Tahrir al-Sham and politics of repression: Is Syria’s uprising entering a new phase?

 Impact of sectarian approaches on new crisis in western Syria

NOURNEWS – Recent developments in western Syria have revealed signs of fundamental shifts in the country’s battlefield dynamics. While Tahrir al-Sham has consolidated power in Damascus, internal protests and the advance of Zionist occupation forces in the south have further complicated the situation.

The entry of new actors into the military scene has heightened the likelihood of escalating tensions, while the West’s contradictory policies have made the crisis’s future even more uncertain.

The recent shifts in western Syria, particularly in Latakia and Tartus, indicate profound changes in the region’s power balance. As Tahrir al-Sham, under the leadership of Abu Mohammad al-Jolani, takes control of Damascus, signs of a new internal crisis are beginning to emerge. Public protests against the new ruling authority, coupled with the advances of Zionist occupation forces in southern Syria, have added another layer of complexity to the conflict. In this environment, new approaches to managing internal affairs, responding to external threats, and determining the level of intervention by regional and international actors have become increasingly significant.

 

Emergence of a new force and intensifying clashes

In recent weeks, western Syria has become one of the primary hotspots of conflict. On one hand, Tahrir al-Sham has sought to solidify its position in the region by violently suppressing protests. On the other hand, reports suggest the formation of a new force called the Free Syrian Military Council, which could significantly impact Syria’s political and security landscape. The group’s seizure of a Syrian Navy base in Latakia signals the beginning of a new phase of confrontations. Led by Brigadier Ghayath Suleiman Dala, a veteran commander of the Syrian Army, this council has officially declared its presence and could emerge as a key military player in the country’s future.

 

Model of internal repression and public discontent

The evolving battlefield dynamics have also altered the pattern of internal suppression and control. In recent weeks, Tahrir al-Sham has launched extensive operations in various parts of Latakia. Areas such as Harf al-Sari, Baabda, Dwaer Baabda, and Daliyah have witnessed heavy artillery and airstrikes aimed at crushing protests and reinforcing the authority of Jolani’s forces. However, alongside economic hardships and deteriorating living conditions, these measures have deepened internal divisions. While the economic crisis has fueled widespread discontent, the new government’s security policies have further inflamed tensions, increasing the likelihood of further escalation.

 

Zionist occupation forces’ advances in southern Syria

One of the most significant aspects of recent developments is the new advances made by Zionist occupation forces in southern Syria. Local sources have confirmed that Israeli troops have crossed previous demarcation lines and entered new areas in Quneitra province, establishing checkpoints at strategic locations. This move is part of Israel’s broader strategy to solidify its military presence along the occupied Golan Heights, aiming to create a new security buffer zone in southern Syria that serves Tel Aviv’s interests. In this context, the silence of certain international actors regarding these developments reflects the double standards applied to Syria.

 

West’s contradictory policies toward Damascus

Western policies toward Syria’s new ruling authority have also shown signs of change. Some economic sanctions imposed on Syria—particularly by the UK—have been lifted, and the European Union has suspended certain restrictions. This shift signals a redefinition of Western relations with the government under Tahrir al-Sham’s leadership. Meanwhile, Western media, which previously focused heavily on internal repression in Syria, has now adopted a more cautious approach regarding Tahrir al-Sham’s actions in Latakia and other areas. This double standard could pave the way for strengthening proxy forces in Syria and shifting the balance of power in favor of foreign actors.

 

Future prospects

The recent developments will have profound strategic consequences for Syria’s future. The new government’s focus on managing internal protests, while external threats—especially in the south—continue to expand, suggests that Damascus is facing serious security challenges. In this context, the prospect of Syria’s fragmentation remains a possibility, particularly given demographic shifts and increased military activity in certain sensitive regions. This situation provides an opportunity for foreign players, including the United States, Turkey, and Israel, to expand their influence and reshape battlefield dynamics in their favor.

Syria’s future hinges on how this multilayered crisis is managed. If the new ruling authority fails to bridge internal divides and effectively address external threats, the likelihood of intensified conflicts and foreign interventions will grow. Conversely, if a process of negotiation and power restructuring is initiated, it could create conditions for de-escalation. However, the current indicators suggest that regional and international competition will persist, leaving Syria entangled in one of the most complex periods of its modern history.