Idlib sees large protests against HTS' al-Jolani amid crackdown

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Al Mayadeen
7 Mar 2024 22:41

Al Mayadeen's correspondent has reported on the ongoing developments in Idlib where demonstrators took to the streets to demand the overthrow of al-Jolani.

Residents of Idlib march while holding up banners demanding Abu Mohammad al-Jolani be removed from power and the release of detainees, in Idlib, Syria, on March 1, 2024. (AFP)

The security apparatus of the terrorist organization, "Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham" (HTS), set up several checkpoints in Idlib, aiming to prevent protests in the Syrian city on Thursday, Al Mayadeen's correspondent reported.

Our correspondent revealed that HTS militants blocked off a group of women traveling from the town of Armanaz heading to the town of Kfar Takharim in Idlib's countryside to participate in a women's demonstration.

Militants affiliated with the leader of the HTS, Abu Mohammad al-Jolani, set up these checkpoints to disperse protests calling for his removal from power in the city.

Security checkpoints prevented cars from entering the town and detained multiple women who had traveled in buses, keeping them under arrest until the protest ended, while others were forced to return.

Later, our correspondent said that the city of Jisr al-Shughour, in northwest Idlib, saw its first protest against al-Jolani. It is worth noting that the city is the largest in the area.

Protesters in Atimah, near the Syrian-Turkish border, also called for al-Jolani's overthrow. The demonstrators also chanted against HTS' control over all civilian affairs in Idlib.

Multiple calls circulated on social media platforms urging all regions to protest on Friday to demand the overthrow of al-Jolani and his security apparatus. Activists highlighted al-Jolani's attempt to silence protesters in their call for protests.

Al-Jolani completed the largest arrest operation in early February, targeting security, military, and political leaders within the HTS accusing them of "planning a military coup against him in collaboration with foreign intelligence."

The operation led to the imprisonment of over 400 military, security, financial, and political leaders affiliated with HTS, including Abu Maria al-Qahtani.