After Entering Aleppo, Syrian Rebel Operations Room Including Hay'at Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS) Vows To Protect Sunni And Shi'ite Civilians, Urges Them To Work With Rebel Authorities

On November 27, 2024, the Al-Fath Al-Mubin operations room, which includes Syrian jihadi group Hay'at Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS) and other jihadi and rebel factions, announced a new offensive called "Operation Repelling the Aggression," under the auspices of a new body, the "Military Operations Command." The campaign's stated goals are to enable displaced Syrians to return to their homes in areas captured by the Assad regime.[1]

On November 29, the Military Operations Command announced that its fighters had entered the major city of Aleppo and released a brief video clip showing its fighters driving through the city. On the following day, it announced the capture of the city's international airport.[2]

In addition, the Military Operations Command announced it had captured dozens of towns and villages in the countryside west and south of Aleppo and east and south of Idlib, claiming that its forces were quickly advancing in the Aleppo and Hama countrysides, as regime forces withdrew from dozens of important positions and dozens of soldiers defected.[3]

Military Operations Command Vows To Protect Aleppo Civilians And Property, Urges Them To Cooperate With Rebel Authorities

The Military Operations Command sought to reassure the people of Aleppo in November 29 Telegram posts. Declaring its goal of protecting civilians, the military body reassured residents of Aleppo and its countryside that "we are part of them and they are part of us" and declared that rebel forces are responsible for safeguarding their lives and possessions, while urging the fighters to prevent the Assad regime from using civilians as human shields. Addressing the city's population, the Military Operations Command stated: "We are your sons and brothers, sons of this city whose ancient history and great culture has united us. We are working now to free our city from the tyranny and corruption of the criminal regime, seeking to return it to its glory and dignity, free of oppression and tyranny … We urge you to cooperate and join hands with us … to protect our city and together build its shining future … With our shared will, our city will again become a symbol of peace and culture, Allah willing."[4]

The Military Operations Command also urged regime soldiers to defect before it is too late, reporting that it had secured the defection of several regime soldiers in Aleppo city.[5]

In addition, the new body announced that it would soon begin returning displaced Syrians from IDP camps to their homes, declaring that it was working to "expand the safe areas to ensure the return of all displaced."[6]

Military Operations Command Declares Curfew In Aleppo, Threatens To Punish Aggression Against Civilians And Their Property

On November 29, the Military Operations Command declared a curfew in Aleppo city from 11:30 PM to 8:00 AM the following day, "to protect the safety of our people in the city." During this time, security and police forces were to "ensure security and consolidate stability," in addition to removing mines and war ordnance. The Military Operations Command warned that violators would be prosecuted.[7]

The curfew was renewed on November 30 from 5:00 PM to 5:00 AM the following day.[8]

On the same day, the Military Operations Command issued an "important notice" to all fighters and civilians who had arrived in the city of Aleppo, urging them to protect all private and public property and warning that "harsh and strict measures" would be taken against any violators.[9]

HTS-Linked DPA Reassures Residents Of Captured Shi'ite Towns, Urges Them To Reject Assad Regime And Iran-Backed Militias

The Department of Political Affairs (DPA) in the HTS-linked Syrian Salvation Government (SSG) issued an Arabic-language statement on November 29 addressing residents of the recently-captured Shi'ite towns Nubl and Al-Zahra' in the Aleppo countryside. Declaring that the Syrian revolution's principles of "justice and dignity" call to protect civilian lives and property, the DPA assured the two towns' residents that they would be treated like other Syrians, irrespective of religious or ethnic affiliation. It urged the locals to reject the Assad regime and refuse to be used as "tools" to advance "the project of Iran and Hizbullah in the region," or else they would "pay the price." The statement expressed the goal of "building a new Syria with room for all her sons, a state that respect everyone's rights," declaring that this can only occur through unity among the entire Syrian people and rejecting attempts to "tear its social fabric."[10]

Leaders Of HTS, Ahrar Al-Sham Call On Fighters To Show Mercy To Aleppo Civilians, Represent Morals Of Syrian Revolution

On November 29, the official "General Command – Syria" Telegram channel released a poster, in Arabic and English versions, quoting HTS leader Abu Muhammad Al-Joulani's instructions to fighters entering Aleppo. He urged the mujahideen to show mercy to civilians "of all sects" and to protect their lives and property, declaring that "Aleppo has always been … a crossroads of civilizations and cultures, with a long history of cultural and religious diversity." He declared that anyone who "enters their home, closes their door, and refrains from hostility is safe," as are any regime soldiers who defect and surrender to the rebel fighters.[11]

The channel published additional Arabic-language posters quoting instructions by Al-Joulani, urging the fighters to show the world their morality and exemplify Islam's teachings of mercy. He urged fighters and civilians not to disobey the general command's orders to protect the property and honor of Aleppo's people, warning that violators would be severely punished. Declaring that the people of Aleppo are now under the protection of the Military Operations Command, Al-Joulani reiterated his call for treating the people of newly-captured areas kindly, and stressed: "We do not seek vengeance but justice and dignity." He urged fighters to treat prisoners and wounded enemy forces decently and to avoid "excessive killing," reminding them that they represent the Syrian revolution. Stating that the rebels are working to build "Syria of the future … a country of justice, dignity, and liberty for all Syrians," he added that "victory is not just in battle but begins afterwards."[12]

The channel released another poster quoting 'Amer Al-Sheikh, leader of Salafi-jihadi faction Ahrar Al-Sham, who urged the conquering rebels to remember that Aleppo's civilians are "members of our religion and homeland," and declared that the fighters have been entrusted with ensuring their security.[13]

PM Of HTS-Linked Government Urges Aleppo Civilians To Join Rebel Bodies

On November 29, Muhammad Al-Bashir, prime minister of the HTS-linked Syrian Salvation Government (SSG), delivered a three-minute speech addressing the people of Aleppo. He celebrated the "blessed day" when the city's residents saw "the light of freedom" from the Assad regime, declaring it the beginning of a "new stage" in the Syrian revolution. Al-Bashir called on the city's professionals, including physicians, engineers, teachers, and businesspeople, to participate in the city's growth, emphasizing that the SSG aims to create security and stability to allow locals to live their lives in freedom without fear. The PM urged Aleppo's people to participate in "building Syria of the future, Syria of liberty and dignity, Syria of glory and pride," and vowed to provide Aleppines with security and justice.[14]

On the following day, Al-Bashir wrote that he had directed all SSG ministries to attend to humanitarian cases in the "newly-liberated areas." He urged those working in the areas' public institutions to join SSG bodies, stressing that government workers are exempt from the current curfew.[15]