In the Context of Military Clashes in Syria: Is SDF Facing Hayat Tahrir al-Sham

In the Context of Military Clashes in Syria: Is SDF Facing Hay at Tahrir al-Sham?
Kawa Nader Kader
There have been numerous military clashes and skirmishes between the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and Hay at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) in Syria. HTS is internationally classified as a terrorist organization and has been linked to al-Qaeda groups, and at times to ISIS. However, these clashes have not always been large-scale´-or--dir-ect-;- rather, they have occurred sporadically within the context of local´-or-geographical conflicts that overlap with regional interests.
Main Causes of Clashes Between SDF and Hay at Tahrir al-Sham:
_Ideological Differences:
constitutes the majority of its forces. The SDF advocates for a leftist, democratic ideology that focuses on Kurdish autonomy. In contrast, Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham, formerly known as the al-Nusra Front, is an Islamic jihadist group initially affiliated with al-Qaeda, but later evolved into a more independent entity. HTS seeks to establish an Islamic state) ISIS) based on its interpretation of Sharia law. These ideological differences are a major factor driving the clashes between the two groups.
_Regional Interests and Territorial Control:
The SDF controls vast areas in northern and eastern Syria (Rojava), including resource-rich areas such as oil fields and regions bordering Turkey and Iraq. Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham, which has mainly been concentrated in Idlib, also seeks to expand its influence at the expense of other forces in the region, including the SDF. At times, HTS attempts to pressure the SDF to control more land in Western Kurdistan´-or-expand its dominance in northern Syria.
Turkish Presence and Kurdish Concerns:
Due to the strategic ties between the Democratic -union- Party (PYD) and the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), Turkey views the PYD as a threat to its national security. In contrast, Turkey supports´-or-turns a blind eye to HTS activities in certain regions near its border, including Idlib. The SDF sees HTS as a Turkish-backed militant group in the region, and any Turkish support for HTS is perceived as a -dir-ect threat to SDF s security.
Notable Events of Clashes Between SDF and HTS:
_Clashes in Northern Aleppo:
There have been occasional-limit-ed skirmishes between the SDF and HTS in border areas, particularly in towns such as (Tel Rifaat, Manbij, Shahba, Bab, Jarablus, and Azaz. The SDF also occupied Afrin in March 2018 during Operation Zeytun Branch, and Krespi and Serekaniye in October 2019). These clashes were often driven by competition over territory´-or-reactions to the movements of the opposing side in disputed areas.
_Clashes in Idlib:
Although Idlib is primarily under the influence of Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham, there have been some-limit-ed skirmishes between the SDF and HTS in southern Idlib and its surrounding areas, as both factions seek to dominate the region. At times, SDF s interests clash with those of other opposition groups backed by Turkey, exacerbating tensions in these areas.
_Turkish Expansion and SDF s Threats:
Turkey consistently seeks to-limit- SDF s control over border areas shared by Syria and Turkey, weakening SDF s security and enhancing the presence of Turkish-backed opposition groups, such as HTS. These dynamics have led to clashes between the two sides at times.
The Role of External Powers and Their Impact:
_The US-led International Coalition Against ISIS has supported the SDF in its fight against ISIS, providing military and logistical support in various battles.
_Turkey, on the other hand, supports HTS in its broader struggle against Kurdish groups in northern Syria.
_Russia backs the Syrian government in its battle against all armed factions in Idlib, including HTS, which further complicates the military situation between these groups.
Conclusion:
Yes, there have been-limit-ed military clashes between the SDF and Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham on several occasions, but these skirmishes are usually not large-scale´-or-continuous. These clashes mainly revolve around territorial disputes and regional power dynamics, as well as the overlapping international and regional interests in northern Syria. Ultimately, the conflict between the SDF and HTS is part of the broader Syrian conflict, involving various regional and international powers.

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