Who is Abu Mohammed al-Julani?

Al-Julani’s journey into the world of jihadism began in the early 2000s when he traveled to Iraq to fight against the U.S.-led invasion. There, he joined the ranks of al-Qaeda and gained experience in guerrilla warfare and insurgency tactics. His time in Iraq not only honed his military skills but also connected him with key jihadist leaders, which would later influence his strategies and operational methods in Syria. The experience he garnered during this period was instrumental when he returned to Syria following the outbreak of the civil war in 2011.