Protests against HTS leader al-Jolani continue in Syria's Idlib
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Protests demanding the ousting of al-Jolani and the dissolution of his Security Apparatus in areas under HTS control continue for the fourth consecutive week.
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Abu Mohamad al-Jolani, leader of the terrorist Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) militant group, speaks during a press conference in the area of Bab al-Hawa crossing northern Syria, on March 12, 2024. (Photo by OMAR HAJ KADOUR / AFP)
Al Mayadeen's correspondent in Syria reported Tuesday demonstrations in the Syrian towns of Idlib, Salqin, Atimah, and Kfar Takharim, in addition to the villages of al-Zawiya Mountain, to demand the overthrow of the leader of the terrorist Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) militant group, Abu Mohammad al-Jolani.
Touching on the protests, strategic affairs expert, Turki al-Hassan, told Al Mayadeen that the protesters are demonstrating against arrests carried out by al-Jolani's so-called Security Apparatus, suggesting that Turkey is backing these protests.
On his part, political affairs writer, Taysir al-Khatib, indicated that Ankara finds that dialogue with Damascus is more effective and beneficial than with armed groups.
The cities of Idlib and Jisr al-Shughur, controlled by HTS in northwestern Syria, witnessed Monday protests after the Taraweeh prayers demanding the dissolution of the group's so-called Security Apparatus and unraveling the fate of detainees in its prisons.
Similarly, demonstrations emerged from mosques in the towns of Binnish and Kfar Takharim in northern Idlib countryside, raising slogans calling for the ousting of HTS chief Abu Mohammad al-Jolani.
Areas in the countryside of Idlib and Western Aleppo have been witnessing daily protests for more than three weeks following the arrest of hundreds of HTS members by al-Jolani's Security Apparatus, under the pretext of their alleged collaboration with foreign parties.
The protesters are demanding the ousting of al-Jolani and the dissolution of his Security Apparatus due to the arrests and enforced disappearances of thousands, as well as the imposition of additional taxes, which has tightened the noose around the locals and deprived them of basic life necessities.
Last week, al-Jolani said that the demands of protesters "are not permissible in the time being" for implementation, indicating that there are "red lines that no one should reach."
Al-Jolani said that the HTS will intervene to protect the areas that it controls, demanding that "destabilizing" protests be stopped.
The leader of the terror group made his remarks during a talk he called for in the presence of hundreds of militants and residents of Idlib on Tuesday.
His talk, in which he addressed the demonstrations, was laid with threats against protesters providing no real solution to the demands of the residents of Idlib.
"There is no dispute over authority in Idlib," al-Jolani said, dismissing clear calls for his overthrow.
He demanded that protesters not "return to square one," indicating that after this conference, the HTS hopes that the issues that prompted the protests would have been resolved, and that "going back [to square one] is a red line for the organization."
Activists considered al-Jolani's statements and his implicit threats during the conference as "a green light for his security apparatus to use violence" against them if chants demanding his resignation are repeated in the upcoming Friday protests.
Armed factions of foreign militants in Syria issued a statement on Friday expressing their support for "reforms" announced by HTS leader al-Jolani.
They warned against the danger of returning to what they called "fragmentation" before HTS consolidated its complete control over northwestern Syria.
The factions affirmed full support for "the leaders and emirs in northwestern Syria" and their readiness to provide all forms of support while declaring disassociation from any foreign fighter who violates the statement.
Read more: Aleppo's anti-Turkish, SNA protests spark state of emergency
