An ideological split, a weak central structure and missed opportunities to cultivate allies all contributed to the group’s stunning defeat.
The swift defeat of Ahrar al-Sham by its one-time ally Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) was shocking to many people – Ahrar was, until that moment, considered one of the strongest Salafist factions in Syria. It had more manpower and, theoretically, more support, locally and regionally, than HTS.
But in an offensive begun on 18 July, HTS was quickly able to force Ahrar out of most of Idlib governorate as well as several other nearby regions. The fighting only lasted for three days after which HTS cemented its gains with a ceasefire deal. Following the agreement, Ahrar’s fighters and heavy equipment were relocated further south in Idlib and in the neighbouring governorate of Hama.