The President of the Syrian National Coalition, Hadi al-Bahra, stated that the objectives of the military operations for the opposition factions are to revive the political process and facilitate the return of refugees and internally displaced persons to their home territories.

During a press conference following the recent political and military developments in Aleppo and Idlib on Monday, December 2, which was attended by Enab Baladi, he affirmed the coalition’s commitment to the rights of the Syrian people, including the use of all legitimate means to restore constitutional rights and achieve justice.

Al-Bahra pointed out that the ongoing military operations are “not for revenge” but aim to achieve clear political goals and establish peace in Syria. He emphasized that the factions involved are not only Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, but include factions from the Syrian National Army and other opposition groups.

He stressed that it is the Syrians who choose the authority that governs their regions, not the entities that initiated the military operation.

Furthermore, he added that the safety of civilians and their rights, including freedom of beliefs and the practice of religious rituals, are a “priority,” affirming that they should not be held accountable or have their freedoms diminished.

Al-Bahra clarified that the coalition is committed to operating in accordance with international law and human rights standards, indicating efforts to ensure the humane treatment of prisoners and to hold accountable any entity that commits violations.

He also noted that there are members of the coalition in Aleppo to communicate with the local population and work on addressing their issues.

Regarding the political process, al-Bahra emphasized the coalition’s readiness to engage in serious negotiations in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 2254, reiterating the commitment to ensuring Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

He explained that military operations could be halted if the regime shows a positive engagement in the political process and guarantees the safety of civilians in the “liberated” areas. He stated, “Unless there is a response from the Syrian regime, the military operations will continue.”

Al-Bahra directed a message to the international community, urging it to ensure the protection of civilians in the “liberated” areas, to stop attacks that cause humanitarian crises and new displacements, and to expedite the provision of humanitarian aid and essential services.

He called on the international community, the United States, the European Union, and Britain to take a stand, and also urged Russia to understand that “Syria is in danger, and things cannot be left as they are.”

The coalition president affirmed that the military operations adhere to a set of ethical rules and procedures to ensure that no organization engages in “terrorist” activities, emphasizing the need to hold accountable any entity that violates citizens’ rights.

He concluded by stating that the coalition is committed to the aspirations of the Syrian people for freedom, dignity, and a democratic transition of power, pledging “not to betray this trust and to work toward achieving justice and national reconciliation.”

Opposition factions continue their advance in northern Syria, where the Syrian National Army, the military arm of the Syrian Interim Government, launched the “Dawn of Freedom” battle against the regime forces and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), on Sunday, seizing the city of al-Safira, the thermal station east of Aleppo, Kuweires Military Airport, and several other villages in the eastern countryside of Aleppo.

The Military Operations Administration of opposition factions participating in the “Deterrence of Aggression” operation also announced advancements on various fronts in the countrysides of Hama and Aleppo, as well as full control over Idlib province, amidst a collapse in the ranks of regime forces and their withdrawal.