HTS cleans house in unprecedented internal crackdown

Hezbollah-linked espionage ring

The security campaign was reportedly triggered by the arrest of a cell accused of collaborating with Lebanese Hezbollah on 24 June. Initial investigations by the General Security Directorate, HTS's primary security arm, allegedly revealed the involvement of these individuals in leaking information and conducting espionage operations in rural Aleppo and Idlib.

As the investigations progressed, a significant number of suspects emerged, prompting an expansion of the arrest campaign to include additional collaborators.

The infiltration was allegedly so widespread that leaders in sensitive positions also became targets. In response, HTS leader Abu Mohammed al-Julani established a crisis management cell, equipped with armed forces and granted full authority to apprehend any individuals implicated in the investigations.

Detailed information about the backgrounds of those arrested during the security campaigns has been closely guarded by HTS. However, media reports suggest that the number of apprehended individuals ranges between 200 and 300.

Among the individuals apprehended is the Human Resources Manager of the military wing, who stands accused of providing copies of military personnel records and photos of their military cards to the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).

Other notable figures detained include the General Administrator of the Ali ibn Abi Talib Brigade, the former security official of the Eastern Bloc, the former Emir in Tafasnaz, and the Security Studies official for Sarmada.

Additionally, those responsible for surveillance cameras and internet lines along the contact lines with regime forces were apprehended. These individuals are alleged to have provided comprehensive information to the Syrian regime and Russia regarding guard posts on the front lines.

Also, arrests were made involving individuals outside HTS, including an assistant to the crossings' official within the Syrian Salvation Government (HTS's administrative arm) and a supervisor at the "Idlib Post" channel (affiliated with the media wing).

Civilians caught up in the sweep

Moreover, the security campaign targeted many civilians, including currency exchange shop owners, mobile phone shop owners, and grocery store owners who were involved in these agent cells across different areas. Their apprehension allegedly played a pivotal role in unveiling numerous cells operating independently within HTS.

Conversations with residents in HTS-held territories reveal conflicting views on the motivations behind the security campaign. HTS's devoted supporters — particularly those unaffected by the arrests — tend to align with the group's official narrative.

However, it should be noted that this supportive stance may be driven — at least partially — by fear of potential consequences for expressing doubts.

On the other hand, residents not directly affiliated with the group tend to harbour scepticism regarding the group's claims, suspecting hidden motives behind the arrests.

They point to the well-known internal divisions within HTS and believe that the current events are driven by al-Julani's desire to eliminate individuals who oppose the group's evolving agenda.

Some also acknowledge the possibility of double agents existing within the group but argue that HTS may be exploiting this situation to tighten its control and eliminate prominent figures who have resisted the group's leadership.

Arrests undermine HTS unity

Regardless of the true motivations behind the security campaign, the arrests have the potential to undermine HTS's unity. Loyalty among many HTS members to their original commanders remains steadfast, despite the group's efforts to prioritise unwavering support for the organisation above all else.

This conflicting loyalty is evident in incidents such as the reported attack by an HTS-affiliated military force on a prison near Idlib that housed detainees accused of collaboration.

Moreover, the detention of prominent military figures may lead to further defections as groups or individuals, as past disputes within the group have resulted in similar outcomes.

Also, the widespread arrests may increase local resentment against the group. Previous arrests have triggered frequent demonstrations organised by activists or relatives of those held in HTS's prisons.

The latest wave of anti-HTS protests, occurring regularly since May, was sparked by the group's arrest of individuals associated with Hizb ut-Tahrir, an Islamic political party critical of HTS.

Like a ship in stormy waters, HTS may weather this storm, but its image as a unified and formidable power capable of defending its territories against rival factions will likely be undermined.