at least 29 and possibly over 50 civilians; the US claimed the people targeted in the strike were "al-Qaeda militants" but the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), local residents and local officials have said that the building struck was a mosque filled with worshipers, which was subseuqntly confirmed by Bellingcat.<ref name="LAtimes">{{cite news|last1=Hennigan|first1=W. J.|title=U.S. military denies airstrike hit mosque in Syria, following reports of dozens killed|url=https://latimes.com/world/middleeast/la-fg-syria-strike-20170317-story.html|access-date=26 March 2017|work=Los Angeles Times|date=17 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170326041708/http://www.latimes.com/world/middleeast/la-fg-syria-strike-20170317-story.html|archive-date=26 March 2017|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=aljazeera>{{cite news |title=US insists Al Jinah raid targeted al-Qaeda, not mosque |work=Al Jazeera |date=17 March 2017 |url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/03/syria-mosque-attack-170318010309757.html |access-date=2 March 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171019200324/http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/03/syria-mosque-attack-170318010309757.html |archive-date=19 October 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Triebert|first1=Christiaan|title=CONFIRMED: US Responsible for Aleppo Mosque Bombing - bellingcat|url=https://www.bellingcat.com/news/mena/2017/03/16/us-missile-remains-reportedly-recovered-from-site-of-aleppo-mosque-bombing/|website=bellingcat|access-date=18 March 2017|date=16 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170317233822/https://www.bellingcat.com/news/mena/2017/03/16/us-missile-remains-reportedly-recovered-from-site-of-aleppo-mosque-bombing/|archive-date=17 March 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>

On the morning of 21 March, according to pro-government media, a US drone strike in Darkush, Idlib Province, killed Abu Islam al-Masri, described as an Egyptian high-ranking HTS commander, and Abu al-'Abbas al-Darir, described as an Egyptian HTS commander;<ref name="high ranking jihadist killed">{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/us-coalition-kills-high-ranking-jihadist-commander-idlib/|title=US Coalition kills high ranking jihadist commander in Idlib|first=Leith|last=Fadel|date=21 March 2017|publisher=Al-Masdar News|access-date=23 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170324083758/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/us-coalition-kills-high-ranking-jihadist-commander-idlib/|archive-date=24 March 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> however, the Institute for the Study of War reported that the commander killed was Sheikh Abu al-Abbas al-Suri.<ref>{{cite web |title=Syria Situation Report: March 17 - 30, 2017 |url=https://www.understandingwar.org/sites/default/files/March%2030EDITS%20COT.pdf |publisher=Institute for the Study of War |access-date=1 July 2022}}</ref> On the same day, Tahrir al-Sham launched the 2017 Hama offensive against Syrian Government forces.{{citation needed|date=September 2017}}

On 24 March, two [[Engineering:Flatbed truck|flatbed truck]]s carrying [[Biology:Flour|flour]] and belonging to an IHH-affiliated Turkish relief organization were stopped at a HTS checkpoint at the entrance to Sarmada. HTS then seized the trucks and the flour, which was intended for a bakery in Saraqib. The seizure caused 2,000 families in the area to be cut off from a free supply of bread.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://syriadirect.org/news/nusra-led-coalition-confiscates-flour-at-checkpoint-%E2%80%98we-won%E2%80%99t-give-it-up%E2%80%99/|title=Former Al-Qaeda affiliate confiscates flour at checkpoint: 'We won't give it up'|work=Syria:direct|date=27 March 2017|access-date=31 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170401144931/http://syriadirect.org/news/nusra-led-coalition-confiscates-flour-at-checkpoint-%E2%80%98we-won%E2%80%99t-give-it-up%E2%80%99/|archive-date=1 April 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>

====April====
In April 2017, Jaysh al-Islam attacked the HTS and expelled it from the territories under its control in Eastern Ghouta.<ref name="Petkova 2018"/>

On 3 May, HTS arrested Suhail Muhammad Hamoud, "Abu TOW", a former FSA fighter, in a house raid in Idlib. Earlier, al-Hamoud had published a photograph of him [[Medicine:Smoking|smoking]] in front of a HTS billboard that prohibited smoking.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://aletihadpress.com/2017/05/04/%D9%84%D9%85%D8%A7%D8%B0%D8%A7-%D8%A7%D8%B9%D8%AA%D9%82%D9%84%D8%AA-%D8%AC%D8%A8%D9%87%D8%A9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%86%D8%B5%D8%B1%D8%A9-%D8%B3%D9%87%D9%8A%D9%84-%D8%A3%D8%A8%D9%88-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AA%D8%A7/|title=Why arrested victory Front "Suhail Abu tau"|work=Al-Etihad Press|date=4 May 2017|access-date=4 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170507045054/http://aletihadpress.com/2017/05/04/%D9%84%D9%85%D8%A7%D8%B0%D8%A7-%D8%A7%D8%B9%D8%AA%D9%82%D9%84%D8%AA-%D8%AC%D8%A8%D9%87%D8%A9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%86%D8%B5%D8%B1%D8%A9-%D8%B3%D9%87%D9%8A%D9%84-%D8%A3%D8%A8%D9%88-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AA%D8%A7|archive-date=7 May 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>

====May====
On 20 May, the main faction of the Abu Amara Battalions joined Tahrir al-Sham, which "now boasts a fighting force of some 50,000 militants" according to one pro-government media source.<ref name="joins">{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/islamist-rebel-group-joins-al-qaeda-franchise-syria/|title=Islamist rebel group joins Al-Qaeda franchise in Syria|first=Chris|last=Tomson|access-date=21 May 2017|publisher=Al-Masdar News|date=21 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190511014426/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/islamist-rebel-group-joins-al-qaeda-franchise-syria/|archive-date=11 May 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> However, the covert operations unit of the Abu Amara Battalions based in Aleppo remained independent.<ref name="all4syria.info">{{cite web|url=http://www.all4syria.info/Archive/412366|title=باستثناء قائدها جفالة… كتائب (أبو عمارة) تعلن انضمامها لـ (تحرير الشام)|publisher=All4Syria|access-date=21 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170729064939/http://www.all4syria.info/Archive/412366|archive-date=29 July 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 27 May, according to Al-Mayadeen, Tahrir al-Sham and Saraya Ahl al-Sham clashed with the [[Religion:Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant|Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant]] in the western Qalamoun Mountains near [[Place:Arsal|Arsal]], Lebanon–Syria border. 33 fighters were killed from both sides.<ref name=arsal>{{cite web|url=http://www.almayadeen.net/news/politics/57838/%D9%82%D8%AA%D9%84%D9%89-%D9%88%D8%AC%D8%B1%D8%AD%D9%89-%D8%A8%D8%B5%D9%81%D9%88%D9%81-%D8%AF%D8%A7%D8%B9%D8%B4-%D9%88%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%86%D8%B5%D8%B1%D8%A9-%D9%81%D9%8A-%D8%AC%D8%B1%D9%88%D8%AF-%D8%B9%D8%B1%D8%B3%D8%A7%D9%84-%D8%A8%D9%8A%D9%86%D9%87%D9%85-%D9%85%D8%B3%D8%A4%D9%88%D9%84%D9%88%D9%86-%D9%85%D9%8A|title=Widening clashes between the front and the victory of the Lebanese organization Daesh Jarod Arsal|work=Al Mayadeen|date=27 May 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170702103152/http://www.almayadeen.net/news/politics/57838/%D9%82%D8%AA%D9%84%D9%89-%D9%88%D8%AC%D8%B1%D8%AD%D9%89-%D8%A8%D8%B5%D9%81%D9%88%D9%81-%D8%AF%D8%A7%D8%B9%D8%B4-%D9%88%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%86%D8%B5%D8%B1%D8%A9-%D9%81%D9%8A-%D8%AC%D8%B1%D9%88%D8%AF-%D8%B9%D8%B1%D8%B3%D8%A7%D9%84-%D8%A8%D9%8A%D9%86%D9%87%D9%85-%D9%85%D8%B3%D8%A4%D9%88%D9%84%D9%88%D9%86-%D9%85%D9%8A|archive-date=2 July 2017|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

On 29 May, Tahrir al-Sham arrested opposition activist and FSA commander Abdul Baset al-Sarout after accusing him of participating in an anti-HTS protest in Maarat al-Nu'man.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://aletihadpress.com/2017/05/30/%D8%AC%D8%A8%D9%87%D8%A9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%86%D8%B5%D8%B1%D8%A9-%D8%AA%D8%B9%D8%AA%D9%82%D9%84-%D8%B9%D8%A8%D8%AF-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A8%D8%A7%D8%B3%D8%B7-%D8%B3%D8%A7%D8%B1%D9%88%D8%AA-%D8%A8%D8%AA%D9%87/|title=Front victory arrest Abdul Baset Al-Sarout on charges of incitement|work=Al Etihad Press|date=30 May 2017|access-date=30 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170603231234/http://aletihadpress.com/2017/05/30/%D8%AC%D8%A8%D9%87%D8%A9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%86%D8%B5%D8%B1%D8%A9-%D8%AA%D8%B9%D8%AA%D9%82%D9%84-%D8%B9%D8%A8%D8%AF-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A8%D8%A7%D8%B3%D8%B7-%D8%B3%D8%A7%D8%B1%D9%88%D8%AA-%D8%A8%D8%AA%D9%87|archive-date=3 June 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>

====June====
On 2 June 2017, defectors from the Northern Brigade's Commandos of Islam Brigade reportedly joined Tahrir al-Sham, although Captain Kuja, leader of the unit, stated that he is still part of the Northern Brigade.<ref name="auto7">{{cite web|url=http://www.alnour.com.lb/ar/news/security/2017-06-02_132729/%D9%83%D8%AA%D9%8A%D8%A8%D8%A9-%D8%AA%D9%82%D8%A7%D8%AF-%D9%88%D9%83%D8%AA%D8%A7%D8%A6%D8%A8-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A5%D8%B3%D9%84%D8%A7%D9%85-%D9%8A%D9%86%D9%81%D9%8A%D8%A7%D9%86-%D9%85%D8%A8%D8%A7%D9%8A%D8%B9%D8%AA%D9%87%D9%85%D8%A7-%D9%84%D9%80%D9%87%D9%8A%D8%A6%D8%A9-%D8%AA%D8%AD%D8%B1%D9%8A%D8%B1-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B4%D8%A7|title="Battalion driven" and "Islam Brigades" deny Mbaiathma for "Sham edit body"|work=Al-Nour|date=2 June 2017|access-date=4 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170606062949/http://www.alnour.com.lb/ar/news/security/2017-06-02_132729/%D9%83%D8%AA%D9%8A%D8%A8%D8%A9-%D8%AA%D9%82%D8%A7%D8%AF-%D9%88%D9%83%D8%AA%D8%A7%D8%A6%D8%A8-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A5%D8%B3%D9%84%D8%A7%D9%85-%D9%8A%D9%86%D9%81%D9%8A%D8%A7%D9%86-%D9%85%D8%A8%D8%A7%D9%8A%D8%B9%D8%AA%D9%87%D9%85%D8%A7-%D9%84%D9%80%D9%87%D9%8A%D8%A6%D8%A9-%D8%AA%D8%AD%D8%B1%D9%8A%D8%B1-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B4%D8%A7|archive-date=6 June 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name=north>{{cite web|url=http://www.all4syria.info/Archive/415034|title=Northern Brigade separates from Sham Legion|work=All4Syria|date=30 May 2017|access-date=4 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170728211429/http://www.all4syria.info/Archive/415034|archive-date=28 July 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>

====July====
During 18–23 July, HTS launched a series of attacks on Ahrar al-Sham positions, which were quickly abandoned.<ref name="Combating Terrorism Center at West Point 2018 How al-Qa`ida Lost Control"/> On 20 July 2017, the Nour al-Din al-Zenki Movement led by Sheikh Tawfiq Shahabuddin announced its withdrawal from Tahrir al-Sham amid widespread conflict between HTS and Ahrar al-Sham, and became an independent Islamist group.<ref name=defect/> On 23 July 2017, Tahrir al-Sham expelled the remnants of Ahrar al-Sham from Idlib, capturing the entire city<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.yahoo.com/news/jihadists-control-syrias-idlib-rebel-pull-monitor-174640264.html|title=Jihadists take control of major Syrian city|work=Yahoo! News|agency=AFP|first=Rana|last=Moussaoui|access-date=14 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190416211631/https://www.yahoo.com/news/jihadists-control-syrias-idlib-rebel-pull-monitor-174640264.html|archive-date=16 April 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> as well as 60% of the Idlib Governorate.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sn4hr.org/wp-content/pdf/english/Report_of_violations_of_the_Hay’et_Tahrir_al%20Sham_en.pdf|title=Hay'at Tahrir al Sham Commits Wide Violations in Idlib Governorate|work=Syrian Network for Human Rights|date=21 October 2017|access-date=8 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190612141924/http://sn4hr.org/wp-content/pdf/english/Report_of_violations_of_the_Hay%E2%80%99et_Tahrir_al%20Sham_en.pdf|archive-date=12 June 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> HTS was now the dominant armed group in opposition-held NW Syria.<ref name="Combating Terrorism Center at West Point 2018 How al-Qa`ida Lost Control"/>

====August====
On 18 August 2017, Tahrir al-Sham captured 8 rebel fighters from the town of Madaya after it accused them of wanting to return to Madaya during a ceasefire agreement.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://en.zamanalwsl.net/news/29129.html|title=Idlib: Tahrir al-Sham arrests 8 fighters fled Madaya town|work=Zaman al-Wasl|date=20 August 2017|access-date=21 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170821125232/https://en.zamanalwsl.net/news/29129.html|archive-date=21 August 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>

