Recent revelations from a military commander of Hayat Tarir al-Sham (HTS) shed light on the meticulous planning and coordination that led to the successful assault on Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's regime a year ago. According to the commander, Abu Hassan al-Hamwi, HTS, previously an Al Qaeda affiliate in northwestern Syria, initiated communication with rebels in the country's south to establish a unified front.
Al-Hamwi highlighted the significant challenge faced by rebel forces in Syria due to the lack of unified leadership and control over the battlefield. In response, HTS actively sought collaboration with other groups to consolidate their strength.
The strategic approach adopted by HTS involved a comprehensive analysis of the enemy's tactics, leading to the development of a cohesive military doctrine among various rebel factions. This process culminated in the formation of a unified rebel force, with an operations room established in southern Syria to facilitate coordination among commanders from 25 different rebel groups.
Seizing an opportune moment in late November, the newly formed rebel alliance launched a decisive offensive while key allies of the Assad regime, Russia and Iran, were preoccupied with their own conflicts. The swift and coordinated action resulted in the fall of Damascus and the subsequent flight of Assad to Russia within a span of two weeks.
Looking ahead, al-Hamwi acknowledged the challenges associated with establishing a new government in the aftermath of the regime's collapse. He emphasized the importance of bridging existing divides that were sown by the regime, underscoring the ongoing efforts to foster unity and cooperation among the diverse rebel factions.
