Syrian jihadi group sees wave of defections in Idlib

Schisms within Hayat Tahrir al-Sham are widening as its leader shifts to convey a moderate image and eliminate more radical rival groups.
A member of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham holds the group's flag as others parade with their flags and those of the Taliban's declared "Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan" through the rebel-held city of Idlib, Syria, Aug. 20, 2021.
A member of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham holds the group's flag as others parade with their flags and those of the Taliban's declared "Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan" through the rebel-held city of Idlib, Syria, Aug. 20, 2021. - Omar Haj Kadour/AFP via Getty Images
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Mohammed Hardan
@_MohammedHardan

Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) continues to split with rival jihadi groups, according to the classification of the segments supporting this group.

Mahmoud Adnan Ajaj, a judge working in one of Idlib's civil courts associated with HTS' Salvation Government, announced Dec. 1 his defection.

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