====Attacks (early 2017)====

On 25 February 2017, 5<ref>{{cite tweet|number=835392629672140800|user=MousaAlomar|title=عاجل | خمس انغماسيين لهيئة تحرير...|access-date=28 February 2017|date=24 February 2017 }}<br />{{cite web |url=https://twitter.com/NorthernStork/status/835400163833360389 |title=5 HTS fighters stormed HQs of general and military security branchs &#91;sic&#93; in # Homs killed dozens including head of military security |date=25 February 2017 |website=Twitter |url-status=dead |access-date=28 February 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170315111630/https://twitter.com/NorthernStork/status/835400163833360389 |archive-date=15 March 2017 |df=dmy-all }}<br />{{cite tweet|number=835726268553392128|user=mmmlmnmmlnl|title=لله در #هيئة_تحرير_الشام، عشرات...|access-date=28 February 2017|date=25 February 2017 }}<br />{{cite tweet|number=835743596397670400|user=mmmlmnmmlnl|title=ﺧﻤﺴﺔ ﺷﺒﺎﻥ ﺷﺠﻌﺎﻥ ﻗﺘﻠﻮﺍ ﻓﻲ ﻫﺠﻤﺔ ﺧﺎﻃﻔﺔ...|access-date=28 February 2017|date=25 February 2017 }}</ref> Tahrir al-Sham suicide bombers attacked the headquarters of the Syrian military intelligence in Homs, killing dozens of security forces, including the head of the military security in Homs.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-idUSKBN16405J|title=Bombings, air strikes in Syria rattle Geneva peace talks|work=Reuters|date=25 February 2017|access-date=2 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170829165706/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-idUSKBN16405J|archive-date=29 August 2017|url-status=live}}<br />{{cite tweet|number=835406465141735425|user=JohnArterbury|title=Suicide attacks in Homs city kill at...|access-date=28 February 2017|date=25 February 2017 }}<br />{{cite tweet|number=835405367651753984|user=C_Military1|title=#عاجل ارتقاء 30 من رجال الأمن العسكري...|access-date=28 February 2017|date=25 February 2017 }}</ref> Pictures of the attackers were released on Twitter.<ref>{{cite tweet|number=835577173956243456|user=Rami_Dalati|title=تقبلكم الله وغفر لكم ولكم خالص الدعاء...|access-date=28 February 2017|date=25 February 2017 }}<br />{{cite tweet|number=835761549100843008|user=wkaltnbd|title=الذين أقضوا مضجع الأسد وقتلو50عنصر...|date= 26 Feb 2017 }}</ref> One of the attackers was a Khan Shaykhun native called Abu Hurayra (Safi Qatini), according to social media sources.<ref>{{cite tweet|number=836238709754310656|user=MousaAlomar|title=صافي قطيني ( ابو هريرة ) من خان شيخون...|access-date=28 February 2017|date=27 February 2017 }}</ref> The State Security branch chief and Military security branch chief died in the attack, according to social media sources.<ref>{{cite tweet|number=835732484436406274|user=mmmlmnmmlnl|title=ماذا نسمي المعارض (الوطني الشريف...|access-date=28 February 2017|date=25 February 2017 }}</ref> Hassan Daaboul was among the 40 assassinated by Hayyat Tahrir al-Sham.<ref name="jihadism in Syria">{{cite web|url=http://www.thenational.ae/opinion/comment/what-daabuls-death-says-about-jihadism-in-syria|title=What Daabul's death says about jihadism in Syria - The National|author=Hassan Hassan|work=The National|date=26 February 2017|access-date=27 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170227114310/http://www.thenational.ae/opinion/comment/what-daabuls-death-says-about-jihadism-in-syria|archive-date=27 February 2017|url-status=live}}<br />{{cite tweet|number=835469780689678336|user=Terror_Monitor|title=#SYRIA Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (#HTS)...|access-date=28 February 2017|date=25 February 2017 }}<br />{{cite tweet|number=835607237267714048|user=weddady|title=The regime General killed in today's...|access-date=28 February 2017|date=25 February 2017 }}<br />{{cite web |url=https://twitter.com/NorthernStork/status/835419319274258432 |title=most of victims documented in #Caesar report were tortured to death on the order of this criminal, former head of section 215 Hassan Daboul |date=25 February 2017 |website=Twitter |url-status=dead |access-date=28 February 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170315111632/https://twitter.com/NorthernStork/status/835419319274258432 |archive-date=15 March 2017 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> The explosion killed Ibrahim Darwish, a Brigadier General and the state security branch's chief.<ref>{{cite tweet|number=835414109021687808|user=AJABreaking|title=عاجل | سبوتنيك: مقتل رئيس فرع أمن...|access-date=28 February 2017|date=25 February 2017 }}<br />{{cite tweet|number=835416187618148352|user=mmmlmnmmlnl|title=رئيس فرع أمن الدولة يلحق برئيس فرع...|access-date=28 February 2017|date=25 February 2017 }}<br />{{cite web|url=http://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2017/02/syrian-military-intelligence-official-killed-in-suicide-assault-in-homs.php|last=Joscelyn|first=Thomas|title=Syrian military intelligence official killed in suicide assault in Homs|website=Long War Journal|publisher=Foundation for Defense of Democracies|date=25 February 2017|access-date=28 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170301092747/http://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2017/02/syrian-military-intelligence-official-killed-in-suicide-assault-in-homs.php|archive-date=1 March 2017|url-status=live}}<br />{{cite tweet|number=835711536991731712|user=LongWarJournal|title=Syrian military intelligence official...|access-date=28 February 2017|date=25 February 2017 }}</ref> Syrian reporter Moussa al-Omar posted pictures of officers and soldiers who were killed.<ref>{{cite tweet|number=835529838769360898|user=MousaAlomar|title=النظام ينعي عشرات القتلى من جنوده...|access-date=28 February 2017|date=25 February 2017 }}</ref> The War Center Media gave a figure of six suicide attackers and a death toll of thirty.<ref>{{cite tweet|number=835408973054554113|user=MousaAlomar|title=الاستشهادي تقبله الله ومن غلاوة رئيس...|access-date=28 February 2017|date=25 February 2017 }}</ref> The death toll was given at twenty by Moussa when he posted it a breaking.<ref>{{cite tweet|number=835418994886774785|user=MousaAlomar|title=أول خبر كان قبل سبوتنيك وقبل تبني...|access-date=28 February 2017|date=25 February 2017 }}</ref> The death toll was given at thirty five on 24 February according to Moussa.<ref>{{cite tweet|number=835396665334988800|user=MousaAlomar|title=عاجل | مقتل اللواء حسن دعبول رئيس فرع...|access-date=28 February 2017|date=24 February 2017 }}</ref> The injured numbered fifty four and the dead numbered forty seven on 25 February according to Moussa.<ref>{{cite tweet|number=835427611199275008|user=MousaAlomar|title=عاجل | ارتفاع عدد قتلى عناصر وضباط...|access-date=28 February 2017|date=25 February 2017 }}</ref> Abu Yusuf al-Muhajir, a Tahrir al-Sham military spokesman was interviewed by Human Voice on the bombings.<ref>{{cite news |last=مهنا |first=ناجي |date=26 February 2017 |title=بالأسماء: توثيق مقتل 31 ضباط في تفجير حمص |url=https://human-voice.co/policy/7214/ |work=هيومن فويس |access-date=27 February 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180813044537/https://human-voice.co/policy/7214/ |archive-date=13 August 2018 |url-status=live }}<br />{{cite web |url=https://twitter.com/almuhager17/status/835809691729084422 |title=تفاصيل ومعلومات حصرية حول تفجيرات حمص |last=المهاجر |first=أبو يوسف |date=26 February 2017 |website=Twitter |access-date=28 February 2017 }}{{dead link|date=March 2018 |fix-attempted=yes |bot=TweetCiteBot }}<br />{{cite tweet|number=835811797512896512|user=mmmlmnmmlnl|title=أبو يوسف المهاجر -الناطق العسكري باسم...|access-date=28 February 2017|date=26 February 2017 }}</ref> Twenty-six names were released.<ref>{{cite news |last=محمد |first=حسام |date=26 February 2017 |title=تفاصيل ومعلومات حصرية حول تفجيرات حمص |url=https://human-voice.co/policy/7221/ |work=هيومن فويس |access-date=27 February 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180813044319/https://human-voice.co/policy/7221/ |archive-date=13 August 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref> Sheikh Samir bin Ali Ka'aka Abu Abdurrahman from Eastern Ghouta suggested that the attack was carried out by Iranians in a dispute between Russians and Iranians.<ref>{{cite tweet|number=835688658036539400|user=sameerkakeh|title=منقوووووووووووووووول ما حصل في حمص...|access-date=28 February 2017|date= 25 February 2017 }}<br />{{cite web |url=https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=236647016805717&id=100013812619869 |title=منقوووووووووووووووول |last=علي |first=سمير |date= 25 February 2017 |website=Facebook |access-date=28 February 2017}}<br />{{cite tweet|number=835919239882104834|user=mmmlmnmmlnl|title=تقبل تعازي فطائس #عملية_حمص في منزل...|access-date=28 February 2017|date=26 February 2017 }}</ref> Geneva-based opposition Syrians claimed that the Homs strike was carried out by the government.<ref>{{cite tweet|number=835836661745528832|user=thomasjoscelyn|title=Syrian opposition sources in Geneva...|date= 26 Feb 2017 }}</ref> The attack took place the same time as the beginning of the Geneva Four talks.<ref>{{cite tweet|number=835758624110690304|user=mmmlmnmmlnl|title=في جنيف2 أطلق ثوار درعا معركة...|access-date=28 February 2017|date=25 February 2017 }}<br />{{cite tweet|number=835728760859156480|user=mmmlmnmmlnl|title=كادت مفاوضات #جنيف أن تسقط النظام...|access-date=28 February 2017|date=25 February 2017 }}</ref> The attack was praised by Liwa Omar al-Farouq Brigade leader in Ahrar Al-Sham, Abu Abdul Malik (Mahmoud Nemah).<ref>{{cite tweet|number=835605743847997441|user=mahmoud_nemah|title=عملية هيئة تحرير الشام أعادت للنفوس...|access-date=28 February 2017|date= 25 February 2017 }}</ref> The attack was mentioned in an article in the publication ''Al-Masra'' by Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula.<ref>{{cite tweet|number=836282545402593284|user=Terror_Monitor|title=#YEMEN Pro-#AQAP's #AlMasra Newspaper...|access-date=28 February 2017|date=27 February 2017 }}<br />{{cite web |url=http://jihadology.net/2017/02/27/new-issue-of-an%e1%b9%a3ar-al-shariah-in-the-arabian-peninsulas-newspaper-al-masra-41/ |title=New issue of Anṣār al-Sharī'ah in the Arabian Peninsula's newspaper: "al-Masrā #41" |date=27 February 2017 |website=Jihadology |access-date=1 March 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170301000428/http://jihadology.net/2017/02/27/new-issue-of-an%e1%b9%a3ar-al-shariah-in-the-arabian-peninsulas-newspaper-al-masra-41/ |archive-date=1 March 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref> HTS leader Abu Mohammed al-Julani mentioned the Homs attack, stating that it was a message for the "defeatist politicians" to "step aside."<ref>{{cite AV media |date=27 February 2017 |title=بيان عسكري حول العملية الأمنية في حمص للشيخ/ الفاتح أبو محمد الجولاني - القائد العسكري العام |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b5bEDxNmivo |publisher=تحرير الشام |access-date=27 February 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170228165914/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b5bEDxNmivo |archive-date=28 February 2017 |url-status=live }}<br />{{cite tweet|number=836325598645616640|user=hxhassan|title=Jolani says the operation to...|access-date=28 February 2017|date=27 February 2017 }}<br />{{cite tweet|number=836299749967933442|user=RomainCaillet|title=1e apparition d'Abu Muhammad al-...|access-date=28 February 2017|date=27 February 2017 }}<br />{{cite web |url=http://jihadology.net/2017/02/27/new-video-message-from-hayyat-ta%e1%b8%a5rir-al-shams-abu-mu%e1%b8%a5ammad-al-jawlani-military-statement-about-the-blessed-security-operation-in-%e1%b8%a5om%e1%b9%a3/ |title=New video message from Hayy'at Taḥrīr al-Shām's Abū Muḥammad al-Jawlānī: "Military Statement About the Blessed Security Operation in Ḥomṣ" |date=February 27, 2017 |website=Jihadology |access-date=2 March 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170302062924/http://jihadology.net/2017/02/27/new-video-message-from-hayyat-ta%E1%B8%A5rir-al-shams-abu-mu%E1%B8%A5ammad-al-jawlani-military-statement-about-the-blessed-security-operation-in-%E1%B8%A5om%E1%B9%A3/ |archive-date=2 March 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref> It has been disputed that the raid resulted in the death of Ibrahim Darwish.<ref>{{cite news |last=Hassan |first=Hassan |date=26 February 2017 |title=What Daabul's death says about jihadism in Syria |url=http://www.thenational.ae/opinion/comment/what-daabuls-death-says-about-jihadism-in-syria |work=The Nation |access-date=27 February 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170227114310/http://www.thenational.ae/opinion/comment/what-daabuls-death-says-about-jihadism-in-syria |archive-date=27 February 2017 |url-status=live }}<br />{{cite tweet|number=836327813087182848|user=hxhassan|title=Tahrir al-Sham will likely refocus on...|access-date=28 February 2017|date=27 February 2017 }}</ref> Tariq Abdelhaleem posted a tweet on the Homs attack by Tahrir al-Sham.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/DMTAH/status/836666940168916996|title=حسن الضغيم .. وأحداث حمص|last=عبد الحليم|first=طارق|date=27 February 2017|website=Twitter|url-status=dead|access-date=28 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170315054323/https://twitter.com/DMTAH/status/836666940168916996|archive-date=15 March 2017|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

On 11 March 2017, Tahrir al-Sham carried out a twin bombing attack in the Bab al-Saghir area of Damascus's Old City, killing 76 and wounding 120. The death toll included 43 Iraqi pilgrims.<ref name="twin bombings">{{cite web|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/03/hardline-group-syria-claims-deadly-damascus-bombings-170312151904118.html|title=Tahrir al-Sham claims bombings in Syria's Damascus|access-date=13 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170313010153/http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/03/hardline-group-syria-claims-deadly-damascus-bombings-170312151904118.html|archive-date=13 March 2017|url-status=live}}<br />{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-39250040|title=Syrian Al-Qaeda affiliate claims twin bombing in Damascus|date=12 March 2017|website=BBC|access-date=22 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180209132351/http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-39250040|archive-date=9 February 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> The attacks were at a shrine frequented by Shi'ite pilgrims and militiamen.<ref>[https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-damascus-idUSKBN16I0B2 At least 40 killed in Damascus bombing targeting Shi'ites] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180817003100/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-damascus-idUSKBN16I0B2 |date=17 August 2018 }} ''{{wipe|Reuters}}'' 11 March 2017</ref> They were described in a statement attributed to Tahrir al-Sham as targeting Iran-backed militias and pro-Assad fighters.<ref>[https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-damascus-idUSKBN16J0QM Syrian jihadists say responsible for Damascus double bomb attack] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171020031622/http://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-damascus-idUSKBN16J0QM |date=20 October 2017 }} ''{{wipe|Reuters}} 12 March 2017</ref>

