Abu Mohammed al-Golani leads Hayat Tahrir al-Sham following Assad's fall in Syria

Abu Mohammed al-Golani, now known as Ahmad al-Sharaa, leads Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a dominant force in Syria's Idlib region. HTS played a key role in the recent fall of President Bashar al-Assad, raising questions about Syria's future governance. HTS, previously linked to Al Qaeda, has distanced itself from global jihad to focus on local issues. The group is designated a terrorist organization by several countries, including the U.S. and Australia. Al-Golani aims to present a more moderate image, emphasizing governance and inclusivity. The U.S. has placed a $10 million bounty on al-Golani, maintaining its terrorist designation for HTS. A senior White House official stated that the U.S. will support Syrians in determining their future, without imposing a specific plan.