US designates Syrian rebel leader Abu Mohammed al-Jolani as terrorist in 2017

In 2017, the US Embassy in Syria labeled Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, leader of Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a terrorist. The US stated that HTS is an extension of al-Qaeda, despite its attempts to rebrand itself. The US Embassy used social media to clarify its position, asserting that HTS's formation was a tactic to hide its extremist roots. It emphasized that Jolani remained loyal to al-Qaeda's strategies, undermining claims of moderation. The US had previously hesitated to designate HTS as a terrorist group due to its ties with the Nour ed-Dine Zenki Brigade, which had received US support. The 2017 designation significantly shaped the international view of Jolani and HTS.