===Beginning of decline, leadership passes from Abu Jaber (late 2017)===
From September to November 2017, there were a series of assassinations of HTS leaders, in particular foreign clerics associated with the most hardline elements, such as Abu Talha al-Ordini, Abu Abdulrahman al-Mohajer, Abu Sulaiman al-Maghribi, Abu Yahya al-Tunisi, Suraqa al-Maki and Abu Mohammad al-Sharii, as well as some local military leaders, including Abu Elias al-Baniasi, Mustafa al-Zahri, Saied Nasrallah and Hassan Bakour. There was speculation that the assassinations were carried out either by pro-Turkish perpetrators, given the hostility between Turkey and HTS in Idlib, or by supporters{{who|date=November 2021}} of Johani's attempt to turn the organization away from hardline Salafi-jihadi positions. There were also high-profile defections from HTS in the same period, including Abdullah al-Muhaysini and Muslah al-Alyani.<ref name="Syria From Within &#124; Chatham House 2017">{{cite web |title=Who Is Assassinating Hay'at Tahrir Al-Sham's Leaders? |website=Syria From Within &#124; Chatham House |date=21 November 2017 |url=https://syria.chathamhouse.org/research/who-is-assassinating-hayat-tahrir-al-shams-leaders |access-date=18 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181201145329/https://syria.chathamhouse.org/research/who-is-assassinating-hayat-tahrir-al-shams-leaders |archive-date=1 December 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref> In December, HTS arrested several prominent jihadi activists, former members of al-Nusra who remained loyal to al-Qaeda and rejected HTS's turn away from Salafi-jihadist positions. The move was interpreted as an attempt to re-establish as a more pragmatic, pan-Sunni group, with a more civilian structure. Al-Qaeda leader [[Biography:Ayman al-Zawahiri|Ayman al-Zawahiri]] denounced this turn.<ref name="Syria Deeply 2017 steps">{{cite web |title=Syria's Largest Militant Alliance Steps Further Away From Al-Qaeda |author=Mona Alami |website=Syria Deply |date=6 December 2017 |url=https://www.newsdeeply.com/syria/articles/2017/12/06/syrias-largest-militant-alliance-steps-further-away-from-al-qaida |access-date=19 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190215114842/https://www.newsdeeply.com/syria/articles/2017/12/06/syrias-largest-militant-alliance-steps-further-away-from-al-qaida |archive-date=15 February 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Shelton 2017">{{cite web |last=Shelton |first=Tracey |title=Al Qaeda trying to rebrand as deadly feud rips through leadership |website=ABC News |date=23 December 2017 |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-12-23/al-qaeda-divisions-may-aid-assad-as-he-eyes-syria-idlib/9274218 |access-date=19 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190114071122/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-12-23/al-qaeda-divisions-may-aid-assad-as-he-eyes-syria-idlib/9274218 |archive-date=14 January 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref>

HTS announced Abu Jaber's resignation as the group's leader on 1 October 2017. He was succeeded by Nusra Front founder Abu-Muhammad al-Julani, who had already been the de facto military commander.<ref name="Hashim al-Sheikh">{{cite web |title=Hashim al-Sheikh |website=Counter Extremism Project |date=16 March 2017 |url=https://www.counterextremism.com/extremists/hashim-al-sheikh |access-date=19 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181220230239/https://www.counterextremism.com/extremists/hashim-al-sheikh |archive-date=20 December 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Syria Deeply 4 Oct 2017">{{cite web |title=Executive Summary for October 4th, 2017 |website=Syria Deeply |date=4 October 2017 |url=https://www.newsdeeply.com/syria/executive-summaries/2017/10/04 |access-date=19 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181220235416/https://www.newsdeeply.com/syria/executive-summaries/2017/10/04 |archive-date=20 December 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref>

On 1 October 2017, the [[Biography:Ibn Taymiyyah|ibn Taymiyyah]] Battalions based in the town of Darat Izza defected from Tahrir al-Sham.<ref name=ibn>{{cite web|url=http://qasioun.net/ar/news/show/100013/%D8%AA%D8%AD%D8%B1%D9%8A%D8%B1_%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B4%D8%A7%D9%85_%D8%AA%D8%A8%D9%8A%D9%86_%D9%85%D9%84%D8%A7%D8%A8%D8%B3%D8%A7%D8%AA_%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A3%D8%AD%D8%AF%D8%A7%D8%AB_%D9%81%D9%8A_%D9%85%D8%AF%D9%8A%D9%86%D8%A9_%D8%AF%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%A9_%D8%B9%D8%B2%D8%A9_%D8%BA%D8%B1%D8%A8_%D8%AD%D9%84%D8%A8|title=Edit the Sham show the events of events in the city of Dara Azza West of Aleppo|work=Qasioun News Agency|date=2 October 2017|access-date=2 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171009195039/http://qasioun.net/ar/news/show/100013/%D8%AA%D8%AD%D8%B1%D9%8A%D8%B1_%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B4%D8%A7%D9%85_%D8%AA%D8%A8%D9%8A%D9%86_%D9%85%D9%84%D8%A7%D8%A8%D8%B3%D8%A7%D8%AA_%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A3%D8%AD%D8%AF%D8%A7%D8%AB_%D9%81%D9%8A_%D9%85%D8%AF%D9%8A%D9%86%D8%A9_%D8%AF%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%A9_%D8%B9%D8%B2%D8%A9_%D8%BA%D8%B1%D8%A8_%D8%AD%D9%84%D8%A8|archive-date=9 October 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>

In October 2017, Russia claimed to have injured Abu Mohammed al-Joulani in an air raid; HTS denied the claim.<ref name="The New Arab 2017 strike injured">{{cite web |author=The New Arab |title=Syria al-Qaeda affiliate denies Russian strike injured leader Joulani |website=alaraby |date=5 October 2017 |url=https://www.alaraby.co.uk/english/news/2017/10/5/syria-al-qaeda-affiliate-denies-russian-strike-injured-leader-jolani |access-date=19 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181220230438/https://www.alaraby.co.uk/english/news/2017/10/5/syria-al-qaeda-affiliate-denies-russian-strike-injured-leader-jolani |archive-date=20 December 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Syria Deeply 4 Oct 2017" />

In November 2017, violent clashes erupted between the Nour al-Din al-Zenki Movement and Tahrir al-Sham in northern Idlib and western Aleppo, mainly in the area between Atme and Khan al-Asal.<ref name=attack>{{cite web|url=https://www.almayadeen.net/news/politics/836699/%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%86%D8%B5%D8%B1%D8%A9-%D8%AA%D9%87%D8%A7%D8%AC%D9%85-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B2%D9%86%D9%83%D9%8A-%D9%81%D9%8A-%D8%B1%D9%8A%D9%81%D9%8A-%D8%AD%D9%84%D8%A8-%D9%88%D8%A5%D8%AF%D9%84%D8%A8---%D9%88%D8%A3%D9%86%D8%A8%D8%A7%D8%A1-%D8%B9%D9%86-%D8%AA%D8%AD%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%81-%D8%B9%D8%B3%D9%83%D8%B1|title=The victory attacks Zanki in the countryside of Aleppo and Idleb .. And news of a military alliance to confront them|publisher=Al Mayadeen|date=10 November 2017|access-date=12 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171112034508/http://www.almayadeen.net/news/politics/836699/%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%86%D8%B5%D8%B1%D8%A9-%D8%AA%D9%87%D8%A7%D8%AC%D9%85-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B2%D9%86%D9%83%D9%8A-%D9%81%D9%8A-%D8%B1%D9%8A%D9%81%D9%8A-%D8%AD%D9%84%D8%A8-%D9%88%D8%A5%D8%AF%D9%84%D8%A8---%D9%88%D8%A3%D9%86%D8%A8%D8%A7%D8%A1-%D8%B9%D9%86-%D8%AA%D8%AD%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%81-%D8%B9%D8%B3%D9%83%D8%B1|archive-date=12 November 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> HTS established the Syrian Salvation Government in Idlib, as a rival to the Syrian Interim Government recognized by other rebels.<ref name="Petkova 2018" />

In early 2018, there were reports that HTS had been significantly weakened, and now had "a small presence in Eastern Ghouta and declining influence in Idlib, northern Hama, and western Aleppo provinces", with just 250 men in Eastern Ghouta<ref name="Petkova 2018">{{cite web |last=Petkova |first=Mariya |title=Where is al-Qaeda in Syria? |publisher=Al Jazeera |date=1 March 2018 |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/03/al-qaeda-syria-180301152110387.html |access-date=15 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190609180713/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/03/al-qaeda-syria-180301152110387.html |archive-date=9 June 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref> and a total of 12,000 fighters.<ref name="Combating Terrorism Center at West Point 2018 How al-Qa`ida Lost Control" />

In February 2018, Tahrir al-Sham was accused of killing Fayez al-Madani, an opposition delegate tasked with negotiations with the government over [[Physics:Electricity delivery|electricity delivery]] in the northern Homs Governorate, in the city of al-Rastan. Hundreds of people, including fighters of the Men of God Brigade, part of the Free Syrian Army's National Liberation Movement group,<ref name="wordpress.com" /><ref name="wordpress.com1" /><ref>{{cite web|url=https://docs.google.com/document/d/1aI3yAmNGW1vLpJCOrhiVLqpUUIX9PG1RNsCqJGGfhxI/edit?usp=embed_facebook|title=Syrian Civil War factions|website=Google Docs|access-date=21 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171019080753/https://docs.google.com/document/d/1aI3yAmNGW1vLpJCOrhiVLqpUUIX9PG1RNsCqJGGfhxI/edit?usp=embed_facebook|archive-date=19 October 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> proceeded to demonstrate against HTS in the city on 13 February. In response, HTS withdrew from Rastan and handed over its headquarters in the city to the Men of God Brigade.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://syriadirect.org/news/hts-leaves-north-homs-town-following-civilian-protests/|title=HTS leaves north Homs town following civilian protests|publisher=Syria Direct|date=14 February 2018|access-date=17 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180217202910/http://syriadirect.org/news/hts-leaves-north-homs-town-following-civilian-protests/|archive-date=17 February 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> A breakaway faction of former HTS members was formed in February 2018, called the Guardians of Religion Organization.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://syrianwardaily.wordpress.com/2018/02/28/syrian-war-daily-28th-of-february-2018/|title=Syrian War Daily – 28th of February 2018|work=Syrian War Daily|date=28 February 2018|author=Joško Barić|access-date=1 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180301112657/https://syrianwardaily.wordpress.com/2018/02/28/syrian-war-daily-28th-of-february-2018/|archive-date=1 March 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>{{better source needed|WP:SPS|date=September 2018}}

HTS was left excluded of the 24 February ceasefire agreement on Eastern Ghouta. In late February, a group of armed factions, including Failaq al-Rahman and Jaysh al-Islam, wrote to the UN declaring they were ready to "evacuate" remaining HTS fighters from Eastern Ghouta within 15 days.<ref name="Petkova 2018" /> At the same time in Idlib Governorate, Ahrar al-Sham, Nour al-Din al-Zinki and Soqour al-Sham entered into conflict with HTS, taking significant territory.<ref name="Petkova 2018" />

During late 2017 and early 2018, it co-operated with Turkey in Idlib, leading to deepening tensions between the more pragmatic leadership and more hardline (especially foreign fighters) elements hostile to working with Turkey. Some of the latter split in February 2018 to form Huras al-Din. The HTS leadership also cracked down on remaining ISIS splinter cells active in Idlib. By August, when HTS entered into (unsuccessful) negotiations with Russia and Turkey, HTS was estimated to have around 3,000–4,000 foreign fighters, including non-Syrian Arabs, out of a total of 16,000 HTS fighters. On 31 August, Turkey declared HTS a terrorist organization.<ref name="Petkova 2018 After Sochi" />

===2019===

===Revival and victory in Idlib===
In January 2019, HTS was able to seize dozens of villages from rivals, and afterwards, a deal was reached in which the civil administration was to be led by HTS in the whole rebel-held Idlib Governorate.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/al-qaida-linked-group-in-syria-expands-presence-in-northwest/2019/01/10/630c0fc2-14f1-11e9-ab79-30cd4f7926f2_story.html |title=Al-Qaida-linked group in Syria strengthens hold on northwest|agency=Associated Press|date=10 January 2019|newspaper=Washington Post|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190110215258/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/al-qaida-linked-group-in-syria-expands-presence-in-northwest/2019/01/10/630c0fc2-14f1-11e9-ab79-30cd4f7926f2_story.html |archive-date=10 January 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref>

In the wake of the 5th Idlib inter-rebel conflict, HTS gained control of nearly the entire Idlib pocket, after defeating the Turkish-backed National Front for Liberation. Following their victory, Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham would immediately violate the ceasefire treaty brokered by [[Place:Turkey|Turkey]] and {{wipe|Russia}} by placing combat units in the demilitarized zone along the Idlib-Syrian Government border, and attack SAA encampments near the area. In response to these attacks, Syrian president Bashar al-Assad increased the number of troops garrisoned near Idlib, which some have argued is an impending renewed offensive in the region, following the Northwestern Syria Campaign, where pro-government forces retook the formerly rebel-controlled Abu al-Duhur Military Airbase that was captured by the FSA and Army of Conquest in 2015. In 2019, the U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary Defense Michael Mulroy stated that “Idlib is essentially the largest collection of al Qaeda affiliates in the world.” <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/policy/defense-national-security/russia-prepares-crushing-offensive-in-syria|title=Russia prepares 'crushing' offensive in Syria|date=10 June 2019|website=Washington Examiner|access-date=30 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190611121258/https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/policy/defense-national-security/russia-prepares-crushing-offensive-in-syria|archive-date=11 June 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.voanews.com/extremism-watch/military-escalation-continues-northwest-syria|title=Military Escalation Continues in Northwest Syria|website=Voice of America|access-date=21 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190821143735/https://www.voanews.com/extremism-watch/military-escalation-continues-northwest-syria|archive-date=21 August 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.meforum.org/57831/hayat-tahir-al-sham-and-al-qaeda-affiliates-or|title=Hayat Tahir al-Sham and al-Qaeda: Affiliates or Foes?|first=Aymenn Jawad|last=al-Tamimi|website=Middle East Forum|access-date=12 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190505002453/https://www.meforum.org/57831/hayat-tahir-al-sham-and-al-qaeda-affiliates-or|archive-date=5 May 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.c-span.org/video/?460180-2/syria-middle-east-security-michael-mulroy-remarks|title=Syria and Middle East Security, Michael Mulroy Remarks &#124; C-SPAN.org|website=c-span.org|access-date=8 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190630144520/https://www.c-span.org/video/?460180-2%2Fsyria-middle-east-security-michael-mulroy-remarks|archive-date=30 June 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>
On July 10-11, 57 pro-government fighters were killed when Tahrir al-Sham militants attacked Syrian positions near the fortified village of Hamamiyat. 44 militants were also killed.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20190712-war-monitor-says-71-fighters-killed-in-unrest-in-north-west-syria/|title=War monitor says 71 fighters killed in unrest in north-west Syria|publisher=Middle East Monitor|access-date=2019-07-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190713154729/https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20190712-war-monitor-says-71-fighters-killed-in-unrest-in-north-west-syria/|archive-date=13 July 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thenational.ae/world/mena/fierce-fighting-in-syria-s-north-west-claims-more-than-100-lives-1.885428|title=Fierce fighting in Syria's north-west claims more than 100 lives|publisher=The National|access-date=2019-07-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190712103328/https://www.thenational.ae/world/mena/fierce-fighting-in-syria-s-north-west-claims-more-than-100-lives-1.885428|archive-date=12 July 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== 2020–2022===

