A few Syria updates: HTS – The leader, Jolani — now referring to himself by his real name, Ahmed al-Shara, rather than his nom de guerre — told Syrian television that from now on he would seek diplomatic solutions to the country's numerous crises…that Syria is too tired of conflict to challenge Israel. HTS – Consolidating power. Some dramatic photos of the HTS holding a meeting with the rebels from the Southern Operations Room (the rebels of southern Syria). The group met in a large convoy on the Damascus-Daraa road and then proceeded together to the meeting location in the city of Daraa. Based on recent reports, it can be inferred that the rebels from southern Syria are interested in cooperating with other rebel factions but also wish to retain authority and control over the southern region. According to a report in a Syrian media outlet, HTS have taken control of the Nassib border crossing with Jordan and administrative authority in the city of Daraa. It remains unclear whether they will have a military presence in the south or only administrative control. @EasternVoices Turkey's intelligence chief, Ibrahim Kalin, became the first senior international envoy to visit Damascus since the fall of the Assad regime. Yasar Guler, Turkey's Defense Minister, said on Sunday that the rebel government should be "given a chance" and that his country was willing to provide support, including military training. A delegation from Qatar was due in Damascus on Sunday. Blinken (now back in the U.S.) suggested tentative talks had begun. "We've been in contact with HTS and with other parties." 90,000 Syrians (mostly Alawites, Christians, and Shiites fearful for what will come with the Sunni Islamist HTS government) have entered Lebanon since the Assad regime was toppled in Damascus. Image @TheStudyofWar
See Tweet