Syria's HTS Criticizes US Embassy Over Idlib Crackdown Condemnation

Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the main insurgent group in rebel-held northwest Syria, has lashed out at the US Embassy in Damascus for condemning its crackdown on protesters in Idlib province. The group accused the US of hypocrisy, pointing to protests at American universities against the war in Gaza.

Protests against HTS have been ongoing for months in Idlib province, with demonstrators demanding the release of detainees and an end to the group's rule. HTS, formerly known to be the Nusra Front and once affiliated with al-Qaida, has responded with violence, injuring several protesters.

Why this matters: The situation in Idlib has significant implications for regional stability and the Syrian conflict as a whole. If HTS continues to crack down on protesters, it could lead to further violence and humanitarian crises in the region.

The US Embassy in Damascus posted on social media, "We support the rights of all Syrians to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, including in Idlib. We deplore Hayat Tahrir al-Sham's regime-style intimidation and brutality against peaceful protesters," prompting HTS's backlash.

HTS responded by stating that "liberated areas enjoy a safe environment for the expression of opinion as long as they don't aim to destabilize the region and spread chaos." The group further criticized the US, asserting that "the rights of university students in the United States should be preserved and their demands in supporting the Palestinian people and Gaza should be respected."

The protests in Idlib have seen HTS members attacking demonstrators with clubs and sharp objects, and firing into the air to disperse crowds. Despite the violence, the protests have continued, reflecting deep discontent with HTS's rule.

Idlib province, home to over 4 million people, many of whom are displaced as a result of the conflict that began in 2011, remains a hotbed of resistance against HTS. The Syrian conflict has led to half a million deaths and left large parts of the country in ruins.

Meanwhile, Arab League Secretary General Ahmed Aboul Gheit, speaking at a ministerial meeting in Beijing, highlighted the international community's frustration over the ongoing violence in Gaza. He urged China to play a more significant role in reinforcing the global consensus on the two-state solution.

The situation in Idlib remains tense, with HTS facing both internal dissent and external condemnation. The group's response to the US Embassy's criticism highlights the complex dynamics at play in the region.

Key Takeaways

• Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) lashes out at US Embassy in Damascus for condemning its crackdown on protesters in Idlib province.
• Protests against HTS have been ongoing for months, demanding release of detainees and end to its rule.
• HTS responds with violence, injuring protesters, and accuses US of hypocrisy over university protests against Gaza war.
• Situation in Idlib has significant implications for regional stability and Syrian conflict as a whole.
• Idlib province remains a hotbed of resistance against HTS, with over 4 million people, many displaced due to conflict.