On 1 March 2021 it was reported that Hayat Tahrir al-Sham intensified its campaign against an al-Qaeda affiliate in Idlib.<ref name=almcam>{{cite web|url=https://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2021/02/syria-idlib-hayat-tahrir-al-sham-al-qaeda-arrest-weaken.html|title=Hayat Tahrir al-Sham intensifies campaign against al-Qaeda affiliate in Idlib|work=Al-Monitor|author=Khaled al-Khateb|date=1 March 2021|access-date=1 March 2021}}</ref>

As of 2 January 2022, the group was reportedly "trying to convince Syrians and the world that it is no longer as radical and repressive as it once was", voicing rhetoric about combating extremism, and shifting its focus to providing services to the refugees and residents of Idlib province through the Salvation Government.<ref name=soften-1-2022>{{cite news |agency= Washington Post |title=Former Al-Qaeda Affiliate in Syria seems to soften its brand |date=2 January 2022 |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/01/02/syria-idlib-hts-qaeda-militants/ |access-date=2 January 2022}}</ref>

==Ideology and governance==
Abu Jaber, one of Tahrir al-Sham's leaders, has Salafist jihadist beliefs. This has resulted in him being arrested several times by the Syrian government. He was imprisoned at the Sednaya Prison in 2005 and released among several jihadist prisoners in 2011 who would form several Salafist rebel groups during the Syrian Civil War.<ref name=jaber/> Abu Jaber has also professed a belief in "Popular Jihad", a bottom-to-top approach in which jihadists would win the hearts and minds of the people, before setting out to establish jihadi governance, after receiving enough popular support, which is notably the opposite of ISIL's "elite Jihad" top-to-bottom approach.<ref name="al-Qaeda's grand plan" />

In 2017, some analysts argued that the group continued to maintain many of [[Religion:Al-Nusra Front|al-Nusra Front]]'s al-Qaeda ideologies.{{Citation needed|date=November 2020}} The Combating Terrorism Center also reported that despite public statements by some of Tahrir al-Sham's top figures, the group was still largely the same al-Qaeda-aligned group it was back when it was known as al-Nusra.<ref name="formation" />

On 18 June 2019, HTS released a statement offering condolences to [[Place:Egypt|Egypt]]'s former President Muhammad Morsi upon his death.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://jihadology.net/2019/06/18/new-statement-from-hayat-ta%E1%B8%A5rir-al-sham-condolences-on-the-dismounting-of-dr-mu%E1%B8%A5ammad-mursi/|title=New statement from Hay'at Taḥrīr al-Shām: "Condolences on the Dismounting of Dr. Muḥammad Mursī"|website=jihadology.net|access-date=21 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190627172443/https://jihadology.net/2019/06/18/new-statement-from-hayat-ta%e1%b8%a5rir-al-sham-condolences-on-the-dismounting-of-dr-mu%e1%b8%a5ammad-mursi/|archive-date=27 June 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Public opinion===
[[File:Protests against the Syrian Salvation Government at Free Aleppo University.png|right|thumb|Students of the Free Aleppo University in al-Dana protest against the closure of several faculties by the Syrian Salvation Government which is affiliated with Tahrir al-Sham.]]

