Residents Celebrate as Armed Group Withdraws from Northwestern Syrian City

Residents of Salqin, a city in northwestern Syria, celebrated in the streets this week following the withdrawal of a prominent armed faction. The departure marks a significant shift in control of the area after months of local tension. Civilians gathered in central squares, waving flags and chanting. The atmosphere was described as one of relief and jubilation. The withdrawing group, Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), is designated as a terrorist organization by several nations and the United Nations. Local sources report that the group left the city peacefully after an agreement with a rival faction. The transfer of control appears to have occurred without major violence. The city is now under the administration of the Syrian Salvation Government (SSG), a political body linked to HTS but seen as having a more local focus. The change in authority follows reported disputes over governance and taxation between HTS leaders and local figures. Analysts suggest the move may be an attempt to ease public discontent in the Idlib region. The long-term stability of the new arrangement remains unclear.