ALEPPO, Syria — Hayat Tahrir al-Sham continues its efforts to cement its power and military strength in Syria’s northwestern province of Idlib by recruiting more fighters. It has established a military recruitment department with many affiliated divisions across the province that receive young men wishing to join one of the group’s brigades.

On May 10, a member of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham’s Shura Council, Mazhar al-Wais, appeared in a video giving a speech to a group of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham recruits in which he said, “Take initiative and walk in the steps of heroes. Communicate with us through the following accounts.” 

The announcement on Telegram included the accounts of eight recruitment units, and each has two contact numbers on WhatsApp and Telegram. The eight units that are part of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham’s Military Recruitment Department are in ​​Atma, Harem, the northern region, the Jericho area, the central region, Sarmada, Jisr al-Shughur and the capital city of Idlib.

Commenting on the establishment of the Military Recruitment Department in Idlib, Wais said via Telegram, “Launching the project of the Military Recruitment Department with its affiliations and volunteering divisions in the liberated areas is an important step to advance and organize military efforts, and it is a clear message that the will to fight persists. Justice and projects are not served and protected except through building armies and battalions. O young Sunni Muslims, hasten to join the ranks of the heroes to fulfill your Sharia duty to expel the oppressor and protect the sanctities.”