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Operation Euphrates Shield

November 12, 2023

Operation Euphrates Shield
Part of the Turkey–IS conflict, the Rojava conflict, the military intervention against IS, and Turkish involvement in the Syrian civil war

Map of situation in Aleppo Governorate as of 26 March 2017
Date24 August 2016 – 29 March 2017
(7 months and 5 days)[13]
Location
Aleppo Governorate, Syria
ActionTurkey and allies secure control of Syria–Turkey border and region between Afrin and Manbij regions.
Result

Turkish and SNA victory[14]

  • Clashes erupt between Turkish-backed Syrian rebels and SDF, YPG withdraws to east of Euphrates[15] though Turkey disputes this[16]
  • 50,000 Syrian refugees in Turkey have returned to the areas which were taken under control since the beginning of the intervention.[17]
Territorial
changes
  • Turkish-backed Syrian rebels captured a total of 2,055 square kilometres (793 sq mi),[18] including 230 settlements,[19] increasing FSA-controlled territory in the region to 2,225 square kilometres (859 sq mi)[20]
  • Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant-held territory along the Turkish–Syrian border completely captured by the Turkish-backed rebels[21]
  • Turkish-backed rebels capture all settlements in the Jarabulus area from the SDF[22]
  • Turkish-backed rebels capture al-Bab from ISIL.[23]
  • The SDF is prevented from connecting the cantons.[24]
  • The SDF hand over some territory to the Syrian Army.[25][26]
    • Belligerents
     Turkey
    Turkish-backed Free Syrian Army[1]
    Support:
     United States[a][2][3][4]
     Russia[a][5][6][7][8]
     United Kingdom[a][9]    		  Islamic State

    Syrian Democratic Forces[10]
    International Freedom Battalion[11]
    Support:
     United States[a][12]

     Syria (minor clashes)
    Support:
     Russia
    Commanders and leaders
    Lt. Gen. Zekai Aksakallı[27]
    (Operations chief commander)
    Lt. Gen. İsmail Metin Temel[28][29]
    (Second Army commander)
    Col. Ahmed Othman[30]
    (Sultan Murad Division commander)
    Fehim İsa[31]
    (Sultan Murad Division commander)
    Others
    • Brig. Gen. Sayf Balud[32]
      (Hazma Division)
      Mahir Basha[33]
      (Muntasar Billah Brigade commander)
      Mustafa Cahit[33]
      (Muntasar Billah Brigade commander)
      Mohammad Abu Ibrahim[34]
      (Levant Front field commander)
      Mustafa Sejari[34]
      (Al-Moutasem Brigade political leader)
      Abu Mohammed Kafr Zita[12]
      (Liberation Brigade commander)
      Mahmoud Abu Hamza[35]
      (Descendants of Saladin Brigade commander)
      Capt. Abdul Salam Abdul Razaq[35]
      Nour al-Din al-Zenki Movement commander, until 28 January)
      Capt. Mohammed Abu Mustafa[36]
      (Sham Legion commander)
      Abu Jafer[37]
      (Brigade of Conquest commander)
      (Artillery base commander of Levant Front)
      Yusuf Sibli
      (Qabasin Military Council commander)[citation needed]
      Brig. Gen. Abdul Razaq Aslan[38]
      (Police force head)
      Taha Atrach[citation needed]
      (1st Aleppo Division commander)
    DOW
    • Ali Şeyh Salih[39] (DOW)[40]
      (Sultan Murad Division field commander)
      Muhammad al-Gabi (DOW)[41][36]
      (Liberation Army commander)
    KIA
    • Abu Ansari[42]  †
      (Emir of al-Bab)
      Abu Hussein al-Tunusi[43]  †
      (ISIL southern Raqqa field commander)
      Abu Khalid Urduni[44] †
      (Amir of al-Bab)

    Muhammad Ahmed[45]
    (Jarabulus Military Council commander)

    Adnan Abu Amjad[46]
    (Manbij Military Council commander)
    Units involved
    Orders of battle
    Strength

    4,000–8,000 troops[47][48][49]

    Unit Strengths
    : 10,000–12,000 fighters[52][50][53][54]    		 5,000–7,000+ militants[49][55][56][57] Unknown
    Casualties and losses

    71 killed[58]

    614 killed[59][60]    		 2,647 killed, 417 captured (per Turkey)[61]

    131+ killed (per SOHR and SDF)[62]

    425 killed, 37 captured (per Turkey)[61]
    30+ killed, 22 captured[63][64][65]
    540+ civilians killed (per SOHR)[66][67]

    Operation Euphrates Shield (Turkish: Fırat Kalkanı Harekâtı) was a cross-border military operation conducted by the Turkish Armed Forces in the Syrian Civil War which led to the Turkish occupation of northern Syria. Operations were carried out in the region between the Euphrates river to the east and the rebel-held area around Azaz to the west. The Turkish military and Turkey-aligned Syrian rebel groups, some of which used the Free Syrian Army label, fought against the forces of the Islamic State (IS) as well as against the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) from 24 August 2016. On 29 March 2017, the Turkish military officially announced that Operation Euphrates Shield was "successfully completed".[13]

    The Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said on the first day of the operation that it was aimed against both the IS and Syrian Kurdish "terror groups that threaten our country in northern Syria".[68] The objective to capture Manbij, under the de facto control of the AANES administration, that had been promulgated by the Turkish president at the end of February 2017[69] remained unfulfilled.

    Background edit

    Main article: Turkish involvement in the Syrian Civil War
    See also: Foreign involvement in the Syrian civil war and Safe Zone (Syria)

    Northern Aleppo Governorate is a region of major strategic importance in the Syrian civil war, previously mostly held by the Islamic State (IS). For IS it was their only gate to the Turkish border. For the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), the Shahba region between the Euphrates River to the east and the Kurd Mountains to the west is the missing link to connect the cantons of the Federation of Northern Syria – Rojava. For Turkey, it is the path to its influence in Syria.[70][71] The stage for the Jarabulus offensive was set by the previous Manbij offensive from June–August, which saw the SDF capturing the city of Manbij and its surroundings from ISIL and in the aftermath moving north. At the same time, Turkey-backed Syrian rebels fought the Battle of al-Rai to approach Jarabulus from the west.

    According to an article published in The Independent, the Turkish objectives were to target ISIL, strike at the political and military power of the Democratic Union Party (PYD) and to consolidate its position in expectation of shifts towards more war or greater peace.[72] Turkey's defence minister Fikri Işık said that "preventing the Kurdish PYD party from uniting Kurdish cantons" east of Jarabulus with those further west was a priority.[73] In Ankara Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said "at 4 am this morning, operations started in the north of Syria against terror groups which constantly threaten our country".[74][75][76]

    Before the operation, SDF forces including People's Defense Units (YPG) units were advancing on Jarabulus following their military victory over the Islamic State in Manbij.[77] Both Manbij and Jarabulus are west of the Euphrates River, but Turkey wanted YPG forces to move back to the east of the river after the conclusion of the SDF's Manbij operation.[78]

    Turkey's action pitched its military against a force backed by its NATO ally, the United States.[78][79] It was the first time Turkish warplanes struck in Syria since November 2015, when Turkey downed a Russian warplane, and the first significant incursion by Turkish special forces since a brief operation to relocate the tomb of Suleyman Shah, in February 2015.[78]

    Pro-SDF sources stated that Turkey had "an agreement with IS " to rescue it in Jarabulus from the SDF offensive.[80] According to Hürriyet Daily News this report is believed by "many" in Washington and Turkey and it could pose serious problems for Ankara.[81]

    Preparations edit

    Reportedly,[82] Turkey had prepared battle plans for the intervention more than a year prior. On 9 May 2016, a plan was reportedly proposed by the US, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar to have the Nour al-Din al-Zenki Movement form a "Northern Army" to gather more than 3,000 fighters for the operation. The next phase was to transfer the fighters from Idlib to northern Aleppo through the Bab al-Hawa Border Crossing and the Azaz border crossing. This reportedly began on 13 May.[83] However, the plan was delayed due to doubts from U.S. officials about the capabilities of the Syrian rebel forces that Turkey had recruited to fight with its military, opposition from the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces, and the rift between Turkey and Russia that was not mended until early August 2016.[84]

    On 20 August 2016, a large number of rebels and a military convoy containing more than 50 vehicles loaded with heavy and medium weapons from al-Rai were transferred to the Turkish border with Jarabulus.[85] On 22 August, as a response to the Gaziantep bombing and two mortar shells launched by ISIL hitting the town of Karkamış adjacent to Jarabulus, the Turkish Land Forces launched 60 artillery shells at Islamic State positions in Jarabulus while simultaneously bombarding Manbij Military Council positions farther south in order to prevent them from advancing further to the north.[86] Karkamış was soon evacuated and cleared of its residents. The Morning Star reported that Turkey continued to shell ISIL positions in Jarabulus after two mortar rounds hit Karkamış and three hit Kilis.[87][better source needed] On 23 August, Turkey shelled Islamic State territory in northern Syria again. IS responded by firing rockets into Turkey.[88]

    The Turkey-backed rebels under the brand of the Free Syrian Army (FSA) that took part in the offensive comprised mainly Syrian Turkmen, mostly in the Syrian Turkmen Brigades.[89][90] During the offensive, FSA militants of Turkmen origin used light blue armbands, a color which is often used as a symbol of Turkic heritage; meanwhile, the rebels of Arab origin mainly used red ones.[89][91][92]

    The SDF have said that MIT assassinated Abdel Sattar al-Jader, the leader of the Jarabulus Military Council (a component of the SDF), just prior to the operation.[77]

    The campaign edit

    See also: Turkish Armed Forces casualties in Syria

    Capture of Jarabulus by Turkish-backed forces (24 August) edit

    Early in the morning of 24 August, Turkish forces directed intense artillery fire against IS positions in Jarabulus while the Turkish Air Force bombed 11 targets from the air.[93] Later that day, Turkish main battle tanks followed by pick-up trucks, believed to be carrying Turkish-backed Syrian rebels,[94] and the Turkish Special Forces crossed the border and were joined by hundreds of Free Syrian Army (FSA) fighters as the ground forces attacked the town.[95] U.S.-led coalition planes helped the Turkish forces.[2][78] This was their first co-ordinated offensive into Syria.[78] The FSA said progress was slow because of mines planted by IS fighters.[94]

    A few hours after the offensive's beginning, Turkish Special Forces and the Sham Legion captured their first village, Tal Katlijah, after IS fighters retreated from it to reinforce Jarabulus.[96] Some time later, the FSA captured four more villages[97] including Tel Shair, Alwaniyah and two other villages.[98][99] Hours later, Turkish- and US-backed rebels were reported to have captured the border town of Jarabulus, with IS offering little resistance.[100][101] The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) also reported that the FSA had captured almost all of the city.[102] A FSA spokesman stated that a large number of IS fighters had withdrawn to al-Bab in front of the offensive.[103]

    The fact that not much combat took place between Turkey or Turkish-backed Syrian rebels against IS in Jarabulus[104] and the closeness in Islamist political ideology between IS and some of the rebel groups involved, has led to accusations, both local and international, about collusion between Turkey and IS in the operation, including reports of IS fighters changing uniform.[105] In an interview published in The Independent on 9 September, an IS fighter said that "when the Turkish army entered Jarabulus, I talked to my friends who were there. Actually, Isis didn't leave Jarabulus; they just shaved off their beards."[106]

    Continued advance of Turkish-backed forces against ISIL and conflict with SDF (24–25 August) edit

    Later on 24 August, speaking in Ankara, US vice president Joe Biden appeared to support Turkey's stance vis-a-vis the Syrian Kurds and said that "the elements that were part of the Syrian Democratic Forces, the YPG that participated, that they must go back across the river" (the Euphrates).[94][107] The YPG, however, initially refused to withdraw from Manbij,[108] while the pro-SDF Jarabulus Military Council groups declared that they would not give up their hometown to the Turkish-backed rebel groups which they considered "no different from ISIS". In consequence, when Turkish-backed FSA units, among them the Sham Legion and Nour al-Din al-Zenki Movement, forcibly attempted to enter the SDF-held village of Amarinah south of Jarabulus, they were met with resistance. Whereas the SDF stated to have repelled the assault, the rebels stated that they had captured the village. Before clashing with the SDF, the FSA had captured half a dozen villages.[109][110][111][112]