The ECHO Research Centre at Laurentian University conducted an [[Opinion poll|opinion poll]] on 4,858 residents in several areas of Syria between 10 July 2017 and 28 July 2017. According to the poll's results, 77% of those surveyed disagreed with the Salafist ideology Tahrir al-Sham and other Salafist groups promote in Idlib, 73% rejected HTS-affiliated local councils in Idlib, 66% agreed that HTS is part of al-Qaeda in Syria, and 63% claimed that the dominance of HTS in Idlib will lead to a "second Tora Bora". Of those who participated in the poll, nearly all of them (close to 100%) considered HTS to be contrary to the goals of the Syrian opposition, although they were split in its extent. 51% of them considered HTS to be contrary to the opposition since its inception, 42% considered HTS to be previously consistent with the opposition, but is no longer so, and 7% considered HTS to be a counter-revolutionary organization.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.all4syria.info/Archive/437312|title=A poll of the population of Idlib .. in light of the deportation of dissidents|work=All4Syria|date=27 August 2017|access-date=30 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170830152546/http://www.all4syria.info/Archive/437312|archive-date=30 August 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Structure==
===Member groups===
The groups in ''italic'' are defectors from Ahrar al-Sham which either left to join Jabhat Fateh al-Sham in the last few days of its existence, or joined its successor group Tahrir al-Sham.
{{div col|colwidth=20em}}
* Jabhat Fateh al-Sham
** Jaish al-Muhajireen wal-Ansar<ref name=lma>{{cite web|url=http://www.chechensinsyria.com/?p=26280|title=Mansur Dagestani, Amir of Liwa Muhajireen Wal Ansar, Killed in N. Hama|work=From Chechnya to Syria|author=Joanna Paraszczuk|date=22 May 2019|access-date=3 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190614221422/http://www.chechensinsyria.com/?p=26280|archive-date=14 June 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>
*** Green Battalion
*** Syrian Islamic Jihad Union (ex-Ansar Jihad)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2019/07/un-islamic-jihad-union-operates-in-syria.php |title=UN: Islamic Jihad Union operates in Syria |author=Caleb Weiss |work=Long War Journal |date=31 July 2019 |access-date=3 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190803012443/https://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2019/07/un-islamic-jihad-union-operates-in-syria.php |archive-date=3 August 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref>
** Khorasan group
** Suqour al-Ezz
** Imam Bukhari Jamaat<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rferl.org/a/uzbek-suicide-bomber-syria/27260806.html|title=The Last Moments Of A Suicide Bomber In Syria|website=RadioFreeEurope/RadioLiberty|access-date=21 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190612141933/https://www.rferl.org/a/uzbek-suicide-bomber-syria/27260806.html|archive-date=12 June 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>
** Tawhid and Jihad Battalion ("Katibat al-Tawhid wal-Jihad")<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2019/06/foreign-jihadists-involved-in-hama-fighting.php |title=Foreign jihadists involved in Hama fighting |author=Caleb Weiss |work=Long War Journal |date=12 June 2019 |access-date=15 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190614232327/https://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2019/06/foreign-jihadists-involved-in-hama-fighting.php |archive-date=14 June 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref>
** Army of Muhammad
** Jamaat al-Murabitin<ref>{{cite web|url=http://aranews.net/2016/03/isis-deserters-form-new-militant-group/|title=ISIS deserters form new militia southern Syria - ARA News|work=ARA News|access-date=8 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160413033721/http://aranews.net/2016/03/isis-deserters-form-new-militant-group/|archive-date=13 April 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref>
** Bin Laden Front<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/syria-al-qaedas-new-home|title=Syria: al Qaeda's New Home|work=Vice News|date=24 January 2014|access-date=29 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170107171936/https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/syria-al-qaedas-new-home|archive-date=7 January 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>
** ''Al-Bara''<ref name="twitter.com2">{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/account/suspended|title=Twitter / Account Suspended|website=twitter.com|access-date=21 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190222000052/https://twitter.com/account/suspended|archive-date=22 February 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>
** ''Dhu Nurayn''
** ''Al-Sawa'iq''
** ''Army of the Levant''<ref>{{cite tweet|number=830187804898553856|user=OmerOzkizilcik|title=Our work with @badly_xeroxed about...|access-date=28 February 2017|date=10 February 2017 }}</ref>
** Supporters of Jihad<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2017/02/uighur-jihadist-fought-in-afghanistan-killed-in-syria.php|title=Uighur jihadist fought in Afghanistan, killed in Syria - FDD's Long War Journal|website=FDD's Long War Journal|access-date=17 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170215122642/http://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2017/02/uighur-jihadist-fought-in-afghanistan-killed-in-syria.php|archive-date=15 February 2017|url-status=live|date=14 February 2017}}</ref>
**al-Ikhlas Brigade
**Mutah Brigade
**Ibn al-Qayyim Brigade
**al-Qaqa Islamic Brigade<ref>{{cite web |last1=Al-Baalbaky |first1=Rudayna |last2=Mhidi |first2=Ahmad |title=Tribes and the rule of the "Islamic State": the case of the Syrian city of Deir ez-Zor |url=https://www.aub.edu.lb/ifi/Documents/publications/research_reports/2018-2019/20181221_tribes_and_islamic_state.pdf |publisher=Issam Fares Institute for Public Policy and International Affairs, American University of Beirut |date=December 2018}}</ref>
* Ansar al-Din Front
* Liwa al-Haqq<ref name="new entity" />
* Jaysh al-Sunna (Idlib and Aleppo)<ref name="new entity" />
* ''Ashida'a Mujahideen Brigade''<ref name="twitter.com2"/>
* Rashid Battalions<ref name="twitter.com2"/><ref>{{cite tweet|number=825682132412489729|user=Terror_Monitor|title=#SYRIA Katibat Osoud Al-Rahman,...|access-date=28 February 2017|date=29 January 2017 }}</ref>{{Better source needed|date=February 2017}}
* Battalions of Companions<ref name="twitter.com2"/>{{Better source needed|date=February 2017}}
* ''Qawafil Shuhada''<ref name="twitter.com2"/><ref>{{cite tweet|number=825558681227890689|user=Terror_Monitor|title=#SYRIA 2 #AhrarAlSham Affiliate...|access-date=28 February 2017|date=28 January 2017 }}</ref>{{Better source needed|date=February 2017}}
* ''Abbas Brigade''<ref name="twitter.com2"/>{{Better source needed|date=February 2017}}
* ''Free Men of the Central Mountain''<ref name="twitter.com2"/>
* ''Saraya al-Aqsa''<ref name="twitter.com2"/><ref>{{cite tweet|number=825558029164634112|user=Terror_Monitor|title=#SYRIA #AhrarAlSham Affiliate 4...|access-date=28 February 2017|date=28 January 2017}}</ref>{{Better source needed|date=February 2017}}
* ''Katibat Aswed al-Harb''<ref name="reddit.com">{{cite web|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/syriancivilwar/comments/5qq8i9/translation_needed_a_long_list_of_factions_that/|title=r/syriancivilwar - [TRANSLATION NEEDED] A long list of factions that have been defecting to #HTS today|website=reddit|date=28 January 2017|access-date=29 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170207153730/https://www.reddit.com/r/syriancivilwar/comments/5qq8i9/translation_needed_a_long_list_of_factions_that/|archive-date=7 February 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>{{Better source needed|date=February 2017}}
* Lions of Rahman Battalion<ref name="twitter.com2"/>{{Better source needed|date=February 2017}}
* Jamaat Fursan al-Sunna<ref name="twitter.com2"/><ref>{{cite tweet|number=825737487255531524|user=Charles_Lister|title=Northern #Syria's "great sorting out"...|access-date=28 February 2017|date=29 January 2017}}</ref>{{Better source needed|date=February 2017}}
* Al-Sa'b al-Abiya tribal militias<ref name="twitter.com2"/>{{Better source needed|date=February 2017}}
* ''Tamkin Brigade''<ref>{{cite tweet|number=825760570238447617|user=QalaatAlMudiq|title=@QalaatAlMudiq Confirmed: important...|date=29 January 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite tweet|number=825770674723577856|user=sayed_ridha|title=More defections from Ahrar al-Sham...|access-date=28 February 2017|date=29 January 2017 }}</ref>{{Better source needed|date=February 2017}}
* ''Ahmad Asfan Battalions''<ref name="twitter.com2"/>{{Better source needed|date=February 2017}}
* ''Taliban Battalion''<ref name="twitter.com2"/>{{Better source needed|date=February 2017}}
* ''Mohamad al-'Asfourah Battalion''<ref>{{cite tweet|number=825982435707887616|user=sayed_ridha|title=Da'wa office official, some random...|access-date=30 January 2017|date=30 January 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite tweet|number=826152590559813633|user=middleeastwars|title=Shahid Mohammed Asfoura battalion...|access-date=30 January 2017|date=30 January 2017}}</ref>{{Better source needed|date=February 2017}}
* ''Asaad al-Khilafah''<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/Al_Maqal_PL/status/826021278960218112|title=Al Maqalaat Pubs on Twitter|access-date=30 January 2017}}{{dead link|date=March 2018|fix-attempted=yes|bot=TweetCiteBot}}</ref>{{Better source needed|date=February 2017}}
* ''Abu Islam's Armored Brigade''<ref name="twitter.com3">{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/Al_Maqal_PL/status/826069601842843652|title=Al Maqalaat Pubs on Twitter|access-date=30 January 2017}}{{dead link|date=March 2018|fix-attempted=yes|bot=TweetCiteBot}}</ref>{{Better source needed|date=February 2017}}
* ''Al-Khattab Battalions''<ref>{{cite tweet|number=826173667771965441|user=archicivilians|title=All reports about #AhrarAlSham groups...|date=30 January 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/Al_Maqal_PL/status/826032214500585472|title=Al Maqalaat Pubs on Twitter|access-date=30 January 2017}}{{dead link|date=March 2018|fix-attempted=yes|bot=TweetCiteBot}}</ref>{{Better source needed|date=February 2017}}
* ''Hudhayfah ibn al-Yaman Battalions''<ref>{{cite tweet|number=826258700033683456|user=Terror_Monitor|title=#SYRIA #AhrarAlSham Affiliate...|access-date=28 February 2017|date=30 January 2017 }}</ref><ref>{{cite tweet|number=826153445350535168|user=sayed_ridha|title=Hudhayfa bin al-Yaman Battalion based...|access-date=30 January 2017|date=30 January 2017}}</ref>
* Knights of the Levant Battalion<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/Al_Maqal_PL/status/826169659502292992|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111184443/https://twitter.com/Al_Maqal_PL/status/826169659502292992|url-status=dead|archive-date=11 November 2020|title=Al Maqalaat Pubs on Twitter|access-date=30 January 2017}}</ref>{{Better source needed|date=February 2017}}
* ''Riya al-Jannah Battalion''<ref name="twitter.com4">{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/Al_Maqal_PL/status/826172863552090115|title=Al Maqalaat Pubs on Twitter|access-date=30 January 2017}}{{dead link|date=March 2018|fix-attempted=yes|bot=TweetCiteBot}}</ref>{{Better source needed|date=February 2017}}
* ''Lions of Hamza Battalion''<ref name="twitter.com4"/>
* Al-Qadisiyah Brigade<ref name="ReferenceA">{{cite tweet|number=826858522595856384|user=sayed_ridha|title=Pro-HTS claims of Abo al-Yazid...|date=1 February 2017}}</ref>{{Better source needed|date=February 2017}}
* Jihad in the Path of God Battalion<ref>{{cite tweet|number=826862761321885698|user=QalaatAlMudiq|title=@QalaatAlMudiq Battalion Jihad...|access-date=28 February 2017|date=1 February 2017 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://twitter.com/fezosyr/status/826838338334289922 |title=Account suspended |last=فيزو |first=محمد |date=1 February 2017 |website=Twitter }} {{dead link|date=February 2017 |fix-attempted=yes}}</ref>{{Better source needed|date=February 2017}}
* Kurdish Janah<ref>{{cite web |url=https://twitter.com/TheIndyArab/status/825472858637885440 |title=List of Groups and Sjujooch that joined #JaishTahrirShaam is growing fast and will continue to grow InshAllah |date=28 January 2017 |website=Twitter |access-date=28 February 2017}}{{dead link|date=March 2018|fix-attempted=yes|bot=TweetCiteBot}}</ref>{{Better source needed|date=February 2017}}
* Haryatan Mujahideen Battalions<ref>{{cite tweet|number=827442921792090112|user=Terror_Monitor|title=#SYRIA Mujahidi Al-Shamal...|access-date=28 February 2017|date=3 February 2017 }}</ref>{{Better source needed|date=February 2017}}
* ''Four artillery and rocket brigades''<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/Alanka_2/status/826975696115294208|title=Alanka on Twitter|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170208020219/https://twitter.com/Alanka_2/status/826975696115294208|archive-date=8 February 2017|df=dmy-all}}</ref>{{Better source needed|date=February 2017}}
* Company of Victory Brigade<ref>{{cite tweet|number=829039467025428480|user=sayed_ridha|title=Liwa Saraya al-Nasr defects from...|date=7 February 2017}}</ref>
* ''Mountain Lions Battalion''<ref>{{cite web |url=http://jihadology.net/2017/02/04/new-statement-from-hayyat-ta%e1%b8%a5rir-al-sham-katibat-usud-al-jabal-hayyat-ta%e1%b8%a5rir-al-sham/ |title=New statement from Hayy'at Taḥrīr al-Shām: "Katībat Usūd al-Jabal Hayy'at Taḥrīr al-Shām" |date=4 February 2017 |website=Jihadology |access-date=9 February 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170208154129/http://jihadology.net/2017/02/04/new-statement-from-hayyat-ta%E1%B8%A5rir-al-sham-katibat-usud-al-jabal-hayyat-ta%E1%B8%A5rir-al-sham/ |archive-date=8 February 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref>{{Better source needed|date=February 2017}}
* ''Knights of the Caliphate Battalion''<ref>{{cite web |url=http://jihadology.net/2017/02/05/new-statement-from-hayyat-ta%e1%b8%a5rir-al-sham-katibat-fursan-al-khilafah-joins-hayyat-ta%e1%b8%a5rir-al-sham/ |title=New statement from Hayy'at Taḥrīr al-Shām: "Katībat Fursān al-Khilāfah Joins Hayy'at Taḥrīr al-Shām" |date=5 February 2017 |website=Jihadology |access-date=9 February 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170208154204/http://jihadology.net/2017/02/05/new-statement-from-hayyat-ta%E1%B8%A5rir-al-sham-katibat-fursan-al-khilafah-joins-hayyat-ta%E1%B8%A5rir-al-sham/ |archive-date=8 February 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref>{{Better source needed|date=February 2017}}
* ''Martyrs of Islam Front''<ref>{{cite web |url=http://jihadology.net/2017/02/05/new-statement-from-hayyat-ta%e1%b8%a5rir-al-sham-jabhat-shuhada-al-sham-pledges-allegiance-to-hayyat-ta%e1%b8%a5rir-al-sham/ |title=New statement from Hayy'at Taḥrīr al-Shām: "Jabhat Shuhadā' al-Shām Pledges Allegiance to Hayy'at Taḥrīr al-Shām" |date=5 February 2017 |website=Jihadology |access-date=9 February 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170208075121/http://jihadology.net/2017/02/05/new-statement-from-hayyat-ta%E1%B8%A5rir-al-sham-jabhat-shuhada-al-sham-pledges-allegiance-to-hayyat-ta%E1%B8%A5rir-al-sham/ |archive-date=8 February 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite tweet|number=828581419446185984|user=sayed_ridha|title=Jabhat Shuhada al-Sham in West...|access-date=1 March 2017|date=6 February 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite tweet|number=828327208884301825|user=TahrirSy|title=#Syria #TahrirSouri Jabhet Shuhadaal-...|access-date=1 March 2017|date=5 February 2017}}</ref>{{Better source needed|date=February 2017}}
* ''Tawhid Battalion''<ref>{{cite web |url=http://jihadology.net/2017/02/06/new-statement-from-hayyat-ta%e1%b8%a5rir-al-sham-katibat-al-taw%e1%b8%a5id-joins-hayyat-ta%e1%b8%a5rir-al-sham/ |title=New statement from Hayy'at Taḥrīr al-Shām: "Katībat al-Tawḥīd Joins Hayy'at Taḥrīr al-Shām" |date=6 February 2017 |website=Jihadology |access-date=9 February 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170208075201/http://jihadology.net/2017/02/06/new-statement-from-hayyat-ta%E1%B8%A5rir-al-sham-katibat-al-taw%E1%B8%A5id-joins-hayyat-ta%E1%B8%A5rir-al-sham/ |archive-date=8 February 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref>{{Better source needed|date=February 2017}}
* ''Martyr Ibrahim Qabbani Battalion''<ref>{{cite web |url=http://jihadology.net/2017/02/06/new-statement-from-hayyat-ta%e1%b8%a5rir-al-sham-katibat-al-shahid-ibrahim-qabbani-joins-hayyat-ta%e1%b8%a5rir-al-sham/ |title=New statement from Hayy'at Taḥrīr al-Shām: "Katībat al-Shahīd Ibrāhīm Qabbānī Joins Hayy'at Taḥrīr al-Shām" |date=6 February 2017 |website=Jihadology |access-date=9 February 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170208075156/http://jihadology.net/2017/02/06/new-statement-from-hayyat-ta%E1%B8%A5rir-al-sham-katibat-al-shahid-ibrahim-qabbani-joins-hayyat-ta%E1%B8%A5rir-al-sham/ |archive-date=8 February 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref>{{Better source needed|date=February 2017}}
* ''Katibat Bayt al-Maqdis''<ref>{{cite web |url=http://jihadology.net/2017/02/06/new-statement-from-hayyat-ta%e1%b8%a5rir-al-sham-katibat-bayt-al-maqdis-joins-hayyat-ta%e1%b8%a5rir-al-sham/ |title=New statement from Hayy'at Taḥrīr al-Shām: "Katībat Bayt al-Maqdis Joins Hayy'at Taḥrīr al-Shām" |date=6 February 2017 |website=Jihadology |access-date=9 February 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170208075206/http://jihadology.net/2017/02/06/new-statement-from-hayyat-ta%E1%B8%A5rir-al-sham-katibat-bayt-al-maqdis-joins-hayyat-ta%E1%B8%A5rir-al-sham/ |archive-date=8 February 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref>{{Better source needed|date=February 2017}}<ref>{{cite tweet|number=828908789420023808|user=sayed_ridha|title=Bayt al-Maqdas Battalion which...|access-date=1 March 2017|date=7 February 2017 }}</ref>{{Better source needed|date=February 2017}}
* ''Ansar al-Sham''<ref name="Ansar al-Sham joins HTS">{{cite web |url=http://jihadology.net/2017/02/07/new-statement-from-hayyat-ta%e1%b8%a5rir-al-sham-kataib-an%e1%b9%a3ar-al-sham-joins-hayyat-ta%e1%b8%a5rir-al-sham/ |title=New statement from Hayy'at Taḥrīr al-Shām: "Katā'ib Anṣār al-Shām Joins Hayy'at Taḥrīr al-Shām" |date=7 February 2017 |website=Jihadology |access-date=9 February 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170208214050/http://jihadology.net/2017/02/07/new-statement-from-hayyat-ta%e1%b8%a5rir-al-sham-kataib-an%e1%b9%a3ar-al-sham-joins-hayyat-ta%e1%b8%a5rir-al-sham/ |archive-date=8 February 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite tweet|number=829350827558998016|user=Terror_Monitor|title=#SYRIA #AnsarAlSham Battalion Joins...|access-date=1 March 2017|date=8 February 2017}}</ref>{{Better source needed|date=February 2017}}<ref>{{cite tweet|number=830177813110071301|user=aronlund|title=When Ansar al-Sham defected from...|access-date=1 March 2017|date=10 February 2017}}</ref>
* Abu Mohammed al-Hamawi Battalions<ref>{{cite tweet|number=829549842414178304|user=Terror_Monitor|title=#SYRIA Abu Asid, Shohda'a Soran, Al-...|access-date=1 March 2017|date=8 February 2017}}</ref>{{Better source needed|date=February 2017}}
* Al-Oqab<ref name="ReferenceB">{{cite tweet|number=829549842414178304|user=Terror_Monitor|title=#SYRIA Abu Asid, Shohda'a Soran, Al-...|date=9 February 2017}}</ref>
* Jabhat as-Sadiqin<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/IvanSidorenko1/status/830699619650850817|title=Ivan Sidorenko on Twitter|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170222183841/https://twitter.com/IvanSidorenko1/status/830699619650850817|archive-date=22 February 2017|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
* Katibat al-Shahid Abu Usid.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://jihadology.net/2017/02/08/new-statement-from-hayyat-ta%e1%b8%a5rir-al-sham-katibat-al-shahid-abu-usid-joins-hayyat-ta%e1%b8%a5rir-al-sham/ |title=New statement from Hayy'at Taḥrīr al-Shām: "Katībat al-Shahīd Abū Usīd Joins Hayy'at Taḥrīr al-Shām" |date=8 February 2017 |website=Jihadology |access-date=17 February 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170217223702/http://jihadology.net/2017/02/08/new-statement-from-hayyat-ta%e1%b8%a5rir-al-sham-katibat-al-shahid-abu-usid-joins-hayyat-ta%e1%b8%a5rir-al-sham/ |archive-date=17 February 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref>
* Katibat Ashbal al-Sunnah<ref>{{cite web |url=http://jihadology.net/2017/02/09/new-statement-from-hayyat-ta%e1%b8%a5rir-al-sham-katibat-ashbal-al-sunnah-joins-hayyat-ta%e1%b8%a5rir-al-sham/ |title=New statement from Hayy'at Taḥrīr al-Shām: "Katībat Āshbāl al-Sunnah Joins Hayy'at Taḥrīr al-Shām" |date=9 February 2017 |website=Jihadology |access-date=17 February 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170216092826/http://jihadology.net/2017/02/09/new-statement-from-hayyat-ta%e1%b8%a5rir-al-sham-katibat-ashbal-al-sunnah-joins-hayyat-ta%e1%b8%a5rir-al-sham/ |archive-date=16 February 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref>
* Kata'ib al-Sayf al-Umri<ref>{{cite web |url=http://jihadology.net/2017/02/09/new-statement-from-hayyat-ta%e1%b8%a5rir-al-sham-kataib-al-sayf-al-umri-pledges-allegiance-to-hayyat-ta%e1%b8%a5rir-al-sham/ |title=New statement from Hayy'at Taḥrīr al-Shām: "Katā'ib al-Sayf al 'Umrī Pledges Allegiance to Hayy'at Taḥrīr al-Shām" |date=9 February 2017 |website=Jihadology |access-date=17 February 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170216214956/http://jihadology.net/2017/02/09/new-statement-from-hayyat-ta%E1%B8%A5rir-al-sham-kataib-al-sayf-al-umri-pledges-allegiance-to-hayyat-ta%E1%B8%A5rir-al-sham/ |archive-date=16 February 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref>
