HTS meets with large number of activists at Bab Al-Hawa crossing to woo them and win their allegiance

Reliable sources have informed the Syrian Observatory that the military wing of Hayyaat Tahrir Al-Sham met with many activists and media activists from areas under the control of HTS in Idlib, in order to win their allegiance, track their issues, coordinate with them, and facilitate their activities and work. Moreover, HTS military wing talked about the jihadi formation’s achievements and progress on all levels, including the institutional, militarily and security situations. The meeting included a lunch meal for all attendants.

 

During the meeting, HTS military command issued a statement, of which SOHR obtained a copy, and here are highlights of the most important parts of the statement:

 

“After nine years of war with the occupating militias and the latest intensive battle on Idlib and Aleppo frontlines, everyone showed laudable worthiness on all levels, militarily, socially, and media and institutional levels, which reflects resistance, defiance, firm adherence to the principles of the Syrian Revolution.”

 

“All areas under the control of the enemy host nearly six to seven million people, while most of the Syrian people live in the liberated areas or have sought asylum in other countries, fleeing from the fierce military operations by the occupation forces.”

 

“Idlib region hosts approximately four million people under the rule of an administration that has come about from the heart of the Revolution, which legitimises it before people and whole world. This legitimacy is a strategic victory in the wake of the collapse of the enemy’s security and economy, and the destruction of most infrastructure in the areas under its control, which have led to complete collapse of the system of the enemy, while all what remain are just groups of militiamen led by different actors.”

 

“People flee continuously from the enemy-held areas to the liberated area or smuggle themselves out of Syria, while the spread of COVID-19 in the areas under the control of the enemy and its utter failure to contain the virus have worsened the crisis. Moreover, the enemy’s policy contributed to spread of coronavirus broadly through the ongoing military conscription and kidnappings.”

 

“‘Diamonds cut diamonds’… The defence of vested rights and interests needs power. On many occasions, like in China, Cuba, Philippine, Vietnam, Afghanistan, history proves that rights can be only protected by force.”

 

“Military power gives strength to the political action, but without this power, revolutions become conditional upon other authorities, outside the liberated areas, and bound by foreign actors’ agendas.”

 

“The recovery of usurped territories can be only achieved after preparations at all levels, including military, institutional, security and media sectors, along with the active role of the various bodies, administrations and civil institutions.”

 

“The role of a media activist is as important as the soldier’s, since media activists are a part of this revolution. At a time when the factions confronted the enemy militarily, media activists were engaged in another battle which was not less important than the military actions.”

 

“During the period between Kafr Nabudah and Saraqeb battles, the military coordination among the factions was limited to the frontlines because of the intense fight and clashes, but recently, the coordination has noticeably increased, especially with the presence of one combined command.”

 

“During the latest campaign, we detected some weak points, but we have been working recently on boosting theses points, maintaining and developing strengthen. There will be good news so soon.”

 

“We rely largely on our capital which is represented by our young people, our glorious people, our experts and our own resources inside the liberated areas. Every intersection of interests with other bodies is of course an extra profit.”

 

“We thank all media activists for their effective role in portraying and reporting the sufferings of the people, as well as their documentaries which show the bravery of heroes on frontlines. We also thank them for their individual and team efforts to confront the psychological warfare by the enemy on our liberated territory.”

 

“The liberated region ‘the areas controlled by Hayyaat Tahrir Al-Sham’ is a real state -whether being recognized by the others or not- administrated by an influential government and institutions, and the media war is as much effective as the battles we are fighting.”

 

“Mass media is a double-edged weapon which can affect both people and combatants. A media activist has to make good use of his weapon under any circumstances, just like a soldier who masters the use of his weapon under all circumstances and conditions and performs impeccably.”

 

“Since the first day of war, the enemy has worked on defaming the revolutionary symbols and figures, so that these figures and their affiliates can be easily downed. Therefore, we have to be careful when using terms and expressions, and to be cautious of misusing some terms like ‘terrorism’, ‘de-escalation’ and ‘ceasefire’.”

 

“Like we have ‘Red Headbands’ group fighting in the battle field, we have ‘red headbands’ media activists who give priority to their case over any other considerations, so they have to play their optimal role and choose their words perfectly in this battle with the enemy who disregard the ethics of war and dare not engage into honourable fight.”

 

“The occupier has counted on the joint patrols, attempting to show that the revolution has been defeated, morally in particular. However, thanks be to Allah, all of these attempts have failed, since the revolutionary demonstrations are staged regularly, confirming the people’s adherence to the revolution’s principles and demanding the toppling of the gang whose plots have never dispirited our alert people.”

 

“The Russian patrols have not achieved their goals, as all people reject them.”

 

“Every time the enemy is plagued with crises, it resorts to launching a new offensive. The economic sanctions have no a real impact on the enemy, as it is supported and funded as a military gang not an institutional entity.”

 

“The revolution which has lasted for nearly ten years and remained steadfast against four countries and tens of militias, deserves to be victorious, Allah willing. There’s only little left, and with concerted efforts and unified ranks, we can reach our goal and achieve victory, Allah willing.”