    On early 25 August, more than 20 Turkish tanks crossed into the Syrian border.[113] The U.S. foreign minister later informed his Turkish counterpart that the YPG had started withdrawing to the east of the Euphrates river.[114] A spokesman for Operation Inherent Resolve later announced that the SDF had withdrawn across the Euphrates river in order to prepare for the Raqqa campaign.[115] The YPG later separately announced it had withdrawn to the east of Euphrates and said all military command along with all YPG-held positions was handed over to the Manbij Military Council.[116] Despite this, Turkey stated that some YPG units had not retreated, leading the Turkish military to shell the SDF with artillery and, according to Hürriyet Daily News, launch a drone strike against one YPG group.[117][118] While the conflict between Turkey and SDF continued, members of the Jarabulus Military Council stated once again that they "will not allow some "mercenaries" to take over our city. We will liberate Jarabulus," with some stating that some of the Turkish-backed rebels were former IS fighters.[45]

    At approximately 11:00 pm local time that evening, internet censorship watchdog organization Turkey Blocks detected a nationwide social media blackout, restricting domestic and mobile services throughout Turkey.[119] Analysts concluded that the blackout measure had almost certainly been implemented to restrict online sharing of sensitive war plans, as the offensive in Syria got under way, using newly amended wartime internet "killswitch" legislation.[120]

    Meanwhile, the offensive against IS continued, as both the Turkish-backed forces as well as SDF units took control of additional villages south of Jarabulus from IS.[121] Pro-PYD sources stated that clashes had broken out among FSA groups in Jarabulus.[122] Turkish Defence Minister Fikri Işık stated later in the day that FSA was clearing Jarabulus of any remaining IS militants.[123] After Jarabulus was largely secured, rebel commanders declared conflicting targets for the further offensive; whereas the Levant Front announced that the rebels would next attempt to take Al-Bab, the Al-Moutasem Brigade and the Sultan Murad Division stated that the Turkish-backed forces would proceed west to break the IS siege of Mare', while Turkish media reported that the offensive aimed at securing a strip of territory along the Turkish-Syrian border.[28][34] However, Ankara's forces pushed south and mostly focused on targeting Kurdish-led SDF forces.[124]

    Disputed YPG withdrawal; Turkish-backed rebels drive SDF south of the Sajur River (26–29 August) edit

    On 26 August, Al-Masdar News stated that all YPG forces had actually withdrawn to the east of the Euphrates as result of the continued Turkish pressure, leaving all territory around Manbij under control of their allies within the SDF,[15] though rebel forces later released photos of YPG ID cards and weapons reportedly taken in Amarna, suggesting that at least some YPG fighters remained around Manbij, if not all.[16] On the next day Turkish planes bombed the SDF-aligned Jarabulus Military Council positions in the village of Amarna, 10 km south of Jarabulus. According to the SDF, civilian homes were also hit and the SDF avoided moving north to prevent escalation of the clashes.[125] Turkish backed-rebel forces then attacked and captured the SDF-held villages of Mazaalah and Yousif Bayk, while also attempting to advance against the strategic significant hilltop of Amarna.[126][127] In response to the attacks, mostly Arab SDF groups such as the Northern Sun Battalion announced that they would send reinforcements to help the Jarabulus Military Council.[128] Later that day, one Turkish soldier was killed and three were wounded in an anti-tank missile attack on a Turkish tank south of Jarabulus. According to Turkish military sources the missile was fired from territory held by the SDF. The soldier's death was the first reported fatality on the Turkish side.[129][130] Turkish forces retaliated with artillery fire.[131]

    Meanwhile, the Turkish Free Syrian Army (TFSA) cleared Jarabulus of mines and explosives planted by ISIL militants before their withdrawal from the town.[132] The Turkish Red Crescent started distributing food after landmines and other explosives had been cleared from the border between Karkamis in Turkey and Jarabulus in Syria. The humanitarian movement handed out various food supplies for around 5,000 people in the town.[133] Taking advantage of the fighting between the SDF and the FSA, ISIL launched a massive counteroffensive and captured al-Rai, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR).[134][135]

    On 28 August, according to SOHR and Aleppo24,[136] at least 20 civilians were killed and 50 wounded in Turkish artillery fire and air strikes on the village of Jeb el-Kussa, and another 28 were killed and 25 wounded in Turkish air strikes near the town of Al-Amarneh and the village of Saressat. At least four SDF fighters had also been killed and 15 injured in the Turkish bombardment of the two areas.[137][138][139] Syrian monitoring groups reported that at least 70 people were killed over the weekend (27–28 August), most of whom were civilians, in the Turkish operations. Turkish officials didn't comment on the reported civilian death toll, except to say that commanders were taking all necessary measures to protect noncombatants.[136] Turkey stated to have killed 25 PKK and YPG militants in the course of the airstrikes.[131] Turkish-backed forces then began a major attack against the SDF positions, capturing Amarna and nearby Ain al-Bayda; rebel groups also stated to have taken the villages of Qusa, Balaban, Dabisa, Jeb el-Kussa, Suraysat, Umm Routha, Maghayer and Qiratah further south, though this could not be independently confirmed.[140][141] The ANF News Agency published a video of two Turkish army tanks destroyed by SDF anti-tank missiles.[142] Meanwhile, Turkish-backed Sham Legion fighters released footage showing them torturing SDF prisoners.[143]

    Some of the Syrian refugees, mainly Syrian Turkmen and Arabs who were living in the area which TFSA forces captured, returned to the Jarabulus area. Erdoğan stated that the necessary help would be given to other refugees who wished to return to their homeland[144] and Turkish Minister of Foreign Affairs Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu said the YPG was committing ethnic cleansing in areas which were opposed to them.[145]

    On 29 August, Ibrahim Ibrahim, head of the Rojava Media Cell, stated that local forces in Jarabulus and Manbij were being reinforced but said reports that the YPG was reinforcing Manbij was false.[146] Brett McGurk, the United States' envoy to the anti-IS coalition called the clashes between the SDF and Turkish-backed rebels a "source of deep concern". The spokesman for the Pentagon called for the YPG to pull back to the east of the river, which he stated had largely occurred. He also warned that such clashes enabled IS to find sanctuary and continue planning attacks.[147] In the course of the day, Turkish-backed forces first captured all remaining SDF positions north of the Sajur River, and then proceeded to cross it to take three more villages,[148] bringing the number of villages captured by the rebels to 21.[149]

    Rebel–SDF ceasefire attempt; Rebel fighting against ISIL continued (30 August – 2 September) edit

    On 30 August, John Thomas, a spokesman for the US Central Command stated that Turkey and SDF had agreed to stop fighting each other and had opened communications with the United States as well as with each other.[150] Jarabulus Military Council stated that it had reached a temporary ceasefire agreement with Turkey after mediation by the US-led anti-ISIL coalition. It also stated that the ceasefire had started around midnight of 29–30 August.[151] On the same day, Turkey's foreign ministry said the U.S.' comments regarding the objectives of the Turkish military operation in Syria were unacceptable and that the country would continue its operations until it achieved the goal of eliminating "terrorist threats in the region".[152] Turkish military sources[153] and commander of a Syrian opposition group said a ceasefire had not taken effect. The commander stated however while there was a pause in the operation, it would resume shortly.[154] The U.S. welcomed the putative pause in fighting.[155] Later in the day, Turkish Armed Forces stated that a Turkish tank near Sajur river had been hit by a rocket. However, it was not clear who had carried out the attack. The Turkish military carried out a strike 45 minutes after the tank was hit and stated it had destroyed a group of "terrorists" west of Jarabulus. It also stated that it had carried out airstrikes against IS targets in Kulliyah in northern Syria.[150][156][157] SOHR confirmed that there was a pause in fighting between the two groups around Jarabulus and Sajor river.[158] General Joseph Votel meanwhile stated that Kurdish fighters had moved to east of Euphrates as per their commitment.[159]

    Also on 30 August, SDF forces with coalition support started the Western al-Bab offensive against IS in the southwest of the region.

    On 31 August, Turkey's officials rejected the announcement of ceasefire made by the U.S. shortly prior, saying Turkey would not accept any compromise or ceasefire between Turkey and what Turkey saw as terrorist elements.[160][161] Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yıldırım said that "operations will continue until all terrorist elements have been neutralised, until all threats to our borders, our lands and our citizens are completely over".[160] Meanwhile, IS launched a massive counterattack in the southwestern countryside of Jarabulus preceded by a suicide attack. The militants captured four villages (Kiliyeh, Arab Hasan Saghir, Al-Muhsinli, and Al-Bulduq) from both the SDF and Turkish-backed rebels. Two Turkish tanks were reportedly destroyed in the clashes.[162]

    On 1 September 2016, explosive experts of the Turkish Armed Forces cleared mines from the area around Jarabulus using controlled explosions. The de-mining operation on the Syrian side of the border was visible from the Turkish border town of Karkamış. An AFP photographer nearby heard at least a dozen explosions.[163]

    Turkish prime minister's spokesman said the Turkish government would treat foreign volunteers as terrorists, and Yasin Aktay, a spokesman for Turkey's ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), speaking to Middle East Eye opined that when it comes to Europeans or Americans joining the YPG, they could only be considered "crusaders" or intelligence agents.[164][165] Macer Gifford, a prominent British volunteer with the YPG and leader of its medical unit was quoted as saying "only in the minds of right wing and nationalist politicians in Turkey could the volunteers ever be called terrorists"; he said that while he had no intention to fight against Turkey, he would do so if and when Turkey attacked the YPG.[166]

    Later on 2 September 2016, a statement released by the Turkish military said that a total of 271 targets were hit 1195 times by the Turkish Armed Forces and the Free Syrian Army while anti-IS coalition jets struck two IS targets. Also, the Turkish-backed FSA captured the Syrian village of Qundarah from IS.[167] The Turkish military also said that the Turkish Air Force destroyed three buildings used by IS in Arab Ezza and Qundarah with airstrikes.[168]

    Also on 2 September, the leader of a SDF component group Liberation Brigade, Abdul Karim Obeid, defected to the camp of Turkish-backed rebels with 20 to 50 of his men, citing opposition to reported YPG domination of the SDF, while SDF sources suggested: "he was displeased with the civil administration of the Federation of Northern Syria – Rojava replacing "warlordist" political rule".[12]

    Turkey enters the rebel's al-Rai front against IS (3–19 September) edit

    On 3 September, Turkey additionally deployed tanks to the Syrian town of al-Rai to help the Turkish-backed rebels to push east from the town towards villages captured by the rebels west of Jarabulus. The incursion was launched from Kilis Province which had been frequently targeted with rocket attacks from IS.[169] The Sham Legion and the Hamza Division also announced they had captured four villages (Fursan, Lilawa, Kino and Najma) south of Arab Ezza. The United States stated that it had hit IS targets near the Turkey-Syria border via the newly deployed HIMARS system.[170][171] The Turkish armed forces meanwhile reported that the rebels had captured two villages and an airport near al-Rai.[172][173] An official of the Fastaqim Kama Umirt also stated that the rebels had captured eight villages to the east and south of the town.[174] SOHR confirmed that the Turkish-backed rebels had captured three villages near the Sajur river with advances in two other villages. It also confirmed that the rebels had captured a village near al-Rai.[175] The U.S. Embassy in Ankara said US forces hit IS targets overnight near Turkey's border with Syria using HIMARS located in Turkey.[176]

    On 4 September, Turkey declared that the Turkish-backed rebels had captured the last remaining IS held villages along the Turkish border, cutting off key supply lines used by the group to bring in foreign fighters, weapons and ammunition.[177][178] The SOHR confirmed that the IS no longer controlled territory along the Turkish-Syrian border after Turkish-backed rebels captured the last remaining villages under control of the group.[21]