* Jabhat al-Sadiqin<ref>{{cite web |url=http://jihadology.net/2017/02/13/new-statement-from-hayyat-ta%e1%b8%a5rir-al-sham-jabhat-al-%e1%b9%a3adiqin-joins-hayyat-ta%e1%b8%a5rir-al-sham/ |title=New statement from Hayy'at Taḥrīr al-Shām: "Jabhat al-Ṣādiqīn Joins Hayy'at Taḥrīr al-Shām" |date=13 February 2017 |website=Jihadology |access-date=17 February 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170217040945/http://jihadology.net/2017/02/13/new-statement-from-hayyat-ta%E1%B8%A5rir-al-sham-jabhat-al-%E1%B9%A3adiqin-joins-hayyat-ta%E1%B8%A5rir-al-sham/ |archive-date=17 February 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref>
* Liwa Ahl al-Sham<ref>{{cite web |url=http://jihadology.net/2017/02/13/new-statement-from-hayyat-ta%e1%b8%a5rir-al-sham-liwa-ahl-al-sham-joins-hayyat-ta%e1%b8%a5rir-al-sham/ |title=New statement from Hayy'at Taḥrīr al-Shām: "Liwā' Ahl al-Shām Joins Hayy'at Taḥrīr al-Shām" |date=13 February 2017 |website=Jihadology |access-date=17 February 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170217040956/http://jihadology.net/2017/02/13/new-statement-from-hayyat-ta%E1%B8%A5rir-al-sham-liwa-ahl-al-sham-joins-hayyat-ta%E1%B8%A5rir-al-sham/ |archive-date=17 February 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref>
* Lightning Battalion<ref>{{cite web |url=http://jihadology.net/2017/02/13/new-statement-from-hayyat-ta%e1%b8%a5rir-al-sham-katibat-al-%e1%b9%a3aiqah-joins-hayyat-ta%e1%b8%a5rir-al-sham/ |title=New statement from Hayy'at Taḥrīr al-Shām: "Katībat al-Ṣā'iqah Joins Hayy'at Taḥrīr al-Shām" |date=13 February 2017 |website=Jihadology |access-date=17 February 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170217040951/http://jihadology.net/2017/02/13/new-statement-from-hayyat-ta%E1%B8%A5rir-al-sham-katibat-al-%E1%B9%A3aiqah-joins-hayyat-ta%E1%B8%A5rir-al-sham/ |archive-date=17 February 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref>
* Supporters of Justice Brigade<ref>{{cite tweet|number=833738118440292352|user=OmerOzkizilcik|title=@OmerOzkizilcik Jaysh al Haq (part of...|date=20 February 2017}}</ref>
* ''Katibat al-Siddiq''<ref>{{cite tweet|number=835058638590889985|user=Terror_Monitor|title=#SYRIA #AhrarAlSham Affiliated...|access-date=1 March 2017|date=24 February 2017 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://jihadology.net/2017/02/23/new-statement-from-hayyat-ta%e1%b8%a5rir-al-sham-katibat-al-%e1%b9%a3adiq-joins-hayyat-ta%e1%b8%a5rir-al-sham/ |title=New statement from Hayy'at Taḥrīr al-Shām: "Katībat al-Ṣadīq Joins Hayy'at Taḥrīr al-Shām" |date=23 February 2017 |website=Jihadology |access-date=27 February 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170228075644/http://jihadology.net/2017/02/23/new-statement-from-hayyat-ta%e1%b8%a5rir-al-sham-katibat-al-%e1%b9%a3adiq-joins-hayyat-ta%e1%b8%a5rir-al-sham/ |archive-date=28 February 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref>
* Abu Talhah al-Ansari Battalion<ref>{{cite web |url=http://jihadology.net/2017/02/21/new-statement-from-hayyat-ta%e1%b8%a5rir-al-sham-katibat-abu-tal%e1%b8%a5ah-al-an%e1%b9%a3ari-joins-hayyat-ta%e1%b8%a5rir-al-sham/ |title=New statement from Hayy'at Taḥrīr al-Shām: "Katībat Abū Talḥah al-Anṣārī Joins Hayy'at Taḥrīr al-Shām" |date=21 February 2017 |website=Jihadology |access-date=27 February 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170227212719/http://jihadology.net/2017/02/21/new-statement-from-hayyat-ta%E1%B8%A5rir-al-sham-katibat-abu-tal%E1%B8%A5ah-al-an%E1%B9%A3ari-joins-hayyat-ta%E1%B8%A5rir-al-sham/ |archive-date=27 February 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref>
* 1st Regiment (Idlib)<ref>{{cite tweet|number=836315958130147328|user=SaladinAlDronni|title=FSA "First Regiment" joins Hayat...|date=27 February 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://jihadology.net/2017/02/27/new-statement-from-hayyat-ta%e1%b8%a5rir-al-sham-the-military-wing-of-the-first-regiment-joins-hayyat-ta%e1%b8%a5rir-al-sham/ |title=New statement from Hayy'at Taḥrīr al-Shām: "The Military Wing of the First Regiment Joins Hayy'at Taḥrīr al-Shām" |date=February 27, 2017 |website=Jihadology |access-date=2 March 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170302062914/http://jihadology.net/2017/02/27/new-statement-from-hayyat-ta%E1%B8%A5rir-al-sham-the-military-wing-of-the-first-regiment-joins-hayyat-ta%E1%B8%A5rir-al-sham/ |archive-date=2 March 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref>
* ''Martyr Omar Djaluk Battalion''<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/syriancivilwar/comments/5xape2/aleppo_one_levant_front_battalion_joined_hayat/degk2fi|title=r/syriancivilwar - Aleppo: One Levant Front Battalion joined Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS)|website=reddit|date=3 March 2017|access-date=3 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170304110428/https://www.reddit.com/r/syriancivilwar/comments/5xape2/aleppo_one_levant_front_battalion_joined_hayat/degk2fi/|archive-date=4 March 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>
* Mufid A'awar Battalion<ref>{{cite tweet|number=837885510030745604|user=Terror_Monitor|title=#SYRIA Omar Ja'alok &amp; Mufid...|date=3 Mar 2017 }}</ref>
* Former Ahrar al-Sham ''Manufacturing Administration'' members<ref>{{cite tweet|number=837645250260672514|user=Terror_Monitor|title=#SYRIA #AhrarAlSham Faction Defected...|date=3 Mar 2017 }}</ref>
* Banner of Islam Battalion<ref>{{cite tweet|number=838504977643483137|user=worldonalert|title=#Hama: The rebel battalion 'Banner of...|date=5 March 2017}}</ref>{{Better source needed |date=July 2017}}
* Special Forces Brigade<ref name="longwarjournal.org">{{cite web |url= http://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2017/03/analysis-insurgents-launch-major-offensive-against-assad-regime-in-hama-province.php |title= Analysis: Insurgents launch major offensive against Assad regime in Hama province - FDD's Long War Journal |website= FDD's Long War Journal |access-date= 10 June 2017 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170325202901/http://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2017/03/analysis-insurgents-launch-major-offensive-against-assad-regime-in-hama-province.php |archive-date= 25 March 2017 |url-status= live |date= 24 March 2017 }}</ref>
** Inghimasi unit<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2017/02/syrian-military-intelligence-official-killed-in-suicide-assault-in-homs.php|title=Syrian military intelligence official killed in suicide assault in Homs &#124; FDD's Long War Journal|date=25 February 2017|website=longwarjournal.org|access-date=21 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190821143736/https://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2017/02/syrian-military-intelligence-official-killed-in-suicide-assault-in-homs.php|archive-date=21 August 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="longwarjournal.org"/>
* Movement of Mujahideen of the Sunnis of Iran<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.memri.org/jttm/first-pictures-sunni-foreign-fighters-movement-iran-affiliated-hts-syria |title=First Pictures Of The Sunni Foreign Fighters Movement In Iran Affiliated With The HTS In Syria |access-date=2019-08-21 }}</ref>
* Jaysh al-Sham<ref>{{cite tweet|number=865166398397464576|user=sayed_ridha|title=هيئة تحرير الشام يعلن تشكيل 'جيش...|date=18 May 2017}}</ref>
* Abu Amara Battalions (main unit)<ref name="all4syria.info"/><ref name="joins" />
* ''Qassem Battalion''<ref name="auto8">{{cite tweet|number=867290830679232512|user=AllyOfTruth|title=#AhraralSham Qassem battalion under...|date=24 May 2017 }}</ref>
* ''Lions of Tawhid Battalion''<ref>{{cite tweet|number=868785400113967104|user=Trffgg3|title=Katiba Aswad al Tawheed (active in...|date= 28 May 2017 }}</ref>
* ''Martyr Khalid Zaarour Battalion''<ref>{{cite tweet|number=876061685953507328|user=AllyOfTruth|title=Ajnad al-Sham affiliated "Martyr...|date=17 June 2017 }}</ref>
* ''Desert Regiment''<ref name="auto10">{{cite tweet|number=883993942265479168|user=Terror_Monitor|title=#SYRIA #AhrarAlSham Affiliate Badia...|date=9 July 2017}}</ref><ref name="Ahrar AlSham Badia Division">{{cite web |url= https://twitter.com/LouaiElNimer/status/888059304816889856|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20201109025333/https://twitter.com/LouaiElNimer/status/888059304816889856|url-status= dead|archive-date= 9 November 2020|title=The whole Ahrar AlSham Badia Division has defected to HTS. With more than 6 large groups defecting/resigning, AAS has officially lost the warpic.twitter.com/GzCyoKU1PY |first=Louai |last=Nimer |date=20 July 2017}}</ref>
* Sham al-Salayn<ref>{{cite tweet|number=885992018366922756|user=hxhassan|title=Faylaq al-Sham (Muslim Brotherhood-...|date=14 July 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite tweet|number=886164148920385537|user=AllyOfTruth|title=Correction: Statement is months old...|date=15 July 2017}}</ref>
* ''Dawn of Islam Brigade''<ref>{{cite tweet|number=887732766862868484|user=SyrianLense|title=Fajr al Islam group of Ahrar has now...|date= 19 July 2017 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/AbdussamadDagul/status/887750387322802177|title=The group called Fajr Al Islam announced their leaving of Ahrar Sham and joining the ranks of Tahrir Sham.pic.twitter.com/uqwjXV58nw|first=Abdussamad|last=Dagül|date=19 July 2017}}{{dead link|date=March 2018|fix-attempted=yes|bot=TweetCiteBot}}</ref><ref name="auto11">{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/Alanka38097144/status/888028348487684096|title=So far Katibat Abu Mariyan, Liwa Usud al-Islam, Liwa Ahlu Sunnah, Katibat Fajr al-Islam, Saraya al-Farouq, Ghuraba al-Sham, Liwaal-Hijrah .|last=Alanka|date=20 July 2017}}{{dead link|date=March 2018|fix-attempted=yes|bot=TweetCiteBot}}</ref>{{Better source needed|date=July 2017}}
* ''Farouq Company''<ref name="auto11"/>{{Better source needed|date=July 2017}}
* ''al-Hijra Brigade''<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/AbdussamadDagul/status/887781182389276672|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109040445/https://twitter.com/AbdussamadDagul/status/887781182389276672|url-status=dead|archive-date=9 November 2020|title=The Group called Liwa Al Hijrah announced their leaving of Ahrar Sham and joining Tahrir Sham.pic.twitter.com/I2OYS0UZEn|first=Abdussamad|last=Dagül|date=19 July 2017}}</ref>{{Better source needed|date=July 2017}}<ref name="auto11"/>{{Better source needed|date=July 2017}}
* ''Victory of Islam''<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/AbdussamadDagul/status/887779124433080324|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109031503/https://twitter.com/AbdussamadDagul/status/887779124433080324|url-status=dead|archive-date=9 November 2020|title=The Group called Nusrat Al Islam announced their leaving of Ahrar Sham and joining Tahrir Sham.pic.twitter.com/HyoaYWxirt|first=Abdussamad|last=Dagül|date=19 July 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/suhailaleppo/status/887774381832851456|title=I think whole of Nusra Al Islam joined HTS, not only commander. The statement ends with "and I, along with Nusra al Islam, make bay'a.."|first=سهيل|last=حلب|date=19 July 2017}}{{dead link|date=March 2018|fix-attempted=yes|bot=TweetCiteBot}}</ref>{{Better source needed|date=July 2017}}
* ''Ahrar Mariyaan''<ref>{{cite tweet|number=888020958790995970|user=save_ghouta|title=#Idlib #Syria The whole rebel group...|date=20 July 2017}}</ref><ref name="auto11"/>{{Better source needed|date=July 2017}}
* ''Sunni Islam Brigade''<ref name="auto11"/>{{Better source needed|date=July 2017}}
* ''Ghuraba al-Sham'' <small>(not to be confused with Ghuraba al-Sham, Jabhat Ghuraba al-Sham or Katibat al-Ghuraba)</small><ref name="auto11"/>{{Better source needed|date=July 2017}}
* ''Urim al-Jaws''<ref>{{cite tweet|number=888032371643232258|user=save_ghouta|title=#Idlib #Syria The rebel group Urim al...|date=20 July 2017}}</ref>{{Better source needed|date=July 2017}}
* ''Central Forces''<ref>[https://twitter.com/badly_xeroxed/status/887997551680659458 #HTS Quwa al-Markaziyah &#91;Central Forces&#93; refuse to fight #AhrarAlSham and defect] 20 July 2017.</ref>{{Better source needed|date=July 2017}}
* ''al-Hasakah group''<ref>{{cite tweet|number=888346265523769345|user=Trffgg3|title=The Al Hasakah group from Ahrar...|date=21 July 2017}}</ref>{{Better source needed|date=July 2017}}
* ''Katibat Khateeb''<ref>{{cite tweet|number=888418905039003648|user=save_ghouta|title=#Syria #Idlib Rebel group Katibat...|date=21 July 2017}}</ref>{{Better source needed|date=July 2017}}
* ''Sariya Saeed Brigade'' (disputed)<ref>{{cite tweet|number=888419492220604419|user=save_ghouta|title=#Syria #Idlib Rebel group Saraya...|date=21 July 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite tweet|number=888432667653541889|user=AbuSulaymanMM3|title=@AlqalaamENG It doesn't actually say...|date=21 July 2017}}</ref>{{Better source needed|date=July 2017}}
* ''Conquest Brigade'' <small>(Kafr Nabl group)</small><ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/Fox61A/status/888439752508264450|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109035141/https://twitter.com/Fox61A/status/888439752508264450|url-status=dead|archive-date=9 November 2020|title=Al-Fateh Brigade working in the city of Kafr Nabl defect and announce their accession to #HTSpic.twitter.com/Cn4rB8FtDz|first=Fox|last=Reporting|date=21 July 2017}}</ref>{{Better source needed|date=July 2017}}
* ''Lions of Islam Brigade''<ref>{{cite tweet|number=888020575943356418|user=save_ghouta|title=#Idlib #Syria The complete rebel...|date=20 July 2017}}</ref>
* ''Lions of Banu Umayya''<ref name="auto12">{{cite tweet|number=888834566072537093|user=AllyOfTruth|title=Three brigades Usud al-Islam, Khalid...|date=22 July 2017}}</ref><ref name="auto13">{{cite tweet|number=888838077162160129|user=worldonalert|title=#Idlib: Rebel brigades Usud al-Islam,...|date=22 July 2017}}</ref>
* ''Ahrar al-Sham unit in Darat Izza''<ref>{{cite tweet|number=888844788103081984|user=worldonalert|title=#Idlib: #Ahrar_al_Sham fighters in...|date=22 July 2017}}</ref>{{Better source needed|date=July 2017}}
* ''Ahrar al-Sham unit in Turmanin''<ref>{{cite tweet|number=888864298772176899|user=Trffgg3|title=Ahrar battalions in Tarmin join HTS...|date=22 July 2017}}</ref>{{Better source needed|date=July 2017}}
* ''Abu Darda Islamic Union Brigade''<ref>{{cite tweet|number=888869600527613952|user=worldonalert|title=#Idlib: Abu Darda Al Islamiya Brigade...|date=22 July 2017}}</ref>{{Better source needed|date=July 2017}}
* ''al-Ukhwat Brigade''<ref>{{cite tweet|number=891995447115616256|user=AllyOfTruth|author=oreusser|title=Kataib al-Ukhwat (?) based in Maarat Humrah reportedly defected to #HTS https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DGEBFPWXkAAHO_Q.jpg|date=31 July 2017}}</ref>{{Better source needed|date=July 2017}}
* ''Hani al-Nasr Brigade''<ref name="conflict-news.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.conflict-news.com/syria/jaish-al-hama-regional-rebel-merger-pledges-allegiance-to-hayat-tahrir-al-sham|title=Welcome conflict-news.com - Justhost.com|website=conflict-news.com|access-date=15 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170816060848/http://www.conflict-news.com/syria/jaish-al-hama-regional-rebel-merger-pledges-allegiance-to-hayat-tahrir-al-sham|archive-date=16 August 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* Ajnad al-Sham (left in June 2017 to join Ahrar al-Sham, rejoined HTS in November 2017)<ref name="almasdarnews.com">{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/jihadist-groups-defect-hayat-tahrir-al-sham-northern-syria/|title=More jihadist groups defect from Hay'at Tahrir Al-Sham in northern Syria|date=18 June 2017|access-date=22 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170816150629/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/jihadist-groups-defect-hayat-tahrir-al-sham-northern-syria/|archive-date=16 August 2017|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/Ajnad_Alsham15/status/929681325262557184|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109010216/https://twitter.com/Ajnad_Alsham15/status/929681325262557184|url-status=dead|archive-date=9 November 2020|title=#بيان_هامpic.twitter.com/TM0f2U3Yvi|first=أجناد|last=الشام|website=Twitter.com|access-date=24 December 2017}}</ref>
* Jaysh Usrah<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-russians-kill-top-chechen-al-qaeda-leader-syria/|title=Breaking: Russians kill top Chechen Al-Qaeda leader in Syria|date=18 December 2017|publisher=Al Masdar News|access-date=31 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171222054231/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-russians-kill-top-chechen-al-qaeda-leader-syria/|archive-date=22 December 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>
* Imarat Kavkaz<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.chechensinsyria.com/?p=25507 |title=Imarat Kavkaz fighter Askhat Koybaev killed in Abu Dali, Hama |author=Joanna Paraszuk |work=From Chechnya to Syria |date=9 October 2017 |access-date=21 December 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171222051200/http://www.chechensinsyria.com/?p=25507 |archive-date=22 December 2017 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
* Soldiers of the Epics<ref>{{cite web|url=https://syrianwardaily.wordpress.com/2018/01/01/syrian-war-daily-1st-of-january-2018/|title=Syrian War Daily – 1st of January 2018|date=1 January 2018|publisher=Syrian War Daily|access-date=4 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180117012225/https://syrianwardaily.wordpress.com/2018/01/01/syrian-war-daily-1st-of-january-2018/|archive-date=17 January 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref>{{better source needed|WP:SPS|date=September 2018}}
*Mountain Army<ref name="twitter.com2"/>{{better source needed|social media|date=September 2018}}
*Qatih Badiya<ref>[https://mobile.twitter.com/SyrianEndeavour/status/1029498006737965058 ]{{dead link|date=May 2020}}</ref>{{better source needed|social media|date=September 2018}}
*Jamaat Bayt al-Maqdis al-Islamiya<ref>https://i0.wp.com/journalism-now.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/017qndpynh-flywheel.netdna-ssl.comHay%E2%80%99at-Tahrir-al-Sham-a815935ca6fffbe10d8fe45f1d988ead5b8c45b9.jpg {{Dead link|date=February 2022}}</ref>
* Army of Umar Ibn Khattab<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=103619 |title=After forming 3 armies and in conjunction with selling its real estate, Hayyaat Tahrir al-Sham declares its position on the disarmament agreement in the coming time • the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights |date=30 September 2018 |access-date=1 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180930232344/http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=103619 |archive-date=30 September 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref>
** Army of Aleppo
** Army of Eastern Ghouta
* Army of Abu Bakr as-Sadiq
** Army of Idlib
** Army of Al-Badia
** Army of Hama<ref name="conflict-news.com"/>
*** ''Abdullah Azzam Brigade''
*** ''al-Imam Brigade'' (disputed)<ref>{{cite tweet|number=897489991038898177|user=imanbrigade|title=#أحرار_الشام #جيش_الإيمان بيان توضيحي...|date=15 August 2017}}</ref>
*** ''Usud al-Harb Brigade''
*** ''Ahl al-Bayt Brigade''
*** ''al-Majd Brigade''
*** Lions of Islam Brigade Artillery and Infantry Battalion (Junud al-Sham remnants)
* Army of Uthman Ibn Affan
** Army of  Al-Sham
** Army of Al-Hudud
** Army of Al-Sahi
*Levant Revolutionaries Battalion<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/Mekut_Mallet/status/1081687893364621312|title=Atarib completely surrenders to HTS. The al-Zinki loyal factions in the town, Thuwar al-Sham and Bayariq al-Islam, will be dissolved and members guaranteed no-persecution by HTS.pic.twitter.com/I2iDOUzJ2t|date=5 January 2019|access-date=6 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190111200527/https://twitter.com/Mekut_Mallet/status/1081687893364621312|archive-date=11 January 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>
** al-Quds Brigades
** Glory of Islam Brigade
** al-Noor Islamic Movement
*Banners of Islam Movement
*Al-Tawhid Brigade in Kafarouma village<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/Kyruer/status/1083780262473928704|title=#Syria #Idlib Al-Tawhid Brigade in Kafarouma village has joined #HTS.pic.twitter.com/JT2KJBWdVg|date=11 January 2019|access-date=11 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191104182008/https://twitter.com/Kyruer/status/1083780262473928704|archive-date=4 November 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>
*Army of Al-Ghab Plain
*Army of Abu Bakr al-Siddiq
*Mountain Army
*Army of Omar bin al-Khattab
*Army of Othman bin Affan
*Army of Ali bin Abi Talib<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.aymennjawad.org/2019/09/a-new-hayat-tahrir-al-sham-recruitment-campaign |title=A New Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham Recruitment Campaign |access-date=6 September 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190906033436/http://www.aymennjawad.org/2019/09/a-new-hayat-tahrir-al-sham-recruitment-campaign |archive-date=6 September 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref>
*Aleppo City Battalion<ref>{{cite web|url=https://english.enabbaladi.net/archives/2020/01/aleppo-is-living-nightmare-of-future-battle/|title=Aleppo is living nightmare of future battle|date=29 January 2020|website=Enab Baladi}}</ref>
{{div col end}}

