In a troubling turn of events in Syria, Islamist rebels, led by the HTS (Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham) alliance, have reportedly begun enforcing Sharia law in Aleppo.
Despite initial promises to respect the rights of religious minorities, the rebels’ recent actions contradict these claims, raising alarm among the local population.
Terrorism expert Malte Roschinski confirmed the reports, which are backed by a disturbing video circulating online. The footage shows an Islamist celebrating the takeover of Aleppo’s Palace of Justice, proclaiming, “I ask Allah to implement the judgments of his Sharia in this city.” The individual adds that the Muslim Brotherhood will bring peace to the court, signaling the enforcement of Islamic law.
HTS, once an offshoot of the Al-Nusra Front and now a prominent force in Syria, led a swift offensive against the regime of Bashar al-Assad. The group’s rise has sparked fears of an Islamist regime, especially among Syria’s religious and ethnic minorities. These developments have left many anxious about their safety and future under HTS rule.
The situation in Syria remains volatile. With Assad’s regime crumbling and his former allies, Russia and Iran, distancing themselves, the country faces an uncertain future. Israel has even launched an incursion into Syrian territory, concerned about the growing Islamist presence near its border. Meanwhile, the U.S. continues to target ISIS positions in Syria, adding to the complexity of the region’s geopolitical landscape.
