What we know about Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, the rebel group that led the offensive to oust Syria's leader
"Jolani severed his ties with Al Qaeda in 2016 and formed a new group, which eventually became HTS in 2017. Since then, Jolani has portrayed himself as a more moderate leader to gain international legitimacy."
Syrian Forces Battle Rebels Outside Key City of Hama
Rebels have rapidly expanded territory in northwestern Syria, controlling Idlib and Aleppo Provinces, aiming to capture Hama, where Assad's government has long held strength.