Syrian rebel chief's unexpected journey: From shadows to Aleppo's new face

Eight years back Abu Mohammed al-Golani kept his face hidden behind dark scarfs; today hes north-west Syriaʼs most visible rebel commander. His shift from al-Qaeda affiliate to prominent local leader shows a surprising change in Syrian rebel politics

Last week‚ when his Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group took control of Aleppo Golani appeared in military clothes giving orders by phone – a far cry from his shadowy past. The ex-militant leader now focuses on protecting civilians and minority rights: quite different from his groups earlier hard-line views

His story starts in Iraq where he spent 5 yrs in US detention. After getting out‚ he went to Syria (around 2011) with just 6 fighters; within 12 months his group grew to five-thousand members. The US marked him as terrorist in 13ʼ but he claims that label isnt fair anymore

We are against operations outside Syria‚ and its completely against our policy to do external action

His group runs a civil office in Idlib province and tries to work with other rebels. Theyʼve changed their ways – using Syrian revolution flags (which they once rejected) and talking to local minorities. Last Wed‚ Golani went to Aleppoʼs old castle where his fighter waved that same flag

The HTS leader sent messages to Alawites and Christians saying theyʼll be safe and should stay in their homes. His group now wants to be seen as part of Syriaʼs original 2011 uprising – showing how far theyve come from their early days

• Stopped working with al-Qaeda in 16ʼ
• Set-up local government system
• Changed public image from hidden leader to open ruler
• Works with other Syrian rebel groups
• Tries to protect minority groups rights

Turkey still sees his group as dangerous (even though they back other rebels in north-west Syria). But Golani keeps pushing forward with his new image – wearing regular clothes in interviews instead of militant gear‚ talking about unity rather than strict religious rules