    On 5 September, nine more villages in northern Syria were cleared of IS by the Turkish-backed rebels as part of operation Euphrates Shield according to Turkish armed forces.[179] On 6 September, Turkish military reported that two Turkish soldiers were killed in a rocket attack on two tanks by IS during clashes near al-Waqf village, while five soldiers were also wounded. In addition, two Turkish-backed rebels were also killed while another two were injured.[180] One of the Turkish soldiers who was critically injured in the attack later succumbed to his injuries in a hospital.[181] The village along with the Sadvi village was reported to have been captured by the rebels on the same day.[182]

    On 7 September, around 300 Syrians started to return to Jarabulus in Syria, after Turkish-backed rebels recaptured the region from IS, marking the first formal return of civilians since Turkey launched Operation Euphrates Shield.[183] Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister of Turkey Nurettin Canikli stated that Syrian Kurdish fighters still hadn't completely withdrawn to the east of Euphrates river.[184] Also according to ARA news report IS evacuated their headquarters in the city of al-Bab in Syria's Aleppo province.[185]

    On 8 September, it was reported that IS would evacuate its headquarters in al-Bab, as SDF continued their advance towards the city from the west, and Turkish-backed rebels also announced readiness to fight IS in al-Bab and other areas.[186] The same day, Turkish fighter jets hit four IS targets in northern Syria as part of Euphrates Shield operation, published in a statement from the Turkish General Staff.[187] Also on the same day Turkey's foreign minister repeated the call for a no-fly zone over northern Syria to boost security and allow more refugees to return home while enabling more local troops to be trained in their fight against IS fighters.[188] However, the United States as in the years before rejected the idea of a "no-flight zone" in Syria.[189]

    On 9 September, Turkish military stated that three Turkish soldiers were killed in clashes with IS near the region of Tel el-Hawa while one soldier was injured. The Turkish army also shelled 15 IS positions in the Kafr Ghan region after a rocket from the region landed near Kilis Province. The military also stated that it carried out an air operation in Tal Ali, Tel al-Hawa and south Wuquf regions which destroyed 4 buildings being used as headquarters by the militants. An IS fighter was also stated to have been killed in an air operation conducted by the anti-IS coalition.[190] On 10 September, the Turkish military stated that airstrikes conducted by it targeting 3 buildings in Tel el-Hawa resulted in the death of 20 IS fighters.[191] On 13 September, Turkish military stated that the US-led coalition conducted airstrikes targeting four mortar positions and 2 defensive positions of IS between al-Rai and Azaz. The attack resulted in the deaths of 6 militants.[192]

    As of 14 September, a total of 1,900 Syrian refugees returned to the area cleansed by Turkish-backed forces, mainly to Jarabulus and Al Rai.[193]

    On 15 September, Turkish Armed Forces said that it had so far destroyed 26 mines and 671 improvised explosive devices (IEDs) planted by IS in northern Syria as part of operation Euphrates Shield.[194]

    On 16 September, US interference in al-Rai town caused the withdrawal of the Ahrar al-Sharqya Brigade from joining Euphrates Shield operation, the withdrawal came in protest against the US forces' interference in northern Aleppo.[195] Earlier, US troops on gun trucks, followed by a Turkish tank and trucks carrying US-allied FSA fighters, withdrew from al-Rai back into Turkey after some fighters of Ahrar al-Sharqya, a Free Syrian Army labeled rebel group, denounced them as "infidels" and "Crusaders".[196] Dozens of US forces continued to cooperate with Turkish soldiers in support of the operation.[197] Meanwhile, the Turkish military stated that 5 fighters of FSA were killed while 6 were injured in an IED attack in Tatimus region. It also stated that 5 fighters of IS were killed in airstrikes carried out by anti-IS coalition in Kunaytirah, Tatimus, Cakka and Baragidah regions.[198]

    On 17 September the Mountain Hawks Brigade announced that it had withdrawn from the Jarabulus and al-Rai fronts and its fighters and equipment will be transferred to the fronts in Aleppo city, Hama, and Latakia.[199] Meanwhile, Turkish military stated that 67 IS targets were hit with howitzer missiles and rockets between al-Rai and Azaz on the same day. It also stated that 5 fighters of the group were killed during the day.[200]

    IS launched a counter-attack targeting the Tal Hajjar hilltop near al-Rai on 19 September. Amaq stated that the hilltop was captured by IS.[201]

    Third phase of the operation: Dabiq offensive (20 September – 17 October) edit

    Main articles: Northern al-Bab offensive (2016) and Dabiq offensive (2016)

    On 16 September, US special operations forces entered northern Aleppo as part of a new US mission known as "Operation Noble Lance." According to the Pentagon, they will provide training, advice and assistance to the Syrian rebels. Furthermore, the soldiers likely will also be used to call in US airstrikes in support of the rebels as they advance.[202] On the same day, the Turkish military stated that 5 fighters of FSA were killed while 6 were injured in an IED attack in Tatimus region. It also stated that 5 fighters of IS were killed in airstrikes carried out by anti-IS coalition in Kunaytirah, Tatimus, Cakka and Baragidah regions.[198]

    As of 19 September Turkish forces and Turkish-backed rebels, the primary ground force being the Turkmen group Sultan Murad Division, took control of five new villages in the biggest advance of the third phase, making the total number of villages taken in this phase 10.[203]

    After Turkish Free Syrian Army(TFSA) units had captured a few villages from IS,[204] By 23 September IS had recaptured more than 20 villages from the rebels.[205]

    Due to the rebel losses, the offensive was halted and the third phase of the Turkish operation was put on hold.[206][207][better source needed] A late September piece in Al-Monitor assessed the campaign as follows: "IS has recaptured scores of Turkmen villages south of Jarablus from FSA militias. (...) From the outset, there were doubts about whether Euphrates Shield could be sustained without the involvement of Turkish ground troops. It was not difficult to foresee that the biggest weakness was the inadequacy of the motley crew of jihadists assembled under the FSA banner. To make up for this deficiency, the Turkish army will have to deploy increasing numbers of troops to advance southward in Syria and thus into the quagmire."[208]

    In the immediate aftermath of the aborted offensive towards al-Bab, the TFSA and Turkey launched a new offensive towards the IS-held town of Dabiq. On 1 October, the Turkish Parliament extended the military operation's mandate for another year.[209] The next day, Turkish-backed opposition forces started advancing; Turkmen villages Boztepe (Tallat al-Baydah), Türkmenbarı and Hurdanah were taken over by Turkish-backed rebel forces.[210]

    On 5 October, TFSA primarily driven by the Sultan Murad Division, took control of four more villages from IS and, with the Turkish Special Forces, entered the small and strategic town of Akhtarin, easing the way for the planned attack on Dabiq.[211] The town was captured by them on 6 October.[212]

    After taking control of the supply route between Al-Bab and Dabiq by taking Akhtarin and its vicinity, on 9 October, Turkey and the affiliated rebels announced that the area between Mare, Akhtarin and Kafrghan, an area which contains two important IS-held locations, Sawran and Dabiq, a military zone.[213]

    On 10 October, Turkish forces and Turkish-backed rebels made significant advances and established control in all settlements on the way to the town of Sawran from its north and northwest, and started pushing into the town of Ihtamillat, the last settlement east of Sawran.[214][215]

    One week later, following heavy clashes around the area, on 16 October, the FSA, headed by Sultan Murad Division, first took control of Sawran, Syria and continued towards Dabiq. One day earlier, IS leader Baghdadi published a voice record stating that the "Dabiq War", which IS was using as ritual propaganda, "isn't this ongoing one". Soon after Sawran, full control in Dabiq was also taken and rebel forces went as south as Asunbul to secure the newly acquired area before proceeding to the next stage of the offensive targeting Qabasin and Bab.[216]

    Clashes between SDF, ISIS and rebels: western al-Bab offensive (18 October – 3 November) edit

    Main article: Western al-Bab offensive (October 2016)
     
    A Turkish-backed FSA fighter loads an M2 Browning during the fighting in northern Aleppo Governorate

    On 18 October, the Northern Thunder Brigade issued an ultimatum to the "PKK" and the Army of Revolutionaries, warning them to leave Tell Rifaat within 48 hours after which they will attack the town.[217] On 19 October, following capturing the last remaining IS-held villages between the control line of the SDF, Turkey-backed rebels started an offensive towards the SDF positions in Shahba region and Tell Rifaat with Turkish support. Following the first days of clashes and strikes, the Turkish army said that its air strikes have killed 160 to 200 YPG members with maximum care for civilians. Syrian government sources however reported around such a number of civilians killed. SDF sources reported 11 fighters from their ranks killed. SOHR stated that death toll was around 20, possible 4 civilians included.

    On 22 October, first reports gains were announced by the rebel factions, namely 2 to 3 villages, which later turned out to be untrue. Turkish-backed rebels surrounded Shaykh Issa, just east of Tell Rifaat. Turkish artillery shelling and air strikes mainly focused on Tell Rifaat, Shaykh Issa and villages under SDF control in western al-Bab. Turkish tanks entered Syria also from the west, from Hatay region into Idlib region, to the southernmost point of the PYD-held Afrin canton and positioned on hills overlooking Tel Rifat and Afrin.[218]

    By 25 October, it became evident that the SDF had repelled all assaults by Turkish-backed rebels on villages and positions under its control.[219] ANHA stated that the "failures and casualties" despite "major" Turkish support had "demoralized" rebel groups and caused their retreat from further attacks against the SDF.[220][221] Of the commanders from the Northern Thunder Brigade who issued the ultimatum, one was reportedly killed in action and one was seriously injured.[222] In a counterattack, the SDF stated to have captured two villages from the rebels.[223]

    Al-Bab (6 November 2016 – 23 February 2017) edit

    Main article: Battle of al-Bab
     
    Al-Bab military council fighters during the Battle of al-Bab.

    On 6 November, the rebels supported by Turkish planes and artillery advanced south towards al-Bab, entering the northern outskirts of the city on 14 November. The US-led coalition did not support the offensive due to it being an independent Turkish operation.[224]

    On 24 November, according to the Turkish military, the Syrian Arab Air Force conducted an airstrike against Turkish Special Operations Forces and aligned Turkish-backed rebels north of al-Bab, killing four Turkish soldiers and injuring 11 otherm one seriously.[225] While the Turkish Prime Minister's office has issued a temporary gag order on reporting about the airstrike,[226][227] main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) leader Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu called on the Turkish government to "act with common sense."[227] Prime Minister Binali Yildirim issued a statement whereby he assured the aggression "will not be left unanswered" promising the Turkish military's determination to "clear the area of terrorists is unaffected by the move."[228]

    Turkish officials initially stated the casualties were due to an IS attack, before blaming the Syrian Air Force.[citation needed] However, the pro-opposition activist group the SOHR disputed it was an air-strike and stated it was in fact an IS suicide attack. Additionally, IS confirmed it conducted a suicide attack in the area.[229] On 25 November, the Syrian airforce said that their jets have not bombed Turkish soldiers.[230]

     
    TFSA technical in the outskirts of al-Bab

    On 8 January 2017, the New York Times reported that momentum gained with the ouster of Daesh from Jarablus was stalled at al-Bab due to heavy resistance and an inexplicable lack of U.S. air support.[231] In response, the Turkish government sought aid from Russian airstrikes against ISIS positions.

