SYRIA: Hayat Tahrir al-Sham-led interim government pledges to guarantee minority rights

DARAMSUQ — Addressing the concerns of Syria’s religious and ethnic minorities following Hayat Tahrir al-Sham’s (HTS) rise to power, Mohammed al-Bashir, head of the transitional government, assured that there is no animosity toward any country, party, or sect that distanced itself from the regime of Bashar al-Assad.

HTS leader Ahmed al-Sharaa (formerly Mohammad al-Jolani) recently stated that opposition factions are collaborating with international organizations to safeguard potential chemical weapons sites in Syria. He emphasized that HTS will not use such weapons under any circumstances.

In an interview with Sky News, al-Sharaa reiterated that Syria will not engage in any wars, citing the exhaustion of its people after years of conflict. “The Syrian people are worn out from war; the country is not ready for another,” he said.

The United States welcomed al-Sharaa’s statements on chemical weapons. The Pentagon acknowledged the declaration but emphasized it is awaiting concrete actions to ensure compliance and transparency.