===Leadership===
Since October 2017, the "general commander" or emir of Tahrir al-Sham is Abu Mohammad al-Julani, who is also Tahrir al-Sham's "military commander"
and the emir of Jabhat Fateh al-Sham, who also led its predecessor organisation [[Religion:Al-Nusra Front|al-Nusra Front]], the Syrian branch of [[Religion:Al-Qaeda|al-Qaeda]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-36916606|title=Syrian Nusra Front announces split from al-Qaeda|work=BBC News|date=29 July 2016|access-date=30 July 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160730021539/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-36916606|archive-date=30 July 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>

Previously, the general commander of Tahrir al-Sham was Hashim al-Shaykh, also known as Abu Jaber, who was the leader of Ahrar al-Sham between September 2014 and September 2015.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/aleppo-rebels-united-under-former-ahrar-al-sham-commander-1930344528|title=Aleppo rebels unite under former Ahrar al-Sham commander|work=Middle East Eye|author=Alex MacDonald|date=16 February 2016|access-date=30 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170204233653/http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/aleppo-rebels-united-under-former-ahrar-al-sham-commander-1930344528|archive-date=4 February 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> On 1 October 2017, Abu Jaber resigned from his position as the general leader of Tahrir al-Sham and was replaced by Abu Mohammad al-Julan. Abu Jaber took another position as the head of HTS's Shura council.<ref name=fate/>

Individuals in ''italic'' are defectors from Ahrar al-Sham, which either left to join Jabhat Fateh al-Sham in the last few days of its existence, or directly joined Tahrir al-Sham.

{{div col|colwidth=20em}}
* ''Abu Jaber'' (emir, until October 2017)<ref name="new entity"/>
* Abu Mohammad al-Julani (overall military commander, later emir)
* Abu Khayr al-Masri{{KIA}} (senior leader)<ref name="eulogy">{{cite web|url=https://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2017/03/al-qaeda-eulogizes-egyptian-leader-killed-in-idlib-syria.php|title=Al Qaeda eulogizes Egyptian leader killed in Idlib, Syria &#124; FDD's Long War Journal|date=5 March 2017|website=longwarjournal.org|access-date=21 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190805215412/https://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2017/03/al-qaeda-eulogizes-egyptian-leader-killed-in-idlib-syria.php|archive-date=5 August 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>
* ''Abu Salih Tahan'' (military commander)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://carnegie-mec.org/diwan/67911?lang=en |title=The Jihadi Spiral |last=Lund |first=Aron |date=8 February 2017 |publisher=Carnegie Middle East Center |access-date=9 February 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170211154829/http://carnegie-mec.org/diwan/67911?lang=en |archive-date=11 February 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref>
* ''Abu Ashida'a'' (military commander)<ref name="twitter.com2"/>
* ''Abu Ismael'' (military commander)<ref name="auto3">{{cite tweet|number=825978001036767232|user=sayed_ridha|title=Ahrar al-Sham commander of weapon...|access-date=30 January 2017|date=30 January 2017}}</ref>{{Better source needed|date=February 2017}}
* ''Abu Musab Tunsi'' (military commander)<ref name="auto4">{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/Al_Maqal_PL/status/825951846648934400|title=Al Maqalaat Pubs on Twitter|access-date=30 January 2017}}{{dead link|date=March 2018|fix-attempted=yes|bot=TweetCiteBot}}</ref>{{Better source needed|Twitter|date=February 2017}}
* ''Abu Islam'' (military commander)<ref name="twitter.com3"/>{{Better source needed|Twitter|date=September 2018}}
* Abu Malik al-Shaami (military commander)<ref name="twitter.com2"/>{{Better source needed|date=February 2017}}
* ''Major Abu Hashem'' (military commander)<ref name="ReferenceA"/>
* ''Abu Yaqub'' (military commander)<ref name="auto6">{{cite tweet|number=827948418303610881|user=sayed_ridha|title=Abo Ya'qub commander in Ahrar al-Sham...|date=4 February 2017}}</ref>{{Better source needed|date=February 2017}}
* ''al-Hajj Baha' al-Sharm'' (military commander)<ref>{{cite tweet|number=835262181188853761|user=ajaltamimi|title=Also info on previous Hay'at Tahrir...|access-date=1 March 2017|date=24 February 2017 }}</ref>
* ''Osama al-Homsi'' (military commander)<ref>{{cite tweet|number=835261881032015872|user=ajaltamimi|title=News from Jabal al-Summaq:new Hay'at...|access-date=1 March 2017|date=24 February 2017 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.aymennjawad.org/2015/10/additional-notes-on-the-druze-of-jabal-al-summaq |title=Additional Notes on the Druze of Jabal al-Summaq |last=Al-Tamimi |first=Aymenn Jawad |date=6 October 2015 |website=Aymenn Jawad Al-Tamimi |access-date=26 February 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170209022426/http://www.aymennjawad.org/2015/10/additional-notes-on-the-druze-of-jabal-al-summaq |archive-date=9 February 2017 |url-status=live }} Update (24 January 2017)</ref>
* ''Rachid Baradedi'' (military commander)<ref name="auto8"/>
* ''Abu Badr al-Hijazi'' (military commander)<ref name="conflict-news.com"/>
* Abu Hafs Manbij (judge)<ref name="twitter.com2"/>
* ''Abu Al-Battar Al-Jazrawi'' (judge)<ref name="twitter.com2"/>{{Better source needed|date=February 2017}}
* ''Abu Bara Al-Qahtani'' (media official)<ref name="twitter.com2"/>{{Better source needed|date=February 2017}}
* ''Abu al-Yazid Taftanz'' (media official)<ref name="ReferenceA"/>
* ''Abu Abdel Ghani al-Hamawi'' (administrator)
* Abu Mohammad al-Shari{{KIA}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2017/09/syria-idlib-hayat-tahrir-al-sham-russia-iran-turkey.html|title=Is this the beginning of the end for Idlib's jihadi groups?|work=Al-Monitor|author=Mona Alami|date=22 September 2017|access-date=23 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170922223624/http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2017/09/syria-idlib-hayat-tahrir-al-sham-russia-iran-turkey.html|archive-date=22 September 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>
* ''Abu al-Yaqzan al-Masri'' (sheikh)<ref name="reddit.com"/>
* ''Abu al-Harith al-Masri'' (sheikh)<ref name="twitter.com2"/>
* ''Musleh Aliani'' (sheikh)<ref name="twitter.com2"/>
* ''Abu at-Tahr al-Hamwi'' (sheikh)<ref name="twitter.com2"/>
* ''Abu al-Fatah al-Farghli'' (sheikh)<ref name="reddit.com"/>
* ''Abu Yusuf al-Hamwi'' (sheikh)<ref name="twitter.com2"/>
* ''Abu Mohammad al-Sadeq'' (sheikh)<ref>{{cite tweet|number=825413910681546757|user=Charles_Lister|title=#pt: Newly formed "Tahrir al-Sham"...|date=28 January 2017}}</ref>{{Better source needed|date=February 2017}}
* ''Suraqa al-Makki'' (sheikh)<ref name="twitter.com2"/>{{Better source needed|date=February 2017}}
* ''Abu Yahya al-Shami'' (sheikh)<ref name="twitter.com2"/>{{Better source needed|date=February 2017}}
* ''Iyad Mahmud'' (sheikh)<ref name="twitter.com2"/><ref>{{cite tweet|number=826052102480814087|user=Terror_Monitor|title=#SYRIA More Groups Join Hayyat Tahrir...|access-date=1 March 2017|date=30 January 2017 }}</ref>{{Better source needed|date=February 2017}}
* ''Hamza Abu Husayn'' (sheikh)<ref name="twitter.com2"/>
* ''Abu al-Waleed al-Hannafi'' (sheikh)<ref name="twitter.com2"/>{{Better source needed|date=February 2017}}
* ''Abu Muhammad Nu'maani'' (sheikh)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/Al_Maqal_PL/status/826036973315948544|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111233116/https://twitter.com/Al_Maqal_PL/status/826036973315948544|url-status=dead|archive-date=11 November 2020|title=Al Maqalaat Pubs on Twitter|access-date=30 January 2017}}</ref>{{Better source needed|date=February 2017}}
* ''Abu Talha Shaib'' (sheikh)<ref>{{cite tweet|number=826875911760965632|user=hxhassan|title=Known names of groups and individuals...|access-date=1 March 2017|date=1 February 2017 }}</ref>{{Better source needed|date=February 2017}}
* ''Abu Taher al-Hamawi'' (sheikh)<ref name="conflict-news.com"/>
{{div col end}}

