Ahmed al-Sharaa, known as Abu Mohammed al-Golani, leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, gained prominence on the Syrian and international stages during recent developments. This followed the group's announcement of the Operation “Deterrence of Aggression”, which led to the ousting of deposed Syrian President Bashar Assad. However, misleading claims have circulated widely, many of which Misbar has previously debunked.
Who Is Abu Mohammed Al-Golani?
Abu Mohammed al-Golani, who since November 27 prefers to use his real name, Ahmed al-Sharaa, is the current leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which leads the opposition in Syria, the BBC reported.
Abu Mohammed al-Golani was born in 1982 and raised in Mazzeh, an upmarket district of Damascus, Syria.
Altered Screenshot of CNN’s Interview
A viral claim on social media alleged that CNN identified Abu Mohammed al-Jolani as "He/Him" during an interview. The screenshot sparked sarcasm on X, with one user sharing a satirical exchange where CNN confirms Jolani’s pronouns before the interview begins.
Misbar’s team reviewed the CNN interview with al-Golani and found that the alleged viral screenshot where al-Golani’s pronouns are mentioned was found to be fabricated.
In the interview available on CNN's official YouTube channel, the banner identifying al-Golani appears at the 1:33 mark and repeats several times. The banner does not include pronouns, as claimed. It reads: “SYRIA’S CIVIL WAR – CNN SPEAKS TO MAIN REBEL LEADER AMID SHOCK OFFENSIVE: Abu Mohammed al-Golani | Leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS).”
Al-Golani Talks About Foreign Countries Fears
Another video spread widely, claiming Hayat Tahrir al-Sham leader Abu Mohammed al-Golani stated that Syria would not engage in a war with Israel.
Jackson Hinkle, a politician supporting the Assad regime, shared the video on his X account, attributing the quote: “Syria will not enter into a new war with Israel. The country is not ready for another war. Our biggest threat is Hezbollah and Iranian-backed Shia militias in Syria.”
Misbar’s team reviewed the interview where al-Golani allegedly said, “Syria will not enter into a new war with Israel,” and traced it to a Sky News interview.
The full interview is available on Sky News’ platforms and website. In the interview, Sky News Middle East editor Zain Jaafar asked al-Golani about foreign concerns over potential wars from Syria, given the country’s current situation.
Al-Golani reassured that these fears were unnecessary, as the people are exhausted from war and not ready for another one. He clarified that Syria is "not going to get into another war," explaining that the real threat comes from “Iranian militias, Hezbollah, and the regime responsible for the massacres we are seeing today.” Al-Golani stated that the removal of these groups is the solution, but Syria is not in a state to return to panic.
After reviewing the interview, Misbar’s team found that al-Golani did not mention Israel.
Emersongear Clothing Worn by Al-Golani Is Not Israeli-Made
Social media users shared claims that al-Golani, leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), was wearing Israeli tactical gear. Users suggested this implied a connection between al-Golani and Israel.
Misbar investigated the viral claim and found it to be fake, as the garment worn by al-Golani is made by a company based in China.
Users are spreading claims that this company is Israeli. However, this is false. Emersongear is based in Guangzhou, the capital of Guangdong province in southern China. According to its website, the company opened its own factory in 2006 in Dongguan, another city in Guangdong province.
Al-Golani Did Not Announce a Law Allowing Syrians To Work in Israel or Sign a Peace Agreement
Another claim circulated, attributed to al-Golani, leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham and head of the Syrian Military Operations Command. The claim quotes him saying, “I will work on a law allowing Syrians to work in Israel, with a peace and cooperation agreement to follow, including trade, industrial exchanges, and high-level cooperation.”
Misbar investigated the claim and found it to be fake. The statement attributed to Ahmed al-Sharaa, head of the Syrian Military Operations Command, about drafting a law for Syrians to work in Israel and signing a peace agreement, was fabricated. It was neither made by al-Golani nor posted by the Military Operations Command's official accounts.
In his latest statements about Israel, Ahmed al-Sharaa condemned the incursions by Israeli forces into southern Syria after the opposition ousted former regime leader Bashar Assad.
Speaking to the media Saturday, al-Sharaa said, "The Israelis have clearly crossed the lines of engagement in Syria, creating an unjustified threat of escalation in the region." He urged the international community to intervene and stop Israel's recent airstrikes on Syria.
Read More
Who Is Abu Mohammed Al-Golani?
The Jacket Worn by Al-Golani Is Not Made by an Israeli Company
Al-Golani Did Not Say That Syria Does Not Want War With Israel
CNN Did Not Define Al-Golani's Pronouns
Al-Golani Did Not Announce a Law Allowing Syrians To Work in Israel or Sign a Peace Agreement
