Who is Abu Mohammed al-Julani?

Abu Mohammed al-Julani is a prominent figure in the contemporary landscape of Middle Eastern conflicts, particularly known for his role as the leader of Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), an influential jihadist group operating primarily in Syria. Born in 1982 in the city of Aleppo, Syria, his early life was shaped by the socio-political dynamics of the region, which were marked by the oppressive regime of Hafez al-Assad and later his son, Bashar al-Assad. The backdrop of civil unrest and political repression fueled al-Julani’s radicalization and eventual involvement in militant activities.