How has Hayat Tahrir al Sham expanded its influence in rebel-held areas?

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Hayat Tahrir al Sham Has Expanded Its Influence Through a Peace Deal and Strategic Advances

Hayat Tahrir al Sham (HTS) has recently expanded its influence in rebel-held areas by compelling rival factions to accept a peace deal, which has consolidated the group's control. This development follows intense fighting and has raised concerns among residents about HTS's potential capture of key strategic locations, including the border city of Azaz and the Bab al Salamah crossing with Turkey. Western intelligence and rebel sources indicate that HTS has long harboured ambitions to broaden its economic and security role beyond its Idlib stronghold, aiming to integrate civilian administration and present a unified front.
HTS Secured a Peace Deal Expanding Its Grip

On Saturday, HTS imposed a peace deal on factions within the Turkey-backed National Army, significantly increasing its territorial and political influence. This agreement followed five days of intense fighting within the last opposition enclave in northwestern Syria. Both sides have since traded accusations of reneging on the truce's provisions, which included pulling fighters back to their respective frontlines and establishing a unified civilian administration.
HTS is Approaching Key Border Crossings and Cities

The group's expanding influence is marked by its strategic movements towards vital infrastructure. A commander from a mainstream faction noted that HTS forces are advancing towards the Bab al Salamah border crossing, a critical gateway with Turkey located northwest of Azaz. The potential capture of Azaz, an important administrative centre for the Turkish-backed opposition, is a significant concern for local residents, who fear a further consolidation of HTS's power.
HTS Seeks Broader Economic and Security Integration

Beyond immediate territorial gains, HTS has a long-term strategy to enhance its role in northern Syria. According to Western intelligence sources and rebel accounts, the group has consistently sought to expand its economic and security influence into areas outside its primary stronghold in Idlib. This ambition is driven by a desire to unify the opposition's fragmented territories under a single administration and military force.
HTS Leader Aims to Unify Areas Under Joint Administration

The overarching objective of HTS leader Mohammad al Golani is to extend the efficient civilian administration currently managing Idlib's public services to other regions. This initiative is part of an effort to rebrand the group, formerly an offshoot of al-Qaeda, and shed its militant image. The stated aim is to foster a unified project that serves all civilians and revolutionary goals, consolidating various areas under a joint administration with broad participation.

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How has Hayat Tahrir al Sham expanded its influence in rebel-held areas?

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