The leader of the Islamist rebels in Syria stated that the “goal” of their operation, which began unexpectedly last week, is to “overthrow” the regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

“When we talk about objectives, the goal of the revolution is to overthrow this regime. We have the right to use all the necessary means to achieve this goal,” said Abu Muhammad al-Jolani in an interview with the American TV network CNN, which was published today.

Meanwhile, Jolani urged neighboring Iraq yesterday to “distance itself” from the situation that has developed in Syria, in a message directed to Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani.

“We urge (Sudani) to cancel Iraq’s entry into the new furnace of Syria,” said Jolani in a video message posted on the rebels’ Telegram account.

Jolani is the leader of the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) organization, which is leading a coalition of rebels against the Syrian regime.

Jolani also called on Sudani “to prevent the Hashd al-Shaabi from intervening” in Syria, referring to the coalition of former paramilitary groups backed by Iran that have been integrated into Iraq’s armed forces in recent years.

“There are many fears and delusions, which some Iraqi politicians believe, according to which what is happening in Syria will spread to Iraq. I categorically state that this is false,” he added.