Abu Mohammad al-Julani, now regarded as a significant and powerful figure in Syria’s ongoing civil war, has risen to prominence through a turbulent and noteworthy political and military journey.
In 2003, al-Julani traveled to Iraq to fight against the U.S. invasion but was captured by American forces and spent five years in their prison. Released in 2011, he returned to Syria as an envoy of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the founder of the Islamic State (ISIS), and began building his political and military influence by establishing Jabhat al-Nusra.
In 2013, al-Julani broke ties with al-Baghdadi and pledged allegiance to Ayman al-Zawahiri, the leader of al-Qaeda. This move officially made Jabhat al-Nusra the Syrian branch of al-Qaeda, which sparked violent clashes and a split between al-Qaeda and ISIS.
In 2016, al-Julani announced the formation of a new group called Jabhat Fateh al-Sham. In 2017, this group merged with others to form Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). While the U.S. rejected this rebranding, still designating the group as a terrorist organization, al-Julani sought to soften his stance and gain international legitimacy.
HTS prioritized fighting al-Qaeda, ISIS, and other opposing forces in Syria, successfully taking control of much of Idlib province. The group administers the region through the Syrian Salvation Government.
By 2020, al-Julani significantly increased his public presence in Idlib to garner local support. HTS-affiliated media began regularly showcasing governance activities, the distribution of financial aid, and his meetings with regional militia leaders.
Now 42, Abu Mohammad al-Julani has emerged as a dominant player in Syria’s civil war. His recent successes mark a significant shift in the region’s history, transforming him from a former prisoner into one of the most influential and controversial leaders in the Middle East.
Political analysts suggest that al-Julani’s growing influence and power could play a pivotal role in shaping Syria’s future, with some considering him a potential future leader of the country.
