Who is Abu Mohammed al-Golani, leader of Syrian rebellion? From al-Qaida ties to HTS head
Hindustan TimesAbu Mohammed al-Golani, the 42-year-old leader of the insurgent group that forced Syrian President Bashar Assad out of the country and ended his regime, is said to have worked for years to distance himself from his extremist past and present a more moderate face to the world. Top rebel commander Abu Mohammed al-Golani speaks to a crowd at Ummayad Mosque in Damascus, after Syrian rebels announced that they have ousted President Bashar al-Assad, Syria December 8, 2024. Known for his role in Syria’s ongoing civil war, al-Golani has transformed from a jihadist figure linked to terror outfit al-Qaida to a leader advocating for pluralism and state-building. From al-Qaida linked fighter to leader of HTS In recent interviews, al-Golani has spoken about the importance of building inclusive institutions for Syria, even hinting that his group could eventually dissolve after Assad’s fall.