Leader of Syrian rebels reveals military operation goal

"When we talk about objectives, the goal of the revolution remains the overthrow of this regime. It is our right to use all available means to achieve that goal," emphasized the rebel leader.

In his first interview with CNN in many years, al-Jolani highlighted his intention to create a government based on institutions and a "council chosen by the people."

According to the rebel leader, the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group, formed from the Syrian branch of al Qaeda, seeks to establish a new governance model for Syria.

Al-Jolani reminded that the rebels captured strategically important cities like Aleppo and Hama, striking against Assad's regime and its allies, Russia and Iran.

The rebel leader is trying to distance his group from its extremist past by using his real name, Ahmed al-Sharaa, and claiming openness to minorities.

He states that his views have changed since his time in al Qaeda, and the new group aims to avoid the harsh tactics characteristic of jihadist groups.

"We are talking about a larger project – we are talking about building Syria... Hayat Tahrir al-Sham is merely one part of this dialogue, and it may dissolve at any time. It is not an end in itself but a means to perform a task: confronting this regime," explained al-Jolani.

The rebel leader assured that Christians and other minorities could live safely under their rule, although human rights defenders have expressed doubts about some actions of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham.

"There were some violations against them (minorities-ed.) by certain individuals during periods of chaos, but we addressed these issues," assured al-Jolani.

The rebel leader also stated that the new Syrian government must be institutional and transparent.

"Syria deserves a governing system that is institutional, not one where a single ruler makes arbitrary decisions," remarked al-Jolani.

War in Syria

Last week, large-scale clashes began in Syria between the rebels of the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, the Syrian National Army units, and the army of dictator Bashar al-Assad, who Russia and Iran have supported for many years.

Some sources suggest that Türkiye supports the rebels, although this has not been officially confirmed.

The military progress of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham in Syria, including the capture of Aleppo on December 1 and Hama, which was reported yesterday, December 6, has caused a global stir.

At the same time, despite some changes in views and distancing from the past, the rebel group remains a recognized terrorist organization in the USA, Türkiye, and other countries. The UN also holds this position.

Earlier, we reported that the US announced strikes on targets in Syria in response to an attack on an American base.