Unlike all other leaders of extremist organizations, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) leader Abu Mohammed al-Golani attended a public event in Idlib, displaying zero concerns about being targeted by the international coalition warplanes that pursue extremist leaders in northern Syria.

On Jan. 7, Golani participated in the opening of the Aleppo-Bab al-Hawa road alongside the prime minister of the HTS-affiliated Syrian Salvation Government, Ali Keda. The project is the government’s first major project carried out in areas outside the control of the Syrian government.

Golani appeared in public wearing modern clothes, which raised questions on social media. Many believed his outfit was an attempt to come across as “moderate,” although HTS was previously known as al-Qaeda-affiliated Jabhat al-Nusra. The group is designated a terrorist organization by the United States and the UN Security Council. 

This isn't Golani's first attempt at a makeover. In June last year, he did a television interview with American journalist Martin Smith of PBS in a blue suit rather than his usual robes.