In a series of public statements, the Commander of Military Operations (CMO) Abu Muhammad al-Jolani and the Syrian Salvation Government (SSG) have reaffirmed the inclusive nature of the Syrian revolution, emphasizing its commitment to represent all Syrians, regardless of sect or ethnicity. This clarification comes amidst ongoing military efforts to repel the aggression of the Assad regime and its allied militias, as well as propaganda aimed at portraying the revolution as a sectarian conflict.
“The Syrian revolution is not a sectarian war but rather a battle for change,” read a recent statement from the SSG. “It began with the Syrian people in 2011 and does not target any party based on sectarian or ethnic affiliations. Instead, it seeks to safeguard all minorities and all segments of Syrian society.”
This vision of inclusivity is backed by the practical reality in Idlib, a region governed by the SSG, where communities of different backgrounds – including Christians, Druze, and Kurds – have lived peacefully together for years. Despite the challenges posed by war, these groups have not been targeted or harmed due to their faith, ethnicity, or cultural identity. Even in the current military campaign, known as the “Repelling the Aggression” operation, no incidents of sectarian-based violence have been reported.
Abu Muhammad al-Jolani personally addressed concerns from the Christian community in the predominantly Christian city of Mhardeh, located in Hama. In a direct statement, he instructed his forces to protect the city’s residents and respect their rights.
“To the residents of Mhardeh in Hama: We direct all our forces in the field to treat the people of Mhardeh with kindness and respect. Let them see in you the mercy of Islam and the teachings of the Prophet (peace be upon him),” al-Jolani said. “We have treated Christians in Idlib and Aleppo with fairness and will continue to ensure your safety and protect your properties.”
This approach aligns with broader revolutionary principles to safeguard all civilians, as reaffirmed in another statement to the people of Salmiyah, a diverse city with Druze and Christian populations. The statement emphasized rejecting any targeting of civilians based on ethnic or sectarian identity and called on Syrians to unite against the Assad regime’s tyranny.
The SSG and its leadership have condemned the Assad regime’s exploitation of sectarian divisions to deepen societal wounds. In an appeal to the Alawite community, the SSG urged them to break away from the regime’s oppressive grip and join the collective effort to build a just and unified Syria.
“The Assad regime used the Alawite community against the Syrian people, managing to involve them in a zero-sum conflict through systematic sectarian incitement,” the Political Affairs Department of the SSG stated. “The Syria of the future will be a unified Syria, where every individual can live in dignity and safety, away from oppression.”
The Minister of Interior, Muhammad Abdurahman, also highlighted the inclusive efforts of the SSG in protecting all Syrians, irrespective of their background. “We have placed guards on the town of Zahraa to protect the residents’ property and livestock, while we provided protection for 20 families during their return and resettlement in the town of Nubl,” he stated. He emphasized that these two villages, Nubl and Zahraa, are Shiite-majority villages that were previously occupied by Iranian militias and elements. Despite this, the SSG Ministry of Interior is actively working to protect the property and safety of the residents, showcasing the administration’s commitment to inclusivity and protection for all communities.
The SSG also denounced the Assad regime’s ongoing propaganda, which falsely frames its military actions as a fight against terrorism. The recent escalation of attacks on residential neighborhoods in Aleppo and Idlib, which have resulted in significant civilian casualties and destruction, was highlighted as an example of the regime’s disregard for human rights.
Calling for accountability, the SSG stressed the importance of truthful media reporting and urged international and local journalists to visit the affected areas for firsthand coverage of the realities on the ground.
Both the SSG and al-Jolani concluded their statements with a vision of a unified Syria, built on justice, freedom, and dignity for all. They expressed gratitude to nations and organizations supporting the Syrian people in their pursuit of liberation and called for continued humanitarian efforts to alleviate the suffering caused by years of war.
“We affirm that the future Syria we strive for belongs to all its people,” the SSG stated. “This vision can only be achieved through the solidarity of all Syrians and their cooperation to free the country from the control of the criminal regime.” As the revolution continues to evolve, these statements serve as a reminder of its foundational ideals, rejecting sectarianism and embracing the aspirations of a diverse and united Syrian population.
