Watan-In a notable development on the Syrian stage, questions are mounting regarding the fate of Ahmed Mansour, a prominent Egyptian fighter within the ranks of Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham, who suddenly disappeared after being a well-known figure in the battles of the Syrian revolution.
Mansour, who left Egypt following the fall of the Muslim Brotherhood’s rule in 2013, did not hesitate to publicly criticize Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and the Egyptian regime from Syrian soil. Recently, he launched the “January 25 Revolutionaries” movement, vowing to overthrow Sisi.
Mansour’s sudden disappearance has sparked speculation about the possible involvement of Ahmed al-Shara’s new government in Syria in handing him over to Egypt or one of its allies as part of a deal aimed at strengthening regional ties with Cairo. Reports indicate that al-Shara, who assumed power after the fall of Bashar al-Assad, is seeking to eliminate external opposition figures to secure international recognition for his new regime.
This coincides with extensive diplomatic efforts led by al-Jolani, who is attempting to transition from being the leader of a Salafist faction to a statesman with both domestic and international legitimacy. This move followed a meeting between al-Jolani and Emirati officials, which was later followed by Lebanon handing over Egyptian dissident Abdul Rahman Youssef al-Qaradawi to Abu Dhabi, sparking international outrage.
Mansour, who played a significant role in the battles to topple Bashar al-Assad, may become the “sacrificial offering” presented by al-Shara to settle political scores with Cairo as part of his efforts to solidify his rule and restore relations with Arab states.
Background on Ahmed Mansour:
Mansour, who joined the Syrian opposition in 2013, was known for his bravery on the frontlines and his role in liberating strategic areas from regime forces. He was a prominent activist supporting the revolution against Assad and later became a strong voice opposing the Egyptian regime. According to reports, Mansour played a vital role in planning battles and supporting civilians in conflict zones.
However, his journey was not without challenges. He faced criticism both internally and externally, particularly as his rhetoric against the Egyptian regime intensified, making him a potential target for political deals among regional powers.
Today, controversy surrounds whether Mansour is yet another victim of regional power games, as fears grow that he might be handed over to Egypt, similar to other dissidents. These fears are heightened amidst the ongoing transformations in the new Syria, which seeks to present itself as a legitimate state at the expense of those who fought in the opposition ranks.