=== Former groups ===
* Nour al-Din al-Zenki Movement
* Supporters of the East Regiment (joined Ahrar al-Sham)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/trouble-paradise-jihadist-faction-defects-al-qaeda-ahrar-al-sham/|title=Trouble in paradise: Jihadist faction defects from Al-Qaeda to Ahrar Al-Sham|date=26 June 2017|access-date=24 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170816152019/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/trouble-paradise-jihadist-faction-defects-al-qaeda-ahrar-al-sham/|archive-date=16 August 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>{{better source needed|a-M is poor source for rebel facts|date=September 2018}}
* [[Biography:Ibn Taymiyyah|Ibn Taymiyyah]] Battalions (joined Ahrar al-Sham)<ref name=ibn/>
* ''Tahrir al-Sham'' elements in Northern Aleppo City outskirts (joined Ahrar al-Sham)<ref>{{cite tweet|number=968525310470819840|user=archicivilians|title=#TahrirAlSham (#HTS) forces...|date=27 February 2018}}</ref>
* Khalid ibn al-Walid Battalion (joined Ahrar al-Sham){{Citation needed|date=November 2017}}
* Farouq Army (remnants of the Farouq Brigades in northern Hama), later joined Jaysh al-Nasr<ref name="FSA group joins HTS">{{cite web |url= https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/fsa-group-joins-al-qaeda-coalition-making-it-the-largest-militant-group-in-syria/ |title= FSA-affiliated group joins Al-Qaeda coalition; making it the largest militant group in Syria |first= Paul |last= Antonopoulos |date= 21 March 2017 |publisher= Al-Masdar News |access-date= 23 March 2017 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170323143317/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/fsa-group-joins-al-qaeda-coalition-making-it-the-largest-militant-group-in-syria/ |archive-date= 23 March 2017 |url-status= live }}</ref>{{better source needed|a-M is poor source for rebel facts|date=September 2018}}<ref>{{cite tweet|number=928925003298557952|user=mhamad_1143|title=بيان صادر عن لواء الفاروق العامل بريف...|date=10 November 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite tweet|number=961974306271121414|user=Syria_Rebel_Obs|title=#SRO - The small but highly...|date=9 February 2018}}</ref>
* Lions of Sunna Battalion<ref>{{cite tweet|number=929188361734119424|user=IbnSiqilli|title=Syrian rebel group Katibat Usud al-...|date=11 November 2017}}</ref>
* Jaysh al-Ahrar<ref>{{cite web|url=https://en.zamanalwsl.net/news/29731.html|title=Jaish al-Ahrar leaves Tahrir al-Sham alliance: statement|work=Zaman al-Wasl|date=14 September 2017|access-date=22 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171019093147/https://en.zamanalwsl.net/news/29731.html|archive-date=19 October 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>
* Victory of Saladin Brigade{{Citation needed|date=November 2017}}
* Katibat al-Siddiq {{Citation needed|date=November 2017}}
* Harakat Fajr ash-Sham al-Islamiya (became ''Ansar al-Din Front - Harakat Fajr ash-Sham al-Islamiya'')<ref name="auto9"/>
** al-Murabitin Battalion
** Osama Battalion
** Abu Ali Yemeni Battalion
** Abu Hilal Zitan Battalion
* Former HTS groups that went to join the Syrian Liberation Front
**Katibat al-'Iqaab<ref>{{cite tweet|number=965335199801315333|user=badly_xeroxed|title=Liwa al-Adiyat of the Badia Sector...|date=18 February 2018}}</ref>{{Better source needed|date=February 2018}}
**Sheikh Fadel al-Akel
**Katibat al-Bayia Lillah
**Katibat Usud al-Tawheed
**Liwa al-Adiyat
**Martyr Abu Omar Battalion
* Former HTS groups that went to join the Guardians of Religion Organization<ref>{{cite web|url=http://stepagency-sy.net/archives/184836|title="تنظيم حراس الدين" اتحاد جديد لتشكيلات القاعدة في سوريا|publisher=Step Agency|access-date=27 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180228002014/http://stepagency-sy.net/archives/184836|archive-date=28 February 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref>
**Jaysh al-Badia
**Jaysh al-Malahim
**Jaysh al-Sahil
**Saraya al-Sahil
**Jund al-Sharia
**Siriyatan Kabil

===Former leaders===
* Abdulrazzaq al-Mahdi (sheikh)<ref name="twitter.com2"/><ref>{{cite tweet|number=825397512110436355|user=Terror_Monitor|title=#SYRIA 6 Jihadi Scholars Join Newly-...|access-date=1 March 2017|date=28 January 2017 }}</ref><ref>{{cite tweet|number=838857677128282112|user=Charles_Lister|title=#pt: Prominent #HTS cleric...|date=6 March 2017}}</ref>{{Better source needed|date=February 2017}}
* Tawfiq Shahabuddin (sheikh of the Nour al-Din al-Zenki Movement, which left HTS in July 2017)<ref name=defect/>
* Abdullah al-Muhaysini (sheikh, left in September 2017)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://jamestown.org/program/after-raqqa-the-next-jihadist-stronghold-in-syria/|title=After Raqqa: The Next Jihadist Stronghold in Syria|work=Jamestown Foundation|author=Patrick Hoover, Omar Kebbe|date=22 September 2017|access-date=23 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170925105512/https://jamestown.org/program/after-raqqa-the-next-jihadist-stronghold-in-syria/|archive-date=25 September 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>
* Abu Kamal (Tamkin Brigade Commander, rejoined Ahrar al-Sham)<ref name="almasdarnews.com"/>{{better source needed|a-M is poor source for rebel facts|date=September 2018}}

==Political relations==
===Al-Qaeda===
[[Biography:Ayman al-Zawahiri|Ayman al-Zawahiri]] has opposed the split of HTS from Al-Qaeda, stating that it was done without his consent.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://aawsat.com/english/home/article/1099286/tahrir-al-sham-arrests-qaeda-leaders-cranks-zawahiri-julani-dispute|title=Tahrir al-Sham Arrests of Qaeda Leaders Cranks up Zawahiri- Julani Dispute|date=30 November 2017|publisher=Asharq Al-Awsat|access-date=13 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180302164124/https://aawsat.com/english/home/article/1099286/tahrir-al-sham-arrests-qaeda-leaders-cranks-zawahiri-julani-dispute|archive-date=2 March 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> Several Al-Qaeda circles and supporters have also condemned Joulani and compared him to Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi because of the group's conflicts with other rebel groups, and have described him as an 'opportunist' as well as making claims that he is an agent of foreign powers.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.siteintelgroup.com/blog/index.php/categories/jihad/entry/434-has-al-qaeda-replanted-its-flag-in-syria-1|title=Has al-Qaeda Replanted its Flag in Syria?|website=news.siteintelgroup.com|access-date=3 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180404073504/http://news.siteintelgroup.com/blog/index.php/categories/jihad/entry/434-has-al-qaeda-replanted-its-flag-in-syria-1|archive-date=4 April 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> On 1 March 2021, it was reported that Hayat Tahrir al-Sham intensified its campaign against al-Qaeda affiliate in Idlib.<ref name=almcam/>

===Ahrar al-Sham===
According to Abdul Razzaq al-Mahdi, who was a leading scholar in Tahrir al-Sham, the groups do not particularly hate one another in the political or social battlefield. Certain members, however, do believe that a war between the two would be possible, since Ahrar al-Sham's attendance at the Astana talks labels it as a "moderate" faction, often seen as blasphemy within groups such as Tahrir al-Sham.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kehJqt_CWfI&app=desktop| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211114/kehJqt_CWfI| archive-date=2021-11-14 | url-status=live|title=Is Tahreer Sham gearing up for a fight with Ahrar?|first=OGN|last=TV|website=[[Company:YouTube|YouTube]]|date=2 February 2017}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

In February 2018 Ahrar al-Sham and the Nour al-Din al-Zenki Movement merged and formed the Syrian Liberation Front then launched an offensive against Tahrir al-Sham seizing several villages and the city of Maarrat al-Nu'man.

==Designation as a terrorist organization==
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
|Country
|Date
|References
|-
|{{USA}}
|11 March 2017
|<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/Charles_Lister/status/840557108483485696|title=US State Department declares that #HTS and all groups that merged into it are now considered Al-Qaeda & thus, HTS = a terrorist organization:pic.twitter.com/8Bixa9bSqq|first=Charles|last=Lister|date=11 March 2017|access-date=4 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170820031309/https://twitter.com/Charles_Lister/status/840557108483485696|archive-date=20 August 2017|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="autogenerated1">{{cite tweet |user=USEmbassySyria |author=''United States Ambassador to Syria'' |number=864138586672828416 |date=15 May 2017 |title=HTS is a merger and any group that merges into it becomes part of al-Qa'ida's Syrian network. #Syria}}</ref>
|-
|{{CAN}}
|23 May 2018
|<ref name="Government of Canada">{{cite web|url=http://gazette.gc.ca/rp-pr/p2/2018/2018-05-30/html/sor-dors103-eng.html|title=Canada Gazette, Part 2, Volume 152, Number 11: Regulations Amending the Regulations Establishing a List of Entities|first=Public Works and Government Services Canada|last=Government of Canada|date=30 May 2018|website=gazette.gc.ca|access-date=22 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180719070313/http://gazette.gc.ca/rp-pr/p2/2018/2018-05-30/html/sor-dors103-eng.html|archive-date=19 July 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|{{TUR}}
|31 August 2018
|<ref>{{cite news|url=https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-mideast-crisis-syria-turkey-idUKKCN1LG1XU|title=Turkey designates Syria's Tahrir al-Sham as terrorist group|newspaper=Reuters|date=31 August 2018|via=uk.reuters.com|access-date=21 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190529204952/https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-mideast-crisis-syria-turkey-idUKKCN1LG1XU|archive-date=29 May 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|{{flag|United Kingdom}}
|
|<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/charities-warned-sending-aid-syrias-idlib-could-be-terror-offence|title=Charities warned that sending aid to Syria's Idlib could be a 'terror offence'|website=Middle East Eye|access-date=21 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190814192736/https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/charities-warned-sending-aid-syrias-idlib-could-be-terror-offence|archive-date=14 August 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>
|}

The US embassy in Syria confirmed in May 2017 that HTS had been designated a terrorist organization in March 2017.<ref>[https://www.alaraby.co.uk/english/news/2017/5/16/us-denies-reports-syria-rebels-nusra-off-terror-list US denies reports Syria rebels Nusra off terror list] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170816151512/https://www.alaraby.co.uk/english/news/2017/5/16/us-denies-reports-syria-rebels-nusra-off-terror-list |date=16 August 2017 }}, Al-Araby, 16 May 2017</ref> The United States Ambassador to Syria stated that "HTS is a merger and any group that merges into it becomes part of al-Qaeda's Syrian network."<ref name="autogenerated1"/> and "the core of HTS is Nusra, a designated terrorist organization. This designation applies regardless of what name it uses or what groups merge into it."<ref>{{cite tweet |user=USEmbassySyria |author=''United States Ambassador to Syria'' |number=864137666102734849 |date=15 May 2017 |title=The core of HTS is Nusra, a designated terrorist org. This designation applies regardless of what name it uses or what groups merge into it.}}</ref>

{{wipe|Canada}} designated Tahrir al-Sham as a terrorist organization on 23 May 2018.<ref name="Government of Canada"/>

In August 2018, [[Place:Turkey|Turkey]] designated Tahrir al-Sham as a terrorist organization.<ref name="reuters.com">{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-turkey-idUSKCN1LG1XM|title=Turkey designates Syria's Tahrir al-Sham as terrorist group|date=31 August 2018|via=www.reuters.com|access-date=21 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190530012016/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-turkey-idUSKCN1LG1XM|archive-date=30 May 2019|url-status=live|newspaper=Reuters}}</ref>

==Foreign support==
===Qatar and Saudi Arabia accused of support===
Iran's government has in 2017 accused Qatar and Saudi Arabia of supporting Tahrir al-Sham.<ref>"[http://en.farsnews.ir/newstext.aspx?nn=13951121000712 Confrontation between Turkey, Saudi Arabia Root Cause of Tensions among Terrorist Groups in Syria] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180917081439/http://en.farsnews.ir/newstext.aspx?nn=13951121000712 |date=17 September 2018 }}". ''Fars News Agency''. 9 February 2017.</ref>

===Speculated alliance with Turkey===
In 2018, Turkey designated Tahrir al-Sham as a terrorist organization and the Al-Nusra Front in 2014. The Turkish government once said it was opposed to Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), and had fought with it and declared it a terrorist organisation, and HTS's Syrian Salvation Government was a direct challenge to the Turkish-backed Syrian Interim Government.<ref name=Cling/>

However, since 2017 there have been times HTS, and in particular its pragmatic faction around Abu Muhammed al-Jolani, has fought alongside the SNA which is backed and funded by Turkey, has not stopped Turkey from setting up several observation posts in its controlled territory in Idlib Governorate, and has joined joint operations rooms with Turkish-backed groups while preserving its autonomy. The Clingendael Institute in November 2019 has described the Turkish policy since 2018 as attempting to divide the pragmatic elements from the dogmatic terrorist elements within HTS.<ref name=Cling>{{cite web|url=https://www.clingendael.org/pub/2019/strategies-of-turkish-proxy-warfare-in-northern-syria/4-key-characteristics-of-turkish-use-of-syrian-armed-proxies/|title=Key characteristics of Turkish use of Syrian armed proxies {{!}} Strategies of Turkish proxy warfare in northern Syria|website=clingendael.org|access-date=2020-01-30|date=November 2019}}</ref>

==See also==
* Army of Conquest
* Inter-rebel conflict during the Syrian Civil War
* List of armed groups in the Syrian Civil War
* List of terrorist incidents in Syria
* National Front for Liberation–Tahrir al-Sham conflict
* Northwestern Syria offensive (April–June 2015)
* Second Battle of Idlib

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}


[[Category:Islam-related controversies]]

{{Sourceattribution|Tahrir al-Sham|1}}