New move by HTS: Allegations that recording attacks against Alawites is banned

Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which carried out massacres in villages with a high Alawite population in Latakia, northwestern Syria, has banned the recording of attacks following reactions from the international community.

The official directive issued by HTS leader Abu Mohammad al-Julani (Ahmed al-Shara) imposes severe restrictions on media workers in areas under the organization's control. The directive states that the recording of shelling, executions, and destruction operations carried out by HTS forces is strictly prohibited.

Here is the directive from al-Julani:

The order, published under the signature of HTS leader Abu Mohammad al-Julani, who has effectively taken control of the administration in Syria, includes the following statements:

"In accordance with the instructions of the President of the Syrian Arab Republic:

Journalists and media workers within the ranks of the army are prohibited from recording, in any way, the shelling and destruction operations carried out by army personnel."

INTERNATIONAL PUBLIC REACTION

While the attacks carried out by HTS in Latakia have drawn significant backlash, particularly due to the targeting of Alawite civilians, many human rights organizations argue that war crimes are being committed in the region. It is stated that following the international repercussions of the massacre, the organization has taken repressive measures to prevent the recording of the attacks.