    On 2 February 2017, Sky News reported that Turkish aircraft killed 51 IS fighters in the space of 24 hours in the areas of al Bab, Tadif, Kabbasin and Bzagah, the airstrikes targeted buildings and vehicles resulting in 85 IS positions destroyed.[232]

    On 7 February 2017, clashes erupted between the SDF and Euphrates Shield Forces in the town of Tokhar north of Manbij and south of Jarabulus. The former stated to have repelled SDF's attempt to advance in the town.[233]

    On 9 February 2017, a Russian air strike on a building accidentally killed 3 Turkish soldiers and wounded 11 more in a friendly fire incident near al-Bab, who were supporting the Syrian rebels in the battle for the city. The BBC report added that the Kremlin issued a statement that President Putin had, in a telephone call with his Turkish counterpart, "expressed condolences over a tragic incident which resulted in the deaths of several Turkish troops in the al-Bab area" and that two leaders agreed to "increase military co-operation during operations in Syria against IS militants and other extremist organisations."[234]

    On 14 February 2017, Turkish forces started shelling SDF-held Tell Rifaat with mortars and heavy artillery. The offensive continued the next day. Kurdish officials condemned the violations.[235] Al-Bab was completely captured from IS by Turkish-backed rebels on 23 February, along with the towns of Qabasin and Bizaah.[236][237][238] On 25 February, IS began to retreat from the town of Tadef,[239] with the Syrian Army capturing the town on the following day.[240][241]

    Tadef and clashes with SDF around Manbij (28 February – 25 March) edit

    See also: East Aleppo offensive (January–April 2017)
     
    US Humvees drive through a SDF-controlled village near Manbij in an attempt to "deter" the skirmishes between the SDF and Turkish-backed forces[242]

    On 26 February 2017, Turkey's protests notwithstanding, the U.S. announced its support for the Manbij Military Council, established by the YPG-dominated Syrian Democratic Forces, and sent special forces and several military convoys to Manbij.[243] On 28 February, Turkish president Erdogan announced that the Turkish-backed forces would assault Manbij after completing their operations in al-Bab as originally planned. He called for the YPG to be moved to the east of the river and ruled out any cooperation with the SDF.[69] Clashes erupted between both sides, with the Turkish-supported rebels quickly advancing through five villages west of the city.[244][245] On 2 March, the Manbij Military Council announced that it had reached an agreement with Russia to hand over villages to the west of Manbij to the Syrian government in the coming days in order to protect them from being assaulted by Turkish-backed forces.[246][247] Turkey's foreign minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu requested from the United States to force Kurdish troops to withdraw from Manbij.[248] The SDF later launched a counter-attack, retaking several villages that had been captured by the rebels a day earlier.[249] The Russian General Staff's Sergey Rudosky as well as the United States Department of Defense confirmed on 3 March that the SDF had agreed to hand over villages to the west of Manbij to the Syrian government.[250] Russia and the Syrian government also sent a humanitarian convoy following the deal, which the United States Department of Defense stated also contained military equipment.[251] Rudosky later stated that Syrian Army units had been deployed in the villages under agreement.[252] On 4 March, United States special operations forces were also deployed in Manbij in response to the clashes. The United States military stated that it was done to deter hostile acts, enhance governance and ensure there's no persistent YPG presence.[253][254]

    On 6 March, Manbij Military Council spokesman Sharfan Darwish said that the U.S.-led anti-ISIL coalition had boosted its presence in Manbij in response to the clashes between SDF and Turkish-backed forces. He stated that they hadn't requested any reinforcements from SDF or YPG and also added that the implementation of the deal regarding the villages near Manbij had been delayed but it remained in place.[255] He later stated that Syrian Army had taken over positions on one part of the frontline with the Turkish-backed rebels.[256] According to Wladimir van Wilgenburg, Prime Minister Yıldırım meanwhile said that Turkey might abandon its offensive on Manbij since there was no Russian or American support.[257][258] Clashes were again reported with pro-rebel media stating that the rebels had captured a village to the west of Manbij, pro-Kurdish media however rejected this, saying the attack was repelled.[259][260] United States Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Joseph Dunford, Russia's Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov, and Turkey's Chief of the General Staff Hulusi Akar held a joint meeting on 7 March to defuse escalations around Manbij and discussed joint issues relating to regional security.[261] Turkish Defense Minister Fikri Işik stated on 16 March that finding a diplomatic solution with the United States and Russia on Manbij was necessary and a military approach would only be considered if diplomacy failed.[262]

    On 25 March, the SAA reported that the Turkish-backed rebels had not taken Tadef, stating that they still controlled the town, though the rebel forces had advanced on the town's northern edges and clashes erupted.[263]

    International reactions edit

    Belligerent sides edit

    •   Turkey: Turkey Justified the operation as an act of self-defence, in response to ISIS shelling of Turkish border towns and suicide bombings and attacks targeting Turkish nationals and also that "Our border must be completely cleansed of Daesh (ISIS)".[264] while Turkish Defence Minister Fikri Isik stated that "preventing the PYD party from uniting the PYD cantons east of Jarabulus with those further west was a priority."[265] Turkish foreign minister, Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu, said that YPG should return east of Syria's Euphrates River. Both Manbij and Jarabulus are west of the river.[266] On 25 August 2016, the largest opposition party in Turkey, Republican People's Party (CHP), publicly supported Operation Euphrates Shield, calling it "long overdue", while "calling on the government to engage in a sincere fight against ISIL, not just in Jarabulus, but inside our own borders".[267] On 2 September 2016, Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said that "the PYD forces had not yet retreated to the east of the Euphrates River in northern Syria despite statements by the US that the group was withdrawing." Furthermore, claimed that Turkey's operation into Jarabulus was not an incursion and it was conducted to resettle the local Arab and Turkmen population back into their towns.[268]

    UN-member states edit

    •   Azerbaijan: Qənirə Paşayeva, member of parliament, said on 3 September that Turkey would have an obligation to protect the civilians in northern Syria from terror groups and would have the right to protect itself from the attacks originating from Syria with the intervention.[269]
    •   Bulgaria: Prime minister Boyko Borisov on 26 August said: "The Turkish Armed Forces have probably prevented a probable new migration wave of 2 million people with the Euphrates Shield operation in Syria's Jarablus with the coalition."[270]
    •   Cyprus: The Cyprus House of Representatives on 9 September unanimously adopted a resolution condemning "the unacceptable invasion of Turkey into Syria, under the pretext of war against terrorism." It also called on the international community to demand Turkey's withdrawal from Syria.[271]
    •   France: On 30 August President Francois Hollande criticized Turkey's "contradictory" military operation in Syria, saying he could understand Turkey's concern about protecting its borders and fighting IS, but criticized Ankara's actions against the People's Protection Units (YPG).[272]
    •   Germany: On 24 August, the German foreign ministry spokesperson supported Turkey's action against "terrorist activities" in northern Syria.[273] Furthermore, it added that the Euphrates Shield operation was part of international efforts to overcome IS in the region.[274] However, on 28 August the Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier condemned Turkish attacks against the SDF and pointed out that Turkey has to join the war against ISIS not to fight Syrian Kurds, while also condemning PKK attacks in Turkey.[275]
    •   Iran: Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Bahram Ghasemi on 31 August urged Ankara to quickly wrap up its military intervention in Syria, saying it was an "unacceptable" violation of Syrian sovereignty.[276]
    •   Israel: Israeli ambassador in Ankara Oron said that Turkey's concerns in regards to fighting Islamic State (IS) are legitimate.[277]
    •   Netherlands: The Dutch Minister of Foreign Affairs Bert Koenders on 28 August called for Turkey and Syrian Kurds to work against IS instead of fighting amongst themselves and Syrian Kurdish groups to be included in the peace talks. Nevertheless, he called the PKK a terrorist organization and it should be looked into which Kurdish representatives will participate in the talks.[278] On 8 September, a representation office of the Federation of Northern Syria – Rojava was inaugurated in The Hague.[279]
    •   Russia: Russia's foreign ministry on 24 August said in a statement that Moscow was deeply worried by the escalation of tension on the Turkish-Syria border.[280] On 6 September, Russian President Vladimir Putin speaking at a press conference following the G20 Hangzhou summit in China said that: "Turkey's operation in Syria was not something unexpected for us. Foreign Affairs and Intelligence exist so that we face fewer unexpected developments. We understood what was going on and where things would lead."[281] On 21 October foreign minister Lavrov expressed Russia's concern with Turkish attacks on SDF forces and called on Turkey to focus on fighting IS and Al-Nusra Front.[282][283]
    •   Saudi Arabia: Saudi Arabia's foreign minister Adel al-Jubeir reiterated on 9 September his country's full backing of Turkish military operations in northern Syria against ISIL, YPG, and suggested a military solution remained the strongest option to get rid of Syria's president, Bashar al-Assad.[284]
    •   Syria: The Syrian foreign ministry on 25 August condemned "this blatant breach to its sovereignty" by Turkey. Syria said: "Fighting terrorism on Syrian territory from any side should have been coordinated with Syrian government and the Syrian army that has been fighting in these battles for five years".[101] Also, added that "substituting (ISIS) with other terrorist organizations backed directly by Turkey" is not "fighting terrorism."[285] On 2 September, the Ministry of Education of Syria announced that it resumes teaching in the schools of Manbij, which was then reported starting at 28 September.[286] In an interview with the state-run Syrian Arab News Agency on 8 December 2016, Syria President Bashar Assad said that "as long as the Turkish policy is run by an abnormal and psychologically disturbed person like Erdogan, we have to expect all possibilities."[287]
    •   United States: US vice-president Joe Biden in the early days of the Turkish offensive publicly warned YPG forces in Syria that they would lose US support if they fail to "go back across the river" (east of the Euphrates).[94][107] Biden arrived in Turkey instead of John Kerry in a move seen as an "upgrade" of the U.S. diplomatic mission.[288] As Turkey launched a major attack against the SDF on 28 August, the Pentagon refused to comment, other than stating that the SDF remained an important partner in the war against IS.[289] On 29 August, CENTCOM stated that it had no involvement in Turkish or Turkish backed rebel activities against the SDF. On the same day, the U.S. military voiced its "concern" over the clashes between Turkey and Kurdish-aligned forces in Syria.[3] On 31 August, the U.S. said Turkey's actions after taking Jarabulus were "unacceptable" and CENTCOM commander Joseph Votel said that the U.S. will continue to support the YPG.[290] On 2 September 2016, U.S. President Barack Obama said ahead of the G20 summit in Hangzhou, China that "Turkey continues to be strong NATO ally, they are working with us to defeat IS."[291] On 27 October, U.S. Senator John McCain, Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, released a statement saying that "the Turkish government's continued attacks on Syrian Kurds are destabilizing and troubling. (...) I urge the Turkish government to refrain from further attacks against Kurdish groups in Syria."[292]

    Supranational organizations edit

    •   European Union: Elmar Brok, member of the European Parliament for the German CDU party and the chairman of the European Parliament Committee on Foreign Affairs said that "the PYD should remain on the east bank of the Euphrates river" and "shouldn't use the fight against IS as an excuse to take hold of Arab regions. They have no business there."[293] In another interview, he suggested that "Kurds must concentrate on the territory east of the Euphrates, and Turkey must recognize that".[294]
    •   NATO: NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg arrived in Ankara for a two-day visit on 8 September, as a sign of support for the Turkish people and their democracy.[295] Jens Stoltenberg said also that the military alliance supports Ankara in its campaign to protect its borders. "We welcome Turkey's increasing efforts to fight against IS.[296] Turkey has a right to defend itself. There have been many terrorist attacks coming from the Syrian side."[297]
    •   United Nations: During a visit to the city of Hangzhou in China to attend the G20 summit, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon emphasized the key role of Turkey in the fight against IS.[298]

