This Video Does Not Show Hayat Tahrir al-Sham Crimes

Misbar investigated the circulating video and found the claim to be misleading.

Misbar's team found the video was shared on August 21, 2022, by Aykiri ,Turkish media outlets. The accompanying title stated “ Shocking images and information about the rebellion by immigrants at Kayseri Repatriation Center have emerged.”

The video depicts immigrants who were handcuffed with their hands behind their backs and lying face down on the ground at the Kayseri Repatriation Center in Turkey after setting fire to the camp.

U.S. Establishes Direct Contact with HTS Rebels in Syria Amid Ongoing Turmoil

The United States has made direct contact with the HTS rebels, who now control parts of Syria following the overthrow of the Assad regime, according to Secretary of State Antony Blinken. This marks the first acknowledgment of direct U.S. engagement with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, which is still designated as a terrorist organization by the U.S.

Blinken informed reporters that these communications have primarily focused on the situation concerning missing American journalist Austin Tice. He spoke in Jordan after discussions with representatives from various Arab nations, Turkey, and Europe regarding Syria's future.

Officials reached a consensus to support a peaceful transition in Syria, with Jordan's foreign minister emphasizing that regional powers aim to prevent the country from "descending into chaos." A joint statement called for the establishment of an inclusive Syrian government that respects minority rights and does not provide a haven for "terrorist groups." Amid the recent upheaval, there has been significant discourse both inside and outside Syria about the necessity of creating a new governance structure that represents all Syrians. Notably, HTS was not present at the meeting in Jordan.

Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein expressed shared concerns about Syria's future among Middle Eastern nations, warning against a scenario similar to Libya's post-Gaddafi chaos. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stressed the need to preserve and reform existing Syrian institutions, stating, "We must never allow terrorism to exploit the transition period. We need to coordinate our efforts and learn from past mistakes." Meanwhile, Israel has reportedly conducted numerous airstrikes against Syria, despite regional backlash.

Students Return to Classrooms in Syria Amid New Leadership

Students in Syria have returned to their classrooms following an order from authorities to reopen schools, a significant indication of normalcy just one week after opposition fighters took control of the capital in a dramatic coup against President Bashar al-Assad.

The new de facto leader, Ahmad al-Sharaa, is confronted with the immense task of rebuilding the nation after 13 years of conflict that resulted in the loss of hundreds of thousands of lives. Many cities have been reduced to rubble, the economy has suffered under international sanctions, and millions of refugees continue to reside in camps outside of Syria.

Officials announced that most schools across the country opened on Sunday, which is the first day of the workweek in many Arab nations. However, some parents choose not to send their children to school due to ongoing uncertainties regarding the situation. On Sunday morning, students joyfully gathered in the courtyard of a boys' high school in Damascus, applauding as the school secretary, Raed Nasser, raised the flag introduced by the new authorities.

“Everything is good. We are fully equipped. We worked for two or three days to prepare the school for the students’ safe return,” Nasser stated, adding that the Jawdat al-Hashemi School had remained undamaged.

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