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Adding another layer of complexity to the situation is Turkey's staunch opposition to Kurdish autonomy. Turkey has long viewed the Kurdish groups within the SDF as aligned with the PKK, a Kurdish militant group it classifies as a terrorist organization. Consequently, Turkey has undertaken various military actions aimed at diminishing the Kurdish presence in Northern Syria, which it sees as a direct threat to its national security.
Despite its antagonism towards the Kurdish forces, Ankara has established a buffer zone in Northern Syria, which HTS may view as a double-edged sword. While this Turkish foothold could weaken Kurdish capabilities, it simultaneously expands Turkey's influence in the region—something HTS might not welcome.