HTS, SDF Clash Over Failed Deal Amid Growing Syria Turmoil

Date: 18 August 2025 - 22:12

News ID: ۱۴۲۶۵۹

DAMASCUS (Dispatches) -- Abu Muhammad al-Jolani, leader of Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), pointed out contradictions between the SDF)/YPG’s public statements and their actions on the ground regarding the March 10 agreement aimed at political and military integration in northeast Syria.
Speaking during a meeting with a delegation from Idlib province, al-Jolani said the SDF, while declaring readiness to implement the deal through negotiations and media statements, has sent mixed signals in practice.
The agreement, which involves merging the Kurdish SDF militants into the Syrian national army and transferring control of border crossings with Iraq and Türkiye, airports, and oil fields in the northeast to the HTS regime in Damascus by the end of the year, has seen slow progress.
Al-Jolani stressed ongoing discussions about how the deal will be implemented and expressed hope for a peaceful resolution in the coming months. However, he emphasized that the HTS will not concede any territory to SDF.
Since the collapse of the Assad regime, Syria has faced persistent instability marked by sectarian violence, particularly fueled by HTS in northwest Syria, alongside continued Israeli military aggression and occupation. Al-Jolani acknowledged that HTS has struggled to effectively counter these challenges.
The SDF/YPG, linked to the PKK terrorist group and backed by the United States and Israel, controls several northeastern provinces, including resource-rich areas such as Dayr al-Zawr. The group has been accused of displacing locals, altering demographics, and seizing oil wells, which it reportedly smuggles despite international sanctions.
Tensions have escalated since follow-up talks on the March agreement stalled, leading to renewed clashes between HTS-aligned forces and the SDF/YPG. The SDF has fortified frontline positions and faced accusations of discriminatory policies against Arab communities. Opposition groups have likewise strengthened their positions amid fears of a wider escalation.
Turkey has warned of possible military action against the SDF/YPG and expects the HTS to address Ankara’s security concerns but reserves the right to act unilaterally if necessary.
Al-Jolani also accused Druze groups of seeking Israeli support during recent protests demanding self-determination. While acknowledging violations by his forces, he accused Druze militias of committing crimes as well, underscoring Syria’s ongoing sectarian tensions.