Idlib's displaced traumatized by operation that killed IS leader
Residents of the displacement camps near the site of the recent US operation that killed IS leader Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Qurayshi are still terrified of not only a possible return by the Islamic State, but also by the US-led coalition.
Following the Feb. 3 US special forces operation that led to the death of Islamic State leader Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Qurayshi in northwest Syria, civilians in Idlib have been growing more concerned about a possible return of IS, especially the residents of the displaced camps in the border town of Atmeh and the house where Qurayshi died during the raid.
Much seems to hinge on Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which controls Idlib province.
HTS has not commented on the US operation. Meanwhile, the group’s leader, Abu Mohammed al-Golani, continues to try to gain the people’s trust in Idlib, visiting displaced camps dressed in modern clothing and donating an estimated $1 million to the inhabitants.
But HTS’ efforts to appear moderate before the international community have failed in the aftermath of the US raid. Some observers say the killing of Qurayshi, and before him Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi in 2019, in the areas under HTS’ control indicate that the group has been protecting IS.
