ALEPPO, Syria — Prominent leaders in Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which controls Idlib and its surroundings in northwestern Syria, are seeking to invest their money in various economic sectors in the area. It seems that these efforts, which could amount to money laundering operations, are encouraged by the HTS leadership, which wants to have various sources of support to help it survive and increase its power and influence.

On July 28, dozens of residents of the city of Darat Izza, northwest of Aleppo, protested against HTS and its affiliated Salvation Government, after the latter issued a decision to close the popular market in the city center in order to build a shopping center instead.

The protesters demanded the release of detainees who were arrested by HTS when a group affiliated with it attacked the market area with the aim of implementing the decision and forcing the merchants working there to evacuate their shops.

The owner of a shop in the popular market in downtown Darat Izza told Al-Monitor on condition of anonymity, “The administration of the northern area in the Salvation Government affiliated with HTS issued a decision in late July to close the popular vegetable market in the city center. It wants to demolish it and build a shopping center instead. This market is one of the oldest markets in the city, and has been a source of livelihood for dozens of people during the past few decades.”