Likely the HTS, which is the main rebel group that lead the new offensive and which has already absorbed or eliminated many other groups in Syria.

They are a Sunni Islamist group, but they also are against Al-Queda. But only opposed to them since 2020. But HTS is still considered a terrorist organization by the US, UK, and Canada. But Timber Sycamore shows historically that the US may publicly designate a group as terrorists in Syria while style still supporting them privately. HTS is strongly opposed to Russia and has spilled a lot of blood to prove it.

So, in short, is this a good or bad event: I dunno.

The two moderate beheader factions will push out the extremist beheaders, then fight among themselves.

Hopefully not another Libya, but I fear it will be another Libya.

A theocracy likely

HTS is currently pledged to Syrian Salvation Government, which is basically the opposition government in exile (operating from Istanbul), governing NW Syria (4 mil pop) from the back seat for the last 10 years. HTS is just acting as its main (but not only) militia organization, and Jolani said HTS will oversee the Syrian state’s transition to SSG.

We’ll hear the names of Mohammed al-Bashir and Mustafa al-Mousa in the coming days.

HTS mostly consists of militants splintered off from Al Qaeda and ISIS, and waged war against them. Apparently they gave up “Salafist” terrorism to turn into a Syrian Nationalist movement instead. Jolani sounded more moderate than I was expecting, so let’s hope the new western backed puppet state brings some peace to Syrians after all.