CNN interviews leader labeled as 'moderate' terrorist
An interview on CNN features the 'moderate' terrorist leader of the jihadist group HTS in Syria, who has previous ties to both Al-Qaeda and ISIS. Read Full Article at RT.com.
TroibNews 
Abu Mohammed al-Julani is currently the leader of the jihadist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) in Syria, having previously been associated with Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State.
CNN recently conducted an interview with al-Julani, a figure on the US wanted list, focusing on his perceived “transformation” from an Al-Qaeda leader to that of a “moderate rebel.”
This interview coincides with a sudden offensive by HTS, during which they and other militant factions have reportedly gained control of the cities of Aleppo and Hama.
While CNN refers to al-Julani as a “rebel leader,” the US, Russia, Syria, Iran, the UN, and most of the international community classify him and his group as terrorist organizations.
Al-Julani was previously the head of Al-Qaeda and the Al-Nusra Front, both of which have been implicated in numerous war crimes, including the killings of hundreds of civilians and acts of kidnapping. In 2013, the US designated him as a “specially designated global terrorist” and later placed a $10 million bounty on him.
Naim Qassem, the leader of the Hezbollah militant group based in Lebanon, has asserted that the recent hostilities in Syria are “sponsored by America and Israel,” claiming that the US is attempting to “create chaos in Syria.” He pledged that Hezbollah would support the Syrian government in combating the HTS jihadists and urged other Arab nations to assist Damascus.
During the interview, al-Julani characterized the terrorist label as “primarily political” and “wrong,” challenging audiences to assess him “not by words but by actions.” He maintained that “everyone in life goes through experiences and phases,” asserting that he is now a reformed individual fighting for what he describes as the liberation of Syria.
The UN reports that the recent surge in violence in Syria has displaced approximately 280,000 individuals in just over a week, with projections indicating the figure could soon exceed 1.5 million.
Earlier, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov mentioned that Moscow had received information suggesting possible involvement from the UK, the US, and Israel in supporting HTS during its current offensive in Syria, allegedly to divert attention from the Gaza conflict.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also stated that Tehran would back the Syrian government in countering the latest jihadist assault, which he has labeled an “American-Zionist” conspiracy.
Since 2011, Syria has been mired in war, driven by various anti-government factions looking to overthrow the Assad regime. Jihadist groups, particularly those receiving foreign military support, have become prominent players in the opposition and have been identified by the US and other Western nations as “moderate rebels.”
In 2015, Russia intervened in the conflict at the request of Damascus, aiding Assad's forces in reclaiming control over much of the country.
However, the situation worsened last week following a large-scale surprise attack by HTS and its allies in northwest Syria, which forced government forces to retreat and allowed them to seize considerable territory in Aleppo and Idlib.
Aarav Patel contributed to this report for TROIB News
CNN recently conducted an interview with al-Julani, a figure on the US wanted list, focusing on his perceived “transformation” from an Al-Qaeda leader to that of a “moderate rebel.”
This interview coincides with a sudden offensive by HTS, during which they and other militant factions have reportedly gained control of the cities of Aleppo and Hama.
While CNN refers to al-Julani as a “rebel leader,” the US, Russia, Syria, Iran, the UN, and most of the international community classify him and his group as terrorist organizations.
Al-Julani was previously the head of Al-Qaeda and the Al-Nusra Front, both of which have been implicated in numerous war crimes, including the killings of hundreds of civilians and acts of kidnapping. In 2013, the US designated him as a “specially designated global terrorist” and later placed a $10 million bounty on him.
Naim Qassem, the leader of the Hezbollah militant group based in Lebanon, has asserted that the recent hostilities in Syria are “sponsored by America and Israel,” claiming that the US is attempting to “create chaos in Syria.” He pledged that Hezbollah would support the Syrian government in combating the HTS jihadists and urged other Arab nations to assist Damascus.
During the interview, al-Julani characterized the terrorist label as “primarily political” and “wrong,” challenging audiences to assess him “not by words but by actions.” He maintained that “everyone in life goes through experiences and phases,” asserting that he is now a reformed individual fighting for what he describes as the liberation of Syria.
The UN reports that the recent surge in violence in Syria has displaced approximately 280,000 individuals in just over a week, with projections indicating the figure could soon exceed 1.5 million.
Earlier, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov mentioned that Moscow had received information suggesting possible involvement from the UK, the US, and Israel in supporting HTS during its current offensive in Syria, allegedly to divert attention from the Gaza conflict.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also stated that Tehran would back the Syrian government in countering the latest jihadist assault, which he has labeled an “American-Zionist” conspiracy.
Since 2011, Syria has been mired in war, driven by various anti-government factions looking to overthrow the Assad regime. Jihadist groups, particularly those receiving foreign military support, have become prominent players in the opposition and have been identified by the US and other Western nations as “moderate rebels.”
In 2015, Russia intervened in the conflict at the request of Damascus, aiding Assad's forces in reclaiming control over much of the country.
However, the situation worsened last week following a large-scale surprise attack by HTS and its allies in northwest Syria, which forced government forces to retreat and allowed them to seize considerable territory in Aleppo and Idlib.
Aarav Patel contributed to this report for TROIB News
