{"content":[{"text":"Legislative basis for listing a terrorist organisation","block":"

Division 102 of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Criminal Code) provides that for an organisation to be listed as a terrorist organisation, the AFP Minister (the Minister for Home Affairs) must be satisfied on reasonable grounds that the organisation:

is directly or indirectly engaged in, preparing, planning, or assisting in or fostering the doing of a terrorist act; or
advocates the doing of a terrorist act.

For the purposes of listing a terrorist organisation subsection 102.1(20) of the Criminal Code describes the doing of a terrorist act includes the doing of a specific terrorist act, the doing of more than one terrorist act and the doing of a terrorist act, even if a terrorist act does not occur.

"},{"id":-1,"text":"Background to this listing","block":"

Hurras al-Din has not previously been listed under the Criminal Code.

"},{"id":-1,"text":"Details of the organisation","block":"

Hurras al-Din (HaD) is a Sunni Islamist religiously-motivated violent extremist (RMVE) group which was established in Idlib, Syria in early 2018 as part of al-Qa’ida’s global network. HaD adheres to a violent jihadist ideology that encourages violence as a key tactic for pursuing religious and political outcomes aligned with al-Qa’ida’s objectives.

HaD is likely at its weakest point since its formation, following conflict with Syria-based RMVE group Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and operations by US-led coalition forces. HaD has likely expanded its focus from the Idlib region in an effort to evade pressure from HTS and Syrian security forces.

Leadership

HaD’s current leader, Faruq al-Suri (also known as Abu Hamman al-Shami / Sami Hijazi), is a veteran member of al-Qa’ida who was the military commander of defunct RMVE group Jabhat al-Nusra (also known as Jabhat Fatah al-Sham) until he left the group in 2016. Much of HaD’s leadership have been killed or imprisoned, and the remainder have largely been in hiding since early 2021.

Membership

In mid-2019, HaD was estimated to have between 700 and 2,500 fighters – half of which were foreign fighters – but this has likely decreased due to recent losses. Many of HaD’s members are former members of Jabhat al-Nusra.

Links to other organisations

HaD is an affiliate of al-Qa’ida and has maintained close integration with al-Qa’ida’s central leadership. HaD maintains ties to other Syrian militant groups, including Ansar al-Tawhid and remaining elements of Ansar al Islam. The group’s predecessor, Jabhat al-Nusra, was listed as a terrorist organisation by the Australian Government in 2013.

"},{"id":-1,"text":"Terrorist activity","block":"

Directly or indirectly engaged in, preparing, planning, assisting in or fostering the doing of a terrorist act

HaD is engaged in ongoing hostilities against Syrian Government forces and rival militant groups in pursuit of its political objectives. Recent terrorist attacks which can be reliably attributed to HaD include:

On 4 August 2021, HaD conducted a bombing against a bus in Damascus, killing at least four people.
On 1 January 2021, HaD conducted a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device and small arms attack against a Russian military base in Raqqah Province. Two Russian soldiers were injured.
On 10 May 2020, HaD fighters attacked the town of Tanjarah in Sahl al-Gahb. More than 30 Syrian Army soldiers and pro-government fighters were reportedly killed in the engagement. HaD conducted a second attack on Tanjarah on 10 June 2020, temporarily seizing control of the town.

Advocates the doing of a terrorist act

HaD advocates terrorism through its media foundation, Sham al-Ribat Media, including attacks against Western interests. Recent examples include:

In October 2021, HaD issued a statement addressing the United States and all ‘enemies of Islam’, stating ‘we will wage jihad and not surrender and not go back.’ In this context, ‘jihad’ likely refers to undertaking terrorist acts.
On 16 May 2021, HaD encouraged attacks on Israeli interests in response to recent events in Israel, stating ‘These events have proven that there is no way to liberate al-Aqsa Mosque and the holy sites and countries of the Muslims except through advocacy, reparation and jihad.’
On 7 March 2020, HaD leader al-Suri encouraged the group’s fighters to attack Syrian Government forces, saying ‘So horrify them by infiltrating, and terrorise them with raids, and intensify upon them attack after attack, and raid after raid. Stifle their breath with commandos and martyrdom-seekers, and booby-trap the earth from under them, and place traps in the trees and rocks, and turn their night into day and their day into fire.’

"},{"id":-1,"text":"Other considerations","block":"

Links to Australia and threats to Australian interests

No Australians are known to be involved with HaD.

Although HaD has not specifically threatened attacks against Australian interests, the group adheres to al Qa’ida’s violent anti-Western ideology and poses an ongoing threat to Western, including Australian, interests.

Listed by the United Nations or like-minded countries

The Government of the United States specifies HaD as Specially Designated Global Terrorists.

Engagement in peace or mediation processes

HaD has not engaged in any peace or mediation processes.

"},{"id":-1,"text":"Conclusion","block":"

On the basis of the above information, the Australian Government assesses that Hurras al-Din is directly or indirectly engaged in, preparing, planning, assisting in or fostering the doing of terrorist acts.

"}]}