    Other regional actors edit

    •   Iraqi Kurdistan: The head of the Iraqi autonomous Kurdistan Region, Massoud Barzani, said on 24 August that Iraqi Kurdistan and Turkey had agreed on a strategy to fight IS.[299] On 15 September, when asked about Turkey's military intervention and PYD; Barzani said PYD was "seizing" areas in Syria and following outlawed PKK's policies. "Due to its non-inclusive policies, the PYD does not enjoy the support of other elements in Syria and continues to support Syria's Assad regime without any thought for the future of the Kurds in the region." Barzani stated.[300] Barzani's political affiliation, KDP, doesn't recognize PYD as representative of Kurds in Syria.[301]
    •   Rojava: Hediya Yousef, co-chairwoman of the constitutional assembly of the Federation of Northern Syria – Rojava, said that "we have decided to convene a meeting of the founding assembly of the federal system at the start of October, and we will declare our system in northern Syria. We will not retreat from this project. On the contrary, we will work to implement it. The Turkish intervention will not obstruct us."[302] The Shahba region civilian council condemned the occupation of Jarabulus as a Turkish attempt to expand into Syria, likening it to the Battle of Marj Dabiq and suggesting that Jarabulus would become a "grave for the criminal occupier Erdoğan and his mercenaries".[45] Among SDF component groups, YPG forces said that the Turkish operation is motivated more by the desire to stop the SDF's advance in northwestern Syria than by anti-IS sentiment.[77]
    •   Syrian National Coalition: The National Coalition for Syrian Revolutionary and Opposition Forces commended Turkey and other countries participating in anti-IS coalition for their support of the rebel offensive on Jarabulus town. The Syrian National Coalition stated foreign military presence in and around Jarabulus to be temporary and limited to the provision of logistical support.[303][304]
      •   Syrian Turkmen councilhead Emin Bozoğlan said that "the Turkmen minority feels threatened both by IS and the PYD." Furthermore, he stated that the "Turkmen minority is calling for an expansion of the offensive until northern Aleppo and Manbij are completely in control of the Turkish Armed Forces and the Free Syrian Army that it backs."[305] On an interview, Bozoğlan also stated "Turkmens hope that operations will also save other important Turkmen regions in Tel Abyad area occupied by YPG and in Latakia area under control of the Assad government".[306]
      The Kurdish National Council in Syria condemned the "indiscriminate" Turkish bombings on populated towns such as Jindires and other towns in the northern Aleppo Government. The council stated that "the Turkish Army and allied Islamist rebels have been killing civilians, carrying out indiscriminate shelling and airstrikes on populated areas." and demanded the Turkish Armed Forces to withdraw its forces. A KNC member also denounced the Turkish focus on attacking the SDF.[307]

    See also edit

    Notes edit

    ^ a: Only against ISIL
    ^ b: Part of Syrian Turkmen Brigades as well

    References edit

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    Further reading edit

    • Semih Idiz: "Turkey squeezed between Russia, US in Syria", Al-Monitor, 1 February 2017
    • Christopher Phillips: "Turkey's Syria Intervention: A Sign of Weakness Not Strength", Newsweek, 22 September 2016
    • Kadri Gursel: "Why US' biggest challenge to fighting IS in Syria might be its own allies", Al-Monitor, 20 September 2016
    • Semih Idiz: "Turkey seeks more military cooperation with US in Syria", Al-Monitor, 20 September 2016
    • Meredith Tax: "Turkey Is Supporting the Syrian Jihadis Washington Says It Wants to Fight", The Nation, 16 September 2016 22 April 2019 at the Wayback Machine
    • "Post-coup attempt Turkey is a stronger player in Syria", Hurriyet Daily News, 7 September 2016
    • Kadri Gursel: "Will Turkey be dragged deeper into Syria?", Al-Monitor, 6 September 2016
    • Fred Kaplan: "Turkey's Incursion Into Syria Is the Last Thing We Needed", Slate, 2 September 2016
    • "Kurds Fear the U.S. Will Again Betray Them, in Syria", New York Times, 2 September 2016
    • "Euphrates Shield", Hurriyet Daily News, 2 September 2016
    • Amed Dicle: "What Turkey stands to lose in its hunt for Syrian Kurds", Al-Monitor, 1 September 2016
    • Galip Dalay: "Turkey's Jarablus operation scorecard", Al Jazeera English, 1 September 2016

