Idlib provides a secure territorial base but also a steady stream of funding from taxes, as well as other resources.
The group's forces are reportedly well-trained but lightly equipped, though heavier weapons have been seized from Syrian government troops in the advances of recent days. HTS leads a rough coalition of ideologically aligned smaller factions, including groups made up of Uzbek, Tajik and Turkmen militants based in Syria for many years. There may be a "smattering" of veteran western European Islamists among them, analysts said.
This story is from the December 03, 2024 edition of The Guardian.
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This story is from the December 03, 2024 edition of The Guardian.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
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