Syria: Terrorist group al-Nusra Front splits from al-Qaeda and changes name in Jabhat Fath al Sham
Al Jazeera has obtained exclusive video of the former leader of al-Nusra Front confirming the Syria-based armed group’s split from al-Qaeda.
Abu Mohammed al-Jolani appeared in camera for the first time to announce his group’s name has also changed to Jabhat Fath al Sham, or The Front for Liberation of al Sham.
“We declare the complete cancellation of all operations under the name of Jabhat al-Nusra, and the formation of a new group operating under the name ‘Jabhat Fath al-Sham’ noting that this new organisation has no affiliation to any external entity,” Jolani said.
The release of the video on Thursday followed earlier reports that the leader of al-Qaeda had approved the split, so the Nusra forces could concentrate on their fight against the Syrian government and other rebel groups.