Syrian Militant Leader Suspected Dead in Russian Airstrike amid Aleppo Offensive
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – A Russian airstrike targeting a suspected terrorist hideout may have killed Abu Mohammad al-Julani, leader of Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), following a surprise offensive by anti-government militants in Aleppo, local media reported.
Syrian newspaper Al-Watan stated that al-Julani was reportedly inside the building targeted in the airstrike, although his death remains unconfirmed.
A security cordon has been imposed around HTS headquarters, fueling speculation about his fate.
Al-Julani, who has a $9.8 million bounty on his head, is a prominent figure among terrorist factions battling the Syrian army.
The airstrike followed a swift offensive by rebel forces, who seized parts of Aleppo and dozens of nearby towns on Saturday, according to a war monitor.
Damascus-allied Russian forces launched their first air raids on Aleppo since 2016 in response to the assault.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that the clashes have claimed at least 327 combatant lives, including 44 civilians.
HTS-led militants, supported by Turkish-backed allies, intensified the conflict on Friday by capturing villages in Aleppo and Idlib.
President Bashar al-Assad’s forces announced plans for a counterattack on Saturday, with state television confirming Russian air support in the ongoing battle.
Since 2011, Syria has accused Western nations and their allies of backing terrorist groups to destabilize the country.
Damascus has also alleged Israeli support for anti-government militants, deepening tensions in the region.