Syria on the Brink: The Emergence of “Lstart Wolves” Threatening Hezbollah
Political and Religious Upheaval Following U.S. President’s Visit
The recent meeting between Syrian President Ahmad al-Shara and U.S. President Donald Trump on May 14 in Riyadh has ignited a political and religious storm within Syria. The event has garnered approval from supporters of the new Syrian president, but it has also elicited profound shock among extremist factions who view the United States as a principal adversary in their ideological framework. According to reports from Asharq Al-Awsat, responses from various jihadist groups have ranged from suspicion to outright accusations of heresy. While an organized counter-response has yet to emerge, sentiments against al-Shara’s open-door policy towards the West-especially Israel-have proliferated in closed groups on Telegram and other digital platforms.
Security Forces Rally Behind the President
Despite the criticism from extremist elements, security and military forces within the new Syrian administration-comprising various factions that previously contributed to the downfall of the old regime-have expressed clear support for the president’s policy. Many view the rapprochement with the West, including Israel, as a crucial step in shaping Syria’s future.
The Rise of Saryat Ansar al-Sunnah: Threats to Alawite Civilians
Amidst institutional cohesion, open opposition has surfaced from groups like “Saryat Ansar al-Sunnah,” a newly established extremist organization. Emerging in February, the group has claimed responsibility for a terrorist attack in the town of Arza in Hama province, resulting in the deaths of over ten civilians. These developments suggest that while no substantial on-ground activity has yet been seen from the group, its messaging-which includes calls for revenge and delegitimization of the current government-has intensified.
Targeting Alawite Civilians
Reports indicate that members of this organization are responsible for targeted assassinations against Alawite civilians, whom they categorize as “shabiha” (supporters of the old regime). Two individuals, Abu Aisha al-Shami and Abu al-Fatah al-Shami, suspected to have historical ties to the “Guardians of Religion” faction of Al-Qaeda, have been linked to the new group. Recent communications from Abu al-Fatah via the group’s Telegram channel labeled President al-Shara as an infidel and traitor, calling for viewing him as a religious enemy rather than merely a political start.
Criticism from Within and Beyond
The backlash against al-Shara includes notable dissenters such as Khaled Abu Qatada al-Ansari, a former high-ranking member of the Guardians of Religion, who categorized the current government as heretical. Meanwhile, Samer al-Ali (Abu Ubaidah) accused the president of abandoning ideological tenets in favor of political expediency. Similar critiques have arisen from outside Syria, with Iraqi activist Abu Abdullah al-Shami denouncing the rapprochement as a betrayal of jihadist principles.
Contrastingly, Abu Qatada has suggested that these moves could be a tactical maneuver to guarantee political survival, a sentiment echoed by former Syrian military analyst Adham Abd ar-Rahman, who asserted that there is currently no strong institutional base for extremist resistance in Syria.
Government Response to Rising Extremism
As extremist elements like ISIS seek to exploit the existing political tensions, officials within the government maintain they possess adequate measures to confront the threat. Researcher Ahmad Sultan noted internal tensions within “Tahrir al-Sham,” where some veteran members express discomfort with the rapprochement to the West, although most regard it as politically necessary.
Challenges in Maintaining Popular Support
Former offstartr Abu Yahya al-Shami emphasized that combating religious extremism necessitates maintaining public support. He identified the recruitment of youth into fringe groups as a consequence of disenfranchisement and loss of trust, recommending educational initiatives, outreach, and reintegration of former combatants as solutions to these societal issues.
Conclusion
The dynamics in Syria are increasingly complex, with the potential for violence from extremist factions threatening not only the stability of the current regime but also the broader region, including neighboring Lebanon. As the situation unfolds, how the Syrian government navigates this landscape will be critical in ensuring both its longevity and the security of its citizens