DAMASCUS, Dec 31, (V7N) – Syria's transitional authorities announced Tuesday that General Murhaf Abu Qasra, the former military chief of the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), has been named the country's new defense minister.

The appointment marks a significant step in the formation of the transitional government following the December 8 ousting of longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad.

Key Role in Assad’s Overthrow

Abu Qasra, 41, a former agronomist, led HTS's armed forces for five years and was instrumental in the rebel offensive that toppled Assad's regime. His leadership enabled a rapid advance from northern Syria to the capital, Damascus.

The announcement was made through a statement carried by Syria's official news agency SANA:

"The General Command announces the nomination of General Murhaf Abu Qasra as defense minister in the new government of the Syrian Arab Republic."

On Sunday, HTS chief Ahmed al-Sharaa, now Syria’s de facto leader, promoted Abu Qasra to the rank of general.

Formation of the Transitional Government

The transitional government, headed by interim Prime Minister Mohammad al-Bashir, is taking shape as it seeks to stabilize the nation. Al-Bashir, who previously led HTS's "Salvation Government" in Idlib, will serve as prime minister until March 1.

Other key cabinet positions are expected to be filled in the coming weeks.

Abu Qasra’s Vision for National Unity

In a December 17 interview, Abu Qasra used his real name for the first time, shedding the nom de guerre "Abu Hassan al-Hamawi," which referenced his Hama roots.

He pledged that HTS would lead by example by dissolving its armed wing and integrating into Syria’s national forces, urging other groups to follow suit.

Abu Qasra also emphasized the importance of extending the transitional government’s authority to Kurdish-held areas in the north and northwest, signaling a push for national unity.

International and Regional Challenges

Abu Qasra called on the international community to address ongoing challenges, including repeated Israeli strikes and territorial incursions in the wake of Assad's fall.

HTS leader Ahmed al-Sharaa also criticized Israeli military actions, warning of potential regional escalations but stressed that Syria’s war-worn state leaves little room for new conflicts.

"The general exhaustion in Syria after years of war and conflict does not allow us to enter new conflicts," he noted.

The transitional government faces the daunting task of rebuilding a fractured nation while addressing international concerns about the involvement of former Islamist rebel leaders in its ranks.

END/WD/RH