The Syrian National Army (SNA) is facing growing instability as a wave of Arab residents, displaced from occupied Kurdish cities, attempts to return to their original homes now controlled by Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). This exodus has created tension within SNA ranks, leading to heightened security measures and aggressive directives at checkpoints across areas under joint force control.
The Arab Return and Its Implications
Many Arabs who had been relocated to Kurdish cities occupied during military operations such as Olive Branch, Euphrates Shield, and Peace Spring are now leaving these areas in an effort to return to their original homes in HTS-controlled territories. This migration has not only caused logistical strain but has also shaken the foundations of SNA’s control in these regions, raising questions about the sustainability of its territorial governance.
Directive at Joint Force Checkpoints
To curb this growing movement, the SNA has issued strict orders at all checkpoints in areas under joint force control. These directives include:
- Arresting those attempting to leave: Individuals trying to cross from joint force-controlled areas to HTS territory under the pretext of returning home are to be detained.
- Authorization to use force: If anyone refuses to comply with checkpoint procedures, SNA forces are granted full authority to deal with them, including the use of lethal force in the event of resistance.
These measures underline the SNA’s desperation to prevent a mass exodus that could undermine its control and expose vulnerabilities in its governance strategy.
Underlying Tensions and Challenges
This crackdown reflects deeper issues within SNA-controlled territories:
- Displacement and Resentment: Many Arabs in occupied Kurdish cities have faced difficult living conditions and lack a sense of belonging, leading them to seek a return to their roots.
- Control Over Fractured Territories: The movement of populations highlights the SNA’s limited ability to enforce stability in regions where diverse groups, including displaced Kurds and Arabs, coexist under tension.
- HTS’s Influence: The return of Arabs to HTS-controlled areas indirectly boosts the legitimacy and strength of HTS in opposition-held territories, posing a strategic threat to the SNA.
The Broader Impact on Kurdish Regions
These developments also affect the occupied Kurdish cities, which continue to endure the consequences of forced demographic changes and military occupations. The exodus of Arab settlers could create a power vacuum or open the door for potential Kurdish efforts to reclaim their land.
Conclusion
The SNA’s response to the Arab exodus reflects the fragility of its governance and control over occupied Kurdish cities. As tensions escalate, the situation underscores the broader instability in northern Syria, where displaced populations, fractured alliances, and competing factions vie for influence. Whether these measures will stabilize the SNA-controlled regions or further exacerbate divisions remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that the ongoing struggle for control in these areas continues to leave civilians caught in the crossfire.