Abu Mohammad al-Jolani is one of the most controversial figures in the Syrian conflict.
As he transformed his jihadist group Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), he tried to project the image of a pragmatic leader. Al-Jolani moved away from ideas of global jihad and focused on local goals, such as overthrowing the regime of Bashar al-Assad and establishing Islamic rule in Syria.
The situation in Syria is rapidly deteriorating, and reports point to a deep crisis within the government that could escalate into a major coup. Key events and their significance:
As opposition forces advance in Syria, the whereabouts of President Bashar al-Assad are increasingly the subject of speculation and controversy.
'Assad remains in Moscow'
Director of the Middle East Institute Charles Lister said:
'Well-informed sources say Assad remains in Moscow, while much of his family and close allies are also abroad in Russia and the UAE. This adds a stunning additional dimension to the collapse of northern Syria.'
Reports of an attempted military coup in Damascus are being spread in Arabic-language Telegram channels. Videos are being published that allegedly show gunfire near the General Staff building of the Syrian army in the capital.
Arab sources claim that Syrian army officers have rebelled against their leadership and are trying to seize administrative buildings in Damascus. There are allegedly battles in the capital between the Republican Guard and the 4th elite armored division under the command of Maher al-Assad, the brother of the Syrian president.
According to sources in the Syrian opposition, Hassam Luka, who holds the post of head of the regime's General Directorate of Security, is believed to be leading the coup attempt.
Luka is allegedly coordinating the actions of a group of Syrian Arab Army soldiers who are trying to reach the presidential palace in Damascus. This may indicate serious internal friction within the Syrian leadership.
