Discover the main players of Syria’s ongoing civil war, including the regime, HTS, Kurdish forces, and foreign interventions. See what factions are forming this war.

Key Actors of Syria’s Civil War: An Emerging and Multilayered War

The Syrian Civil War is now into its 13th year, which marks its complexity and the multitude of factions that exist and evolve along it. The war, which began in 2011 as part of the wider wave of the Arab Spring, has since evolved into a battleground for regional and global powers, creating a volatile situation that continues to shape the Middle East. In this article, we explore the key players involved in Syria’s civil war, examining the main factions and their roles in the ongoing struggle for control.

1. Syrian Government Forces (Assad Regime)

At the center of the Syrian conflict is President Bashar al-Assad’s government, which has been fighting to maintain control over the country since the outbreak of the war. Backed by powerful allies such as Russia and Iran, the Assad regime has reclaimed most of Syria’s territory, except for Idlib province. His forces rely heavily on airstrikes and ground operations supported by Russian military assistance and Iranian-backed militias, including Hezbollah.

 

2. Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS)

Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) is the leading Islamist organization in northern Syria, most active in Idlib province. It was an offshoot of Al-Qaeda’s branch in Syria, but today it is a major force and an opponent of Assad’s regime. HTS has formally denounced the central leadership of Al-Qaeda, but it continues to be one of the greatest opposition forces against the Syrian regime. HTS has in recent days been making key advances up in the northwest where it had been conducting large offensives against Assad forces and repositioning the fronts of war.

 

3. Syrian National Army

The Syrian National Army, on the other hand, is a coalition of different factions that include the various rebels who enjoy Turkey’s patronage. SNA focuses mainly on dismantling Assad’s government and installing another in place in Syria. Although ideologically aligned with other opposition forces, the SNA is often considered factionalized and even sometimes extremist. They primarily work in northern Syria, especially in areas like Afrin and parts of Aleppo.

 

4. Kurdish Forces (SDF)

The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), led primarily by the YPG (People’s Defense Units), are Syria’s Kurdish population, which has long sought greater political recognition and autonomy. The SDF has controlled much of northeastern Syria and has battled against both the Assad regime and Turkish forces, especially concerning Kurdish independence and autonomy issues. Though often an ally of the United States in the battle against ISIS, the SDF has not had the best relationship with other factions, like Turkey.

5. Foreign Interventions: Russia, Iran, and Turkey

Foreign powers have heavily influenced the Syrian conflict. Russia, a key ally of the Assad regime, has supplied airstrikes, military advisors, and ground support. The Russian intervention has been crucial in shifting the tide of the war to Assad’s advantage, as he recovers parts of the country. Iran has also supported Assad through its support of different militia groups, including Hezbollah, thus reinforcing the regime’s position.

 

On the contrary, Turkey has supported the Siyrian National Army and has taken a military role in northern Siyria, especially in regions such as Afrin and Idlib. The concern of Turkey has been to minimize the Kurdish dominance at its southern border, as the PKK (Kurdistan Workers’ Party) insurgency presents a threat to Turkey.

6. The Islamic State (ISIS)

While ISIS does not possess any substantial territory in Siyria, pockets of the organization are still active in the deserts of eastern Siyria. The remaining militants engage in guerrilla-style attacks on government forces and opposition forces.

Though thoroughly defeated, ISIS is a destabilizing element in the region.

 

Conclusion: A Changing Battlefield

The Siyrian Civil War is perhaps one of the saddest and most complex wars in modern times. Its main stakeholders, including the Assad regime and its supporters, Islamist groups such as HTS, Kurdish units, and foreign powers, all vie for control, often changing sides with shifting dynamics and interests. While years of conflict have yielded an effective march toward government victory, challenges remain, primarily in rebel-held and Kurdish-controlled territories. The war is devastating civilians, leaving millions displaced and killing numerous people.

The more the war prolongs, the more the international community should shift their focus toward supporting humanitarian activities and providing solutions that may end the long-term wars based on the deep problems of the heart of Siyria’s war.

FAQs

Q1: Who is winning the Syrian Civil War?

Siyria has reclaimed most territory captured from its rebels by Russia and Iran. Areas like Idlib still remain under the hold of rebels, however, which also include opposition groups specifically, like HTS.

Q2. What role do Kurds have to play in the Syrian Civil War?

The Kurdish areas in northern Siyria control parts of northeastern Siyria largely via the SDF. Kurds have contested both Assad and Turkish militias for local self-administrative region autonomy.

 

Q3 What role has external interference had in shaping the conflict in Syria?

Foreign intervention, most specifically by Russia, Iran, and Turkey, has played an important role in determining the flow of the conflict. Russia supports the Assad regime, whereas Iran supports the Assad regime; and Turkey supports various rebel groups, engaging with Kurdish forces across northern Siyria.

Q4: Is ISIS still operating in Syria?

ISIS does not control large areas, but it is still operating in parts of eastern Siyria. It still carries out scattered attacks.