Controversy among jihadis in Idlib over killing of Islamic State leader
Jihadis in Idlib believe that former al-Qaeda affiliate Hayat Tahrir al-Sham played a role in the killing of Islamic State leader Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Qurayshi during a US Special Forces operation in Idlib.
ALEPPO, Syria — The Feb. 3 US Special Forces operation that led to the death of Islamic State (IS) leader Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Qurayshi has angered many jihadis opposing Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) in Syria’s northwestern province of Idlib.
The jihadis raised questions on the role HTS played in Qurayshi’s killing and the possible coordination between the United States and HTS, which controls Idlib. Another group of jihadis accused HTS of treason because it did not interfere to prevent this operation that lasted for more than two hours at the heart of its area of influence, where its security and military staff are heavily deployed. Others have even accused HTS of providing a safe haven for IS leaders and members in Idlib.
The controversy escalated among jihadis in light of HTS’ comments on the raid, since it took place at the heart of its area of control and security stronghold, and under the radar of its fighters who were closely watching what happened.
In response to the accusations, HTS said in a Feb. 6 statement that it did not know that Qurayshi lived in the safe house in the town of Atmeh before his death, and stressed its rejection of the US raid.
