Dzhebhat en Nusra - Organization
The main goals "Dzhebhat en Nusra" called the overthrow of the regime of Bashar al-Assad, followed by the establishment of an Islamic emirate in the territory of Syria. Militants groups attacking government targets are fighting against the army and supporters of the regime. In addition, the group has repeatedly stated its intentions to "cleanse Syria of the Alawites and Christians." To this end, the attacks are carried out, mass executions, hostage-taking.
In May 2015 the leader of the group, Abu Mohammed al-Dzhaulani gave an interview to television channel "Al Jazeera", in which he noted that despite some ideological differences, members of the "Jaish al-Fatah" are committed to the common goal of overthrowing the regime of Bashar al-Assad. He also reiterated the commitment of the leader of "Al Qaeda" Ayman al-Zawahiri, and said that "Dzhebhat al-Nusra" intends not only to overthrow the Assad regime, but also to win over its allies, primarily over the group "Hezbollah" (Shiite Islamist organization in Lebanon).
Al Dzhaulani stressed that his group tolerant of Christians and friends, but was going to take revenge for the suppression by the Alawite regime of Hafez al-Assad Sunni performances in 1981, / so-called massacre in Hama /. Al Dzhaulani said that "Al-Nusra Dzhebhat" does not receive financial support from foreign governments, the sources of financing are the local trade and donations from individuals living outside Syria and are supporters of "Al-Qaeda".
Armaments and Funding
Presumably the supply of weapons and funding "Dzhebhat en Nusra" provides the "Al-Qaeda". There was information that falls into the hands of militants weapons that the United States and several other countries have supplied "moderate" Syrian opposition. It was noted that in comparison with other groups fighting against the regime, "al-Nusra Dzhebhat" stands high level of training fighters.
In an interview with Al Jazeera in May 2016, the head of Syria's Jabhat al-Nusra, Abu Mohamad al-Jolani said al-Nusra refuses any funding from governments, organisations or intelligences services. He argued that "funding that comes from governments does not come without conditions ... We are funding ourselves from war gains and Syria was rich and bountiful, therefore we don't need anyone to give us charity," he said.
Strength
The group’s cadre was predominately composed of Syrian nationals, many of whom are veterans of previous conflicts, including the Iraq war. Thousands of fighters from around the world have traveled to Syria since early 2012 to support oppositionist groups, and some fighters aspire to connect with al-Nusrah Front and other extremist groups. Several Westerners have joined al-Nusrah Front, including a few who have died in suicide operations. Western government officials have raised concerns that capable individuals with extremist contacts and battlefield experience could return to their home countries to commit violent acts.
The number of militants, according to various estimates, ranging from 6 to 10 thousand men. In addition to the Syrians its members are mercenaries from the Gulf, North Africa and Europe. November 4th, 2014 the leader of "Al-Nusra" Abu Muhammad al-Dzhaulani said that foreign fighters make up 30-35% of the total group. The most active "Dzhebhat en Nusra" operates in the Syrian provinces of Aleppo, Damascus, Idlib, Deir ez-Zor, Deraa, El Quneitra, Raqqa, Hama and Homs.
In March 2015 it was reported that "Al-Nusra Dzhebhat" and seven other smaller groups ("Ahrar al-Sham", "Liwa al-Jihad" and others.) Formed a coalition called "Jaish al-Fath ". The number of coalition was 10-12 thousand militants.
While it may be getting stronger, US intelligence officials caution Jabhat al-Nusra itself was still not nearly as big as its rival, the Islamic State, estimating Nusra had about 5,000 fighters as of early 2015. In contrast, the US estimated there are 20,000 to 30,000 fighters aligned with the Islamic State. But the numbers can be misleading, especially with a group like Jabhat al-Nusra, which puts a high priority on operational security.
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