    36°49′08″N 38°00′40″E / 36.819°N 38.011°E / 36.819; 38.011

    November 12, 2023
    operation, euphrates, shield, part, turkey, conflict, rojava, conflict, military, intervention, against, turkish, involvement, syrian, civil, warmap, situation, aleppo, governorate, march, 2017date24, august, 2016, march, 2017, months, days, locationaleppo, go. Operation Euphrates ShieldPart of the Turkey IS conflict the Rojava conflict the military intervention against IS and Turkish involvement in the Syrian civil warMap of situation in Aleppo Governorate as of 26 March 2017Date24 August 2016 29 March 2017 7 months and 5 days 13 LocationAleppo Governorate SyriaActionTurkey and allies secure control of Syria Turkey border and region between Afrin and Manbij regions ResultTurkish and SNA victory 14 Clashes erupt between Turkish backed Syrian rebels and SDF YPG withdraws to east of Euphrates 15 though Turkey disputes this 16 50 000 Syrian refugees in Turkey have returned to the areas which were taken under control since the beginning of the intervention 17 TerritorialchangesTurkish backed Syrian rebels captured a total of 2 055 square kilometres 793 sq mi 18 including 230 settlements 19 increasing FSA controlled territory in the region to 2 225 square kilometres 859 sq mi 20 Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant held territory along the Turkish Syrian border completely captured by the Turkish backed rebels 21 Turkish backed rebels capture all settlements in the Jarabulus area from the SDF 22 Turkish backed rebels capture al Bab from ISIL 23 The SDF is prevented from connecting the cantons 24 The SDF hand over some territory to the Syrian Army 25 26 Belligerents Turkey Turkish backed Free Syrian Army 1 Support United States a 2 3 4 Russia a 5 6 7 8 United Kingdom a 9 Islamic StateSyrian Democratic Forces 10 International Freedom Battalion 11 Support United States a 12 Syria minor clashes Support RussiaCommanders and leadersLt Gen Zekai Aksakalli 27 Operations chief commander Lt Gen Ismail Metin Temel 28 29 Second Army commander Col Ahmed Othman 30 Sultan Murad Division commander Fehim Isa 31 Sultan Murad Division commander Others Brig Gen Sayf Balud 32 Hazma Division Mahir Basha 33 Muntasar Billah Brigade commander Mustafa Cahit 33 Muntasar Billah Brigade commander Mohammad Abu Ibrahim 34 Levant Front field commander Mustafa Sejari 34 Al Moutasem Brigade political leader Abu Mohammed Kafr Zita 12 Liberation Brigade commander Mahmoud Abu Hamza 35 Descendants of Saladin Brigade commander Capt Abdul Salam Abdul Razaq 35 Nour al Din al Zenki Movement commander until 28 January Capt Mohammed Abu Mustafa 36 Sham Legion commander Abu Jafer 37 Brigade of Conquest commander Artillery base commander of Levant Front Yusuf Sibli Qabasin Military Council commander citation needed Brig Gen Abdul Razaq Aslan 38 Police force head Taha Atrach citation needed 1st Aleppo Division commander DOW Ali Seyh Salih 39 DOW 40 Sultan Murad Division field commander Muhammad al Gabi DOW 41 36 Liberation Army commander KIA Abu Ansari 42 Emir of al Bab Abu Hussein al Tunusi 43 ISIL southern Raqqa field commander Abu Khalid Urduni 44 Amir of al Bab Muhammad Ahmed 45 Jarabulus Military Council commander Adnan Abu Amjad 46 Manbij Military Council commander Units involvedOrders of battleStrength4 000 8 000 troops 47 48 49 Unit Strengths 20 80 MBTs 50 51 20 APCs Unknown number of T 155 Firtina Howitzers Unknown number of T 122 Sakarya Rocket artillery Bayraktar Tactical UAS 10 000 12 000 fighters 52 50 53 54 5 000 7 000 militants 49 55 56 57 UnknownCasualties and losses71 killed 58 614 killed 59 60 2 647 killed 417 captured per Turkey 61 131 killed per SOHR and SDF 62 425 killed 37 captured per Turkey 61 30 killed 22 captured 63 64 65 540 civilians killed per SOHR 66 67 Operation Euphrates Shield Turkish Firat Kalkani Harekati was a cross border military operation conducted by the Turkish Armed Forces in the Syrian Civil War which led to the Turkish occupation of northern Syria Operations were carried out in the region between the Euphrates river to the east and the rebel held area around Azaz to the west The Turkish military and Turkey aligned Syrian rebel groups some of which used the Free Syrian Army label fought against the forces of the Islamic State IS as well as against the Syrian Democratic Forces SDF from 24 August 2016 On 29 March 2017 the Turkish military officially announced that Operation Euphrates Shield was successfully completed 13 The Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on the first day of the operation that it was aimed against both the IS and Syrian Kurdish terror groups that threaten our country in northern Syria 68 The objective to capture Manbij under the de facto control of the AANES administration that had been promulgated by the Turkish president at the end of February 2017 69 remained unfulfilled Contents 1 Background 2 Preparations 3 The campaign 3 1 Capture of Jarabulus by Turkish backed forces 24 August 3 2 Continued advance of Turkish backed forces against ISIL and conflict with SDF 24 25 August 3 3 Disputed YPG withdrawal Turkish backed rebels drive SDF south of the Sajur River 26 29 August 3 4 Rebel SDF ceasefire attempt Rebel fighting against ISIL continued 30 August 2 September 3 5 Turkey enters the rebel s al Rai front against IS 3 19 September 3 6 Third phase of the operation Dabiq offensive 20 September 17 October 3 7 Clashes between SDF ISIS and rebels western al Bab offensive 18 October 3 November 3 8 Al Bab 6 November 2016 23 February 2017 3 9 Tadef and clashes with SDF around Manbij 28 February 25 March 4 International reactions 4 1 Belligerent sides 4 2 UN member states 4 3 Supranational organizations 4 4 Other regional actors 5 See also 6 Notes 7 References 8 Further readingBackground editMain article Turkish involvement in the Syrian Civil War See also Foreign involvement in the Syrian civil war and Safe Zone Syria Northern Aleppo Governorate is a region of major strategic importance in the Syrian civil war previously mostly held by the Islamic State IS For IS it was their only gate to the Turkish border For the Syrian Democratic Forces SDF the Shahba region between the Euphrates River to the east and the Kurd Mountains to the west is the missing link to connect the cantons of the Federation of Northern Syria Rojava For Turkey it is the path to its influence in Syria 70 71 The stage for the Jarabulus offensive was set by the previous Manbij offensive from June August which saw the SDF capturing the city of Manbij and its surroundings from ISIL and in the aftermath moving north At the same time Turkey backed Syrian rebels fought the Battle of al Rai to approach Jarabulus from the west According to an article published in The Independent the Turkish objectives were to target ISIL strike at the political and military power of the Democratic Union Party PYD and to consolidate its position in expectation of shifts towards more war or greater peace 72 Turkey s defence minister Fikri Isik said that preventing the Kurdish PYD party from uniting Kurdish cantons east of Jarabulus with those further west was a priority 73 In Ankara Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan said at 4 am this morning operations started in the north of Syria against terror groups which constantly threaten our country 74 75 76 Before the operation SDF forces including People s Defense Units YPG units were advancing on Jarabulus following their military victory over the Islamic State in Manbij 77 Both Manbij and Jarabulus are west of the Euphrates River but Turkey wanted YPG forces to move back to the east of the river after the conclusion of the SDF s Manbij operation 78 Turkey s action pitched its military against a force backed by its NATO ally the United States 78 79 It was the first time Turkish warplanes struck in Syria since November 2015 when Turkey downed a Russian warplane and the first significant incursion by Turkish special forces since a brief operation to relocate the tomb of Suleyman Shah in February 2015 78 Pro SDF sources stated that Turkey had an agreement with IS to rescue it in Jarabulus from the SDF offensive 80 According to Hurriyet Daily News this report is believed by many in Washington and Turkey and it could pose serious problems for Ankara 81 Preparations editReportedly 82 Turkey had prepared battle plans for the intervention more than a year prior On 9 May 2016 a plan was reportedly proposed by the US Turkey Saudi Arabia and Qatar to have the Nour al Din al Zenki Movement form a Northern Army to gather more than 3 000 fighters for the operation The next phase was to transfer the fighters from Idlib to northern Aleppo through the Bab al Hawa Border Crossing and the Azaz border crossing This reportedly began on 13 May 83 However the plan was delayed due to doubts from U S officials about the capabilities of the Syrian rebel forces that Turkey had recruited to fight with its military opposition from the US backed Syrian Democratic Forces and the rift between Turkey and Russia that was not mended until early August 2016 84 On 20 August 2016 a large number of rebels and a military convoy containing more than 50 vehicles loaded with heavy and medium weapons from al Rai were transferred to the Turkish border with Jarabulus 85 On 22 August as a response to the Gaziantep bombing and two mortar shells launched by ISIL hitting the town of Karkamis adjacent to Jarabulus the Turkish Land Forces launched 60 artillery shells at Islamic State positions in Jarabulus while simultaneously bombarding Manbij Military Council positions farther south in order to prevent them from advancing further to the north 86 Karkamis was soon evacuated and cleared of its residents The Morning Star reported that Turkey continued to shell ISIL positions in Jarabulus after two mortar rounds hit Karkamis and three hit Kilis 87 better source needed On 23 August Turkey shelled Islamic State territory in northern Syria again IS responded by firing rockets into Turkey 88 The Turkey backed rebels under the brand of the Free Syrian Army FSA that took part in the offensive comprised mainly Syrian Turkmen mostly in the Syrian Turkmen Brigades 89 90 During the offensive FSA militants of Turkmen origin used light blue armbands a color which is often used as a symbol of Turkic heritage meanwhile the rebels of Arab origin mainly used red ones 89 91 92 The SDF have said that MIT assassinated Abdel Sattar al Jader the leader of the Jarabulus Military Council a component of the SDF just prior to the operation 77 The campaign editSee also Turkish Armed Forces casualties in Syria Capture of Jarabulus by Turkish backed forces 24 August edit Early in the morning of 24 August Turkish forces directed intense artillery fire against IS positions in Jarabulus while the Turkish Air Force bombed 11 targets from the air 93 Later that day Turkish main battle tanks followed by pick up trucks believed to be carrying Turkish backed Syrian rebels 94 and the Turkish Special Forces crossed the border and were joined by hundreds of Free Syrian Army FSA fighters as the ground forces attacked the town 95 U S led coalition planes helped the Turkish forces 2 78 This was their first co ordinated offensive into Syria 78 The FSA said progress was slow because of mines planted by IS fighters 94 A few hours after the offensive s beginning Turkish Special Forces and the Sham Legion captured their first village Tal Katlijah after IS fighters retreated from it to reinforce Jarabulus 96 Some time later the FSA captured four more villages 97 including Tel Shair Alwaniyah and two other villages 98 99 Hours later Turkish and US backed rebels were reported to have captured the border town of Jarabulus with IS offering little resistance 100 101 The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights SOHR also reported that the FSA had captured almost all of the city 102 A FSA spokesman stated that a large number of IS fighters had withdrawn to al Bab in front of the offensive 103 The fact that not much combat took place between Turkey or Turkish backed Syrian rebels against IS in Jarabulus 104 and the closeness in Islamist political ideology between IS and some of the rebel groups involved has led to accusations both local and international about collusion between Turkey and IS in the operation including reports of IS fighters changing uniform 105 In an interview published in The Independent on 9 September an IS fighter said that when the Turkish army entered Jarabulus I talked to my friends who were there Actually Isis didn t leave Jarabulus they just shaved off their beards 106 Continued advance of Turkish backed forces against ISIL and conflict with SDF 24 25 August edit Later on 24 August speaking in Ankara US vice president Joe Biden appeared to support Turkey s stance vis a vis the Syrian Kurds and said that the elements that were part of the Syrian Democratic Forces the YPG that participated that they must go back across the river the Euphrates 94 107 The YPG however initially refused to withdraw from Manbij 108 while the pro SDF Jarabulus Military Council groups declared that they would not give up their hometown to the Turkish backed rebel groups which they considered no different from ISIS In consequence when Turkish backed FSA units among them the Sham Legion and Nour al Din al Zenki Movement forcibly attempted to enter the SDF held village of Amarinah south of Jarabulus they were met with resistance Whereas the SDF stated to have repelled the assault the rebels stated that they had captured the village Before clashing with the SDF the FSA had captured half a dozen villages 109 110 111 112 On early 25 August more than 20 Turkish tanks crossed into the Syrian border 113 The U S foreign minister later informed his Turkish counterpart that the YPG had started withdrawing to the east of the Euphrates river 114 A spokesman for Operation Inherent Resolve later announced that the SDF had withdrawn across the Euphrates river in order to prepare for the Raqqa campaign 115 The YPG later separately announced it had withdrawn to the east of Euphrates and said all military command along with all YPG held positions was handed over to the Manbij Military Council 116 Despite this Turkey stated that some YPG units had not retreated leading the Turkish military to shell the SDF with artillery and according to Hurriyet Daily News launch a drone strike against one YPG group 117 118 While the conflict between Turkey and SDF continued members of the Jarabulus Military Council stated once again that they will not allow some mercenaries to take over our city We will liberate Jarabulus with some stating that some of the Turkish backed rebels were former IS fighters 45 At approximately 11 00 pm local time that evening internet censorship watchdog organization Turkey Blocks detected a nationwide social media blackout restricting domestic and mobile services throughout Turkey 119 Analysts concluded that the blackout measure had almost certainly been implemented to restrict online sharing of sensitive war plans as the offensive in Syria got under way using newly amended wartime internet killswitch legislation 120 Meanwhile the offensive against IS continued as both the Turkish backed forces as well as SDF units took control of additional villages south of Jarabulus from IS 121 Pro PYD sources stated that clashes had broken out among FSA groups in Jarabulus 122 Turkish Defence Minister Fikri Isik stated later in the day that FSA was clearing Jarabulus of any remaining IS militants 123 After Jarabulus was largely secured rebel commanders declared conflicting targets for the further offensive whereas the Levant Front announced that the rebels would next attempt to take Al Bab the Al Moutasem Brigade and the Sultan Murad Division stated that the Turkish backed forces would proceed west to break the IS siege of Mare while Turkish media reported that the offensive aimed at securing a strip of territory along the Turkish Syrian border 28 34 However Ankara s forces pushed south and mostly focused on targeting Kurdish led SDF forces 124 Disputed YPG withdrawal Turkish backed rebels drive SDF south of the Sajur River 26 29 August edit On 26 August Al Masdar News stated that all YPG forces had actually withdrawn to the east of the Euphrates as result of the continued Turkish pressure leaving all territory around Manbij under control of their allies within the SDF 15 though rebel forces later released photos of YPG ID cards and weapons reportedly taken in Amarna suggesting that at least some YPG fighters remained around Manbij if not all 16 On the next day Turkish planes bombed the SDF aligned Jarabulus Military Council positions in the village of Amarna 10 km south of Jarabulus According to the SDF civilian homes were also hit and the SDF avoided moving north to prevent escalation of the clashes 125 Turkish backed rebel forces then attacked and captured the SDF held villages of Mazaalah and Yousif Bayk while also attempting to advance against the strategic significant hilltop of Amarna 126 127 In response to the attacks mostly Arab SDF groups such as the Northern Sun Battalion announced that they would send reinforcements to help the Jarabulus Military Council 128 Later that day one Turkish soldier was killed and three were wounded in an anti tank missile attack on a Turkish tank south of Jarabulus According to Turkish military sources the missile was fired from territory held by the SDF The soldier s death was the first reported fatality on the Turkish side 129 130 Turkish forces retaliated with artillery fire 131 Meanwhile the Turkish Free Syrian Army TFSA cleared Jarabulus of mines and explosives planted by ISIL militants before their withdrawal from the town 132 The Turkish Red Crescent started distributing food after landmines and other explosives had been cleared from the border between Karkamis in Turkey and Jarabulus in Syria The humanitarian movement handed out various food supplies for around 5 000 people in the town 133 Taking advantage of the fighting between the SDF and the FSA ISIL launched a massive counteroffensive and captured al Rai according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights SOHR 134 135 On 28 August according to SOHR and Aleppo24 136 at least 20 civilians were killed and 50 wounded in Turkish artillery fire and air strikes on the village of Jeb el Kussa and another 28 were killed and 25 wounded in Turkish air strikes near the town of Al Amarneh and the village of Saressat At least four SDF fighters had also been killed and 15 injured in the Turkish bombardment of the two areas 137 138 139 Syrian monitoring groups reported that at least 70 people were killed over the weekend 27 28 August most of whom were civilians in the Turkish operations Turkish officials didn t comment on the reported civilian death toll except to say that commanders were taking all necessary measures to protect noncombatants 136 Turkey stated to have killed 25 PKK and YPG militants in the course of the airstrikes 131 Turkish backed forces then began a major attack against the SDF positions capturing Amarna and nearby Ain al Bayda rebel groups also stated to have taken the villages of Qusa Balaban Dabisa Jeb el Kussa Suraysat Umm Routha Maghayer and Qiratah further south though this could not be independently confirmed 140 141 The ANF News Agency published a video of two Turkish army tanks destroyed by SDF anti tank missiles 142 Meanwhile Turkish backed Sham Legion fighters released footage showing them torturing SDF prisoners 143 Some of the Syrian refugees mainly Syrian Turkmen and Arabs who were living in the area which TFSA forces captured returned to the Jarabulus area Erdogan stated that the necessary help would be given to other refugees who wished to return to their homeland 144 and Turkish Minister of Foreign Affairs Mevlut Cavusoglu said the YPG was committing ethnic cleansing in areas which were opposed to them 145 On 29 August Ibrahim Ibrahim head of the Rojava Media Cell stated that local forces in Jarabulus and Manbij were being reinforced but said reports that the YPG was reinforcing Manbij was false 146 Brett McGurk the United States envoy to the anti IS coalition called the clashes between the SDF and Turkish backed rebels a source of deep concern The spokesman for the Pentagon called for the YPG to pull back to the east of the river which he stated had largely occurred He also warned that such clashes enabled IS to find sanctuary and continue planning attacks 147 In the course of the day Turkish backed forces first captured all remaining SDF positions north of the Sajur River and then proceeded to cross it to take three more villages 148 bringing the number of villages captured by the rebels to 21 149 Rebel SDF ceasefire attempt Rebel fighting against ISIL continued 30 August 2 September edit On 30 August John Thomas a spokesman for the US Central Command stated that Turkey and SDF had agreed to stop fighting each other and had opened communications with the United States as well as with each other 150 Jarabulus Military Council stated that it had reached a temporary ceasefire agreement with Turkey after mediation by the US led anti ISIL coalition It also stated that the ceasefire had started around midnight of 29 30 August 151 On the same day Turkey s foreign ministry said the U S comments regarding the objectives of the Turkish military operation in Syria were unacceptable and that the country would continue its operations until it achieved the goal of eliminating terrorist threats in the region 152 Turkish military sources 153 and commander of a Syrian opposition group said a ceasefire had not taken effect The commander stated however while there was a pause in the operation it would resume shortly 154 The U S welcomed the putative pause in fighting 155 Later in the day Turkish Armed Forces stated that a Turkish tank near Sajur river had been hit by a rocket However it was not clear who had carried out the attack The Turkish military carried out a strike 45 minutes after the tank was hit and stated it had destroyed a group of terrorists west of Jarabulus It also stated that it had carried out airstrikes against IS targets in Kulliyah in northern Syria 150 156 157 SOHR confirmed that there was a pause in fighting between the two groups around Jarabulus and Sajor river 158 General Joseph Votel meanwhile stated that Kurdish fighters had moved to east of Euphrates as per their commitment 159 Also on 30 August SDF forces with coalition support started the Western al Bab offensive against IS in the southwest of the region On 31 August Turkey s officials rejected the announcement of ceasefire made by the U S shortly prior saying Turkey would not accept any compromise or ceasefire between Turkey and what Turkey saw as terrorist elements 160 161 Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said that operations will continue until all terrorist elements have been neutralised until all threats to our borders our lands and our citizens are completely over 160 Meanwhile IS launched a massive counterattack in the southwestern countryside of Jarabulus preceded by a suicide attack The militants captured four villages Kiliyeh Arab Hasan Saghir Al Muhsinli and Al Bulduq from both the SDF and Turkish backed rebels Two Turkish tanks were reportedly destroyed in the clashes 162 On 1 September 2016 explosive experts of the Turkish Armed Forces cleared mines from the area around Jarabulus using controlled explosions The de mining operation on the Syrian side of the border was visible from the Turkish border town of Karkamis An AFP photographer nearby heard at least a dozen explosions 163 Turkish prime minister s spokesman said the Turkish government would treat foreign volunteers as terrorists and Yasin Aktay a spokesman for Turkey s ruling Justice and Development Party AKP speaking to Middle East Eye opined that when it comes to Europeans or Americans joining the YPG they could only be considered crusaders or intelligence agents 164 165 Macer Gifford a prominent British volunteer with the YPG and leader of its medical unit was quoted as saying only in the minds of right wing and nationalist politicians in Turkey could the volunteers ever be called terrorists he said that while he had no intention to fight against Turkey he would do so if and when Turkey attacked the YPG 166 Later on 2 September 2016 a statement released by the Turkish military said that a total of 271 targets were hit 1195 times by the Turkish Armed Forces and the Free Syrian Army while anti IS coalition jets struck two IS targets Also the Turkish backed FSA captured the Syrian village of Qundarah from IS 167 The Turkish military also said that the Turkish Air Force destroyed three buildings used by IS in Arab Ezza and Qundarah with airstrikes 168 Also on 2 September the leader of a SDF component group Liberation Brigade Abdul Karim Obeid defected to the camp of Turkish backed rebels with 20 to 50 of his men citing opposition to reported YPG domination of the SDF while SDF sources suggested he was displeased with the civil administration of the Federation of Northern Syria Rojava replacing warlordist political rule 12 Turkey enters the rebel s al Rai front against IS 3 19 September edit On 3 September Turkey additionally deployed tanks to the Syrian town of al Rai to help the Turkish backed rebels to push east from the town towards villages captured by the rebels west of Jarabulus The incursion was launched from Kilis Province which had been frequently targeted with rocket attacks from IS 169 The Sham Legion and the Hamza Division also announced they had captured four villages Fursan Lilawa Kino and Najma south of Arab Ezza The United States stated that it had hit IS targets near the Turkey Syria border via the newly deployed HIMARS system 170 171 The Turkish armed forces meanwhile reported that the rebels had captured two villages and an airport near al Rai 172 173 An official of the Fastaqim Kama Umirt also stated that the rebels had captured eight villages to the east and south of the town 174 SOHR confirmed that the Turkish backed rebels had captured three villages near the Sajur river with advances in two other villages It also confirmed that the rebels had captured a village near al Rai 175 The U S Embassy in Ankara said US forces hit IS targets overnight near Turkey s border with Syria using HIMARS located in Turkey 176 On 4 September Turkey declared that the Turkish backed rebels had captured the last remaining IS held villages along the Turkish border cutting off key supply lines used by the group to bring in foreign fighters weapons and ammunition 177 178 The SOHR confirmed that the IS no longer controlled territory along the Turkish Syrian border after Turkish backed rebels captured the last remaining villages under control of the group 21 On 5 September nine more villages in northern Syria were cleared of IS by the Turkish backed rebels as part of operation Euphrates Shield according to Turkish armed forces 179 On 6 September Turkish military reported that two Turkish soldiers were killed in a rocket attack on two tanks by IS during clashes near al Waqf village while five soldiers were also wounded In addition two Turkish backed rebels were also killed while another two were injured 180 One of the Turkish soldiers who was critically injured in the attack later succumbed to his injuries in a hospital 181 The village along with the Sadvi village was reported to have been captured by the rebels on the same day 182 On 7 September around 300 Syrians started to return to Jarabulus in Syria after Turkish backed rebels recaptured the region from IS marking the first formal return of civilians since Turkey launched Operation Euphrates Shield 183 Meanwhile Deputy Prime Minister of Turkey Nurettin Canikli stated that Syrian Kurdish fighters still hadn t completely withdrawn to the east of Euphrates river 184 Also according to ARA news report IS evacuated their headquarters in the city of al Bab in Syria s Aleppo province 185 On 8 September it was reported that IS would evacuate its headquarters in al Bab as SDF continued their advance towards the city from the west and Turkish backed rebels also announced readiness to fight IS in al Bab and other areas 186 The same day Turkish fighter jets hit four IS targets in northern Syria as part of Euphrates Shield operation published in a statement from the Turkish General Staff 187 Also on the same day Turkey s foreign minister repeated the call for a no fly zone over northern Syria to boost security and allow more refugees to return home while enabling more local troops to be trained in their fight against IS fighters 188 However the United States as in the years before rejected the idea of a no flight zone in Syria 189 On 9 September Turkish military stated that three Turkish soldiers were killed in clashes with IS near the region of Tel el Hawa while one soldier was injured The Turkish army also shelled 15 IS positions in the Kafr Ghan region after a rocket from the region landed near Kilis Province The military also stated that it carried out an air operation in Tal Ali Tel al Hawa and south Wuquf regions which destroyed 4 buildings being used as headquarters by the militants An IS fighter was also stated to have been killed in an air operation conducted by the anti IS coalition 190 On 10 September the Turkish military stated that airstrikes conducted by it targeting 3 buildings in Tel el Hawa resulted in the death of 20 IS fighters 191 On 13 September Turkish military stated that the US led coalition conducted airstrikes targeting four mortar positions and 2 defensive positions of IS between al Rai and Azaz The attack resulted in the deaths of 6 militants 192 As of 14 September a total of 1 900 Syrian refugees returned to the area cleansed by Turkish backed forces mainly to Jarabulus and Al Rai 193 On 15 September Turkish Armed Forces said that it had so far destroyed 26 mines and 671 improvised explosive devices IEDs planted by IS in northern Syria as part of operation Euphrates Shield 194 On 16 September US interference in al Rai town caused the withdrawal of the Ahrar al Sharqya Brigade from joining Euphrates Shield operation the withdrawal came in protest against the US forces interference in northern Aleppo 195 Earlier US troops on gun trucks followed by a Turkish tank and trucks carrying US allied FSA fighters withdrew from al Rai back into Turkey after some fighters of Ahrar al Sharqya a Free Syrian Army labeled rebel group denounced them as infidels and Crusaders 196 Dozens of US forces continued to cooperate with Turkish soldiers in support of the operation 197 Meanwhile the Turkish military stated that 5 fighters of FSA were killed while 6 were injured in an IED attack in Tatimus region It also stated that 5 fighters of IS were killed in airstrikes carried out by anti IS coalition in Kunaytirah Tatimus Cakka and Baragidah regions 198 On 17 September the Mountain Hawks Brigade announced that it had withdrawn from the Jarabulus and al Rai fronts and its fighters and equipment will be transferred to the fronts in Aleppo city Hama and Latakia 199 Meanwhile Turkish military stated that 67 IS targets were hit with howitzer missiles and rockets between al Rai and Azaz on the same day It also stated that 5 fighters of the group were killed during the day 200 IS launched a counter attack targeting the Tal Hajjar hilltop near al Rai on 19 September Amaq stated that the hilltop was captured by IS 201 Third phase of the operation Dabiq offensive 20 September 17 October edit Main articles Northern al Bab offensive 2016 and Dabiq offensive 2016 On 16 September US special operations forces entered northern Aleppo as part of a new US mission known as Operation Noble Lance According to the Pentagon they will provide training advice and assistance to the Syrian rebels Furthermore the soldiers likely will also be used to call in US airstrikes in support of the rebels as they advance 202 On the same day the Turkish military stated that 5 fighters of FSA were killed while 6 were injured in an IED attack in Tatimus region It also stated that 5 fighters of IS were killed in airstrikes carried out by anti IS coalition in Kunaytirah Tatimus Cakka and Baragidah regions 198 As of 19 September Turkish forces and Turkish backed rebels the primary ground force being the Turkmen group Sultan Murad Division took control of five new villages in the biggest advance of the third phase making the total number of villages taken in this phase 10 203 After Turkish Free Syrian Army TFSA units had captured a few villages from IS 204 By 23 September IS had recaptured more than 20 villages from the rebels 205 Due to the rebel losses the offensive was halted and the third phase of the Turkish operation was put on hold 206 207 better source needed A late September piece in Al Monitor assessed the campaign as follows IS has recaptured scores of Turkmen villages south of Jarablus from FSA militias From the outset there were doubts about whether Euphrates Shield could be sustained without the involvement of Turkish ground troops It was not difficult to foresee that the biggest weakness was the inadequacy of the motley crew of jihadists assembled under the FSA banner To make up for this deficiency the Turkish army will have to deploy increasing numbers of troops to advance southward in Syria and thus into the quagmire 208 In the immediate aftermath of the aborted offensive towards al Bab the TFSA and Turkey launched a new offensive towards the IS held town of Dabiq On 1 October the Turkish Parliament extended the military operation s mandate for another year 209 The next day Turkish backed opposition forces started advancing Turkmen villages Boztepe Tallat al Baydah Turkmenbari and Hurdanah were taken over by Turkish backed rebel forces 210 On 5 October TFSA primarily driven by the Sultan Murad Division took control of four more villages from IS and with the Turkish Special Forces entered the small and strategic town of Akhtarin easing the way for the planned attack on Dabiq 211 The town was captured by them on 6 October 212 After taking control of the supply route between Al Bab and Dabiq by taking Akhtarin and its vicinity on 9 October Turkey and the affiliated rebels announced that the area between Mare Akhtarin and Kafrghan an area which contains two important IS held locations Sawran and Dabiq a military zone 213 On 10 October Turkish forces and Turkish backed rebels made significant advances and established control in all settlements on the way to the town of Sawran from its north and northwest and started pushing into the town of Ihtamillat the last settlement east of Sawran 214 215 One week later following heavy clashes around the area on 16 October the FSA headed by Sultan Murad Division first took control of Sawran Syria and continued towards Dabiq One day earlier IS leader Baghdadi published a voice record stating that the Dabiq War which IS was using as ritual propaganda isn t this ongoing one Soon after Sawran full control in Dabiq was also taken and rebel forces went as south as Asunbul to secure the newly acquired area before proceeding to the next stage of the offensive targeting Qabasin and Bab 216 Clashes between SDF ISIS and rebels western al Bab offensive 18 October 3 November edit Main article Western al Bab offensive October 2016 nbsp A Turkish backed FSA fighter loads an M2 Browning during the fighting in northern Aleppo GovernorateOn 18 October the Northern Thunder Brigade issued an ultimatum to the PKK and the Army of Revolutionaries warning them to leave Tell Rifaat within 48 hours after which they will attack the town 217 On 19 October following capturing the last remaining IS held villages between the control line of the SDF Turkey backed rebels started an offensive towards the SDF positions in Shahba region and Tell Rifaat with Turkish support Following the first days of clashes and strikes the Turkish army said that its air strikes have killed 160 to 200 YPG members with maximum care for civilians Syrian government sources however reported around such a number of civilians killed SDF sources reported 11 fighters from their ranks killed SOHR stated that death toll was around 20 possible 4 civilians included On 22 October first reports gains were announced by the rebel factions namely 2 to 3 villages which later turned out to be untrue Turkish backed rebels surrounded Shaykh Issa just east of Tell Rifaat Turkish artillery shelling and air strikes mainly focused on Tell Rifaat Shaykh Issa and villages under SDF control in western al Bab Turkish tanks entered Syria also from the west from Hatay region into Idlib region to the southernmost point of the PYD held Afrin canton and positioned on hills overlooking Tel Rifat and Afrin 218 By 25 October it became evident that the SDF had repelled all assaults by Turkish backed rebels on villages and positions under its control 219 ANHA stated that the failures and casualties despite major Turkish support had demoralized rebel groups and caused their retreat from further attacks against the SDF 220 221 Of the commanders from the Northern Thunder Brigade who issued the ultimatum one was reportedly killed in action and one was seriously injured 222 In a counterattack the SDF stated to have captured two villages from the rebels 223 Al Bab 6 November 2016 23 February 2017 edit Main article Battle of al Bab nbsp Al Bab military council fighters during the Battle of al Bab On 6 November the rebels supported by Turkish planes and artillery advanced south towards al Bab entering the northern outskirts of the city on 14 November The US led coalition did not support the offensive due to it being an independent Turkish operation 224 On 24 November according to the Turkish military the Syrian Arab Air Force conducted an airstrike against Turkish Special Operations Forces and aligned Turkish backed rebels north of al Bab killing four Turkish soldiers and injuring 11 otherm one seriously 225 While the Turkish Prime Minister s office has issued a temporary gag order on reporting about the airstrike 226 227 main opposition Republican People s Party CHP leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu called on the Turkish government to act with common sense 227 Prime Minister Binali Yildirim issued a statement whereby he assured the aggression will not be left unanswered promising the Turkish military s determination to clear the area of terrorists is unaffected by the move 228 Turkish officials initially stated the casualties were due to an IS attack before blaming the Syrian Air Force citation needed However the pro opposition activist group the SOHR disputed it was an air strike and stated it was in fact an IS suicide attack Additionally IS confirmed it conducted a suicide attack in the area 229 On 25 November the Syrian airforce said that their jets have not bombed Turkish soldiers 230 nbsp TFSA technical in the outskirts of al BabOn 8 January 2017 the New York Times reported that momentum gained with the ouster of Daesh from Jarablus was stalled at al Bab due to heavy resistance and an inexplicable lack of U S air support 231 In response the Turkish government sought aid from Russian airstrikes against ISIS positions On 2 February 2017 Sky News reported that Turkish aircraft killed 51 IS fighters in the space of 24 hours in the areas of al Bab Tadif Kabbasin and Bzagah the airstrikes targeted buildings and vehicles resulting in 85 IS positions destroyed 232 On 7 February 2017 clashes erupted between the SDF and Euphrates Shield Forces in the town of Tokhar north of Manbij and south of Jarabulus The former stated to have repelled SDF s attempt to advance in the town 233 On 9 February 2017 a Russian air strike on a building accidentally killed 3 Turkish soldiers and wounded 11 more in a friendly fire incident near al Bab who were supporting the Syrian rebels in the battle for the city The BBC report added that the Kremlin issued a statement that President Putin had in a telephone call with his Turkish counterpart expressed condolences over a tragic incident which resulted in the deaths of several Turkish troops in the al Bab area and that two leaders agreed to increase military co operation during operations in Syria against IS militants and other extremist organisations 234 On 14 February 2017 Turkish forces started shelling SDF held Tell Rifaat with mortars and heavy artillery The offensive continued the next day Kurdish officials condemned the violations 235 Al Bab was completely captured from IS by Turkish backed rebels on 23 February along with the towns of Qabasin and Bizaah 236 237 238 On 25 February IS began to retreat from the town of Tadef 239 with the Syrian Army capturing the town on the following day 240 241 Tadef and clashes with SDF around Manbij 28 February 25 March edit See also East Aleppo offensive January April 2017 nbsp US Humvees drive through a SDF controlled village near Manbij in an attempt to deter the skirmishes between the SDF and Turkish backed forces 242 On 26 February 2017 Turkey s protests notwithstanding the U S announced its support for the Manbij Military Council established by the YPG dominated Syrian Democratic Forces and sent special forces and several military convoys to Manbij 243 On 28 February Turkish president Erdogan announced that the Turkish backed forces would assault Manbij after completing their operations in al Bab as originally planned He called for the YPG to be moved to the east of the river and ruled out any cooperation with the SDF 69 Clashes erupted between both sides with the Turkish supported rebels quickly advancing through five villages west of the city 244 245 On 2 March the Manbij Military Council announced that it had reached an agreement with Russia to hand over villages to the west of Manbij to the Syrian government in the coming days in order to protect them from being assaulted by Turkish backed forces 246 247 Turkey s foreign minister Mevlut Cavusoglu requested from the United States to force Kurdish troops to withdraw from Manbij 248 The SDF later launched a counter attack retaking several villages that had been captured by the rebels a day earlier 249 The Russian General Staff s Sergey Rudosky as well as the United States Department of Defense confirmed on 3 March that the SDF had agreed to hand over villages to the west of Manbij to the Syrian government 250 Russia and the Syrian government also sent a humanitarian convoy following the deal which the United States Department of Defense stated also contained military equipment 251 Rudosky later stated that Syrian Army units had been deployed in the villages under agreement 252 On 4 March United States special operations forces were also deployed in Manbij in response to the clashes The United States military stated that it was done to deter hostile acts enhance governance and ensure there s no persistent YPG presence 253 254 On 6 March Manbij Military Council spokesman Sharfan Darwish said that the U S led anti ISIL coalition had boosted its presence in Manbij in response to the clashes between SDF and Turkish backed forces He stated that they hadn t requested any reinforcements from SDF or YPG and also added that the implementation of the deal regarding the villages near Manbij had been delayed but it remained in place 255 He later stated that Syrian Army had taken over positions on one part of the frontline with the Turkish backed rebels 256 According to Wladimir van Wilgenburg Prime Minister Yildirim meanwhile said that Turkey might abandon its offensive on Manbij since there was no Russian or American support 257 258 Clashes were again reported with pro rebel media stating that the rebels had captured a village to the west of Manbij pro Kurdish media however rejected this saying the attack was repelled 259 260 United States Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Joseph Dunford Russia s Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov and Turkey s Chief of the General Staff Hulusi Akar held a joint meeting on 7 March to defuse escalations around Manbij and discussed joint issues relating to regional security 261 Turkish Defense Minister Fikri Isik stated on 16 March that finding a diplomatic solution with the United States and Russia on Manbij was necessary and a military approach would only be considered if diplomacy failed 262 On 25 March the SAA reported that the Turkish backed rebels had not taken Tadef stating that they still controlled the town though the rebel forces had advanced on the town s northern edges and clashes erupted 263 International reactions editThis section contains too many or overly lengthy quotations for an encyclopedic entry Please help improve the article by presenting facts as a neutrally worded summary with appropriate citations Consider transferring direct quotations to Wikiquote or for entire works to Wikisource February 2020 Belligerent sides edit nbsp Turkey Turkey Justified the operation as an act of self defence in response to ISIS shelling of Turkish border towns and suicide bombings and attacks targeting Turkish nationals and also that Our border must be completely cleansed of Daesh ISIS 264 while Turkish Defence Minister Fikri Isik stated that preventing the PYD party from uniting the PYD cantons east of Jarabulus with those further west was a priority 265 Turkish foreign minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said that YPG should return east of Syria s Euphrates River Both Manbij and Jarabulus are west of the river 266 On 25 August 2016 the largest opposition party in Turkey Republican People s Party CHP publicly supported Operation Euphrates Shield calling it long overdue while calling on the government to engage in a sincere fight against ISIL not just in Jarabulus but inside our own borders 267 On 2 September 2016 Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that the PYD forces had not yet retreated to the east of the Euphrates River in northern Syria despite statements by the US that the group was withdrawing Furthermore claimed that Turkey s operation into Jarabulus was not an incursion and it was conducted to resettle the local Arab and Turkmen population back into their towns 268 UN member states edit nbsp Azerbaijan Qenire Pasayeva member of parliament said on 3 September that Turkey would have an obligation to protect the civilians in northern Syria from terror groups and would have the right to protect itself from the attacks originating from Syria with the intervention 269 nbsp Bulgaria Prime minister Boyko Borisov on 26 August said The Turkish Armed Forces have probably prevented a probable new migration wave of 2 million people with the Euphrates Shield operation in Syria s Jarablus with the coalition 270 nbsp Cyprus The Cyprus House of Representatives on 9 September unanimously adopted a resolution condemning the unacceptable invasion of Turkey into Syria under the pretext of war against terrorism It also called on the international community to demand Turkey s withdrawal from Syria 271 nbsp France On 30 August President Francois Hollande criticized Turkey s contradictory military operation in Syria saying he could understand Turkey s concern about protecting its borders and fighting IS but criticized Ankara s actions against the People s Protection Units YPG 272 nbsp Germany On 24 August the German foreign ministry spokesperson supported Turkey s action against terrorist activities in northern Syria 273 Furthermore it added that the Euphrates Shield operation was part of international efforts to overcome IS in the region 274 However on 28 August the Foreign Minister Frank Walter Steinmeier condemned Turkish attacks against the SDF and pointed out that Turkey has to join the war against ISIS not to fight Syrian Kurds while also condemning PKK attacks in Turkey 275 nbsp Iran Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Bahram Ghasemi on 31 August urged Ankara to quickly wrap up its military intervention in Syria saying it was an unacceptable violation of Syrian sovereignty 276 nbsp Israel Israeli ambassador in Ankara Oron said that Turkey s concerns in regards to fighting Islamic State IS are legitimate 277 nbsp Netherlands The Dutch Minister of Foreign Affairs Bert Koenders on 28 August called for Turkey and Syrian Kurds to work against IS instead of fighting amongst themselves and Syrian Kurdish groups to be included in the peace talks Nevertheless he called the PKK a terrorist organization and it should be looked into which Kurdish representatives will participate in the talks 278 On 8 September a representation office of the Federation of Northern Syria Rojava was inaugurated in The Hague 279 nbsp Russia Russia s foreign ministry on 24 August said in a statement that Moscow was deeply worried by the escalation of tension on the Turkish Syria border 280 On 6 September Russian President Vladimir Putin speaking at a press conference following the G20 Hangzhou summit in China said that Turkey s operation in Syria was not something unexpected for us Foreign Affairs and Intelligence exist so that we face fewer unexpected developments We understood what was going on and where things would lead 281 On 21 October foreign minister Lavrov expressed Russia s concern with Turkish attacks on SDF forces and called on Turkey to focus on fighting IS and Al Nusra Front 282 283 nbsp Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia s foreign minister Adel al Jubeir reiterated on 9 September his country s full backing of Turkish military operations in northern Syria against ISIL YPG and suggested a military solution remained the strongest option to get rid of Syria s president Bashar al Assad 284 nbsp Syria The Syrian foreign ministry on 25 August condemned this blatant breach to its sovereignty by Turkey Syria said Fighting terrorism on Syrian territory from any side should have been coordinated with Syrian government and the Syrian army that has been fighting in these battles for five years 101 Also added that substituting ISIS with other terrorist organizations backed directly by Turkey is not fighting terrorism 285 On 2 September the Ministry of Education of Syria announced that it resumes teaching in the schools of Manbij which was then reported starting at 28 September 286 In an interview with the state run Syrian Arab News Agency on 8 December 2016 Syria President Bashar Assad said that as long as the Turkish policy is run by an abnormal and psychologically disturbed person like Erdogan we have to expect all possibilities 287 nbsp United States US vice president Joe Biden in the early days of the Turkish offensive publicly warned YPG forces in Syria that they would lose US support if they fail to go back across the river east of the Euphrates 94 107 Biden arrived in Turkey instead of John Kerry in a move seen as an upgrade of the U S diplomatic mission 288 As Turkey launched a major attack against the SDF on 28 August the Pentagon refused to comment other than stating that the SDF remained an important partner in the war against IS 289 On 29 August CENTCOM stated that it had no involvement in Turkish or Turkish backed rebel activities against the SDF On the same day the U S military voiced its concern over the clashes between Turkey and Kurdish aligned forces in Syria 3 On 31 August the U S said Turkey s actions after taking Jarabulus were unacceptable and CENTCOM commander Joseph Votel said that the U S will continue to support the YPG 290 On 2 September 2016 U S President Barack Obama said ahead of the G20 summit in Hangzhou China that Turkey continues to be strong NATO ally they are working with us to defeat IS 291 On 27 October U S Senator John McCain Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee released a statement saying that the Turkish government s continued attacks on Syrian Kurds are destabilizing and troubling I urge the Turkish government to refrain from further attacks against Kurdish groups in Syria 292 Supranational organizations edit nbsp European Union Elmar Brok member of the European Parliament for the German CDU party and the chairman of the European Parliament Committee on Foreign Affairs said that the PYD should remain on the east bank of the Euphrates river and shouldn t use the fight against IS as an excuse to take hold of Arab regions They have no business there 293 In another interview he suggested that Kurds must concentrate on the territory east of the Euphrates and Turkey must recognize that 294 nbsp NATO NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg arrived in Ankara for a two day visit on 8 September as a sign of support for the Turkish people and their democracy 295 Jens Stoltenberg said also that the military alliance supports Ankara in its campaign to protect its borders We welcome Turkey s increasing efforts to fight against IS 296 Turkey has a right to defend itself There have been many terrorist attacks coming from the Syrian side 297 nbsp United Nations During a visit to the city of Hangzhou in China to attend the G20 summit UN Secretary General Ban Ki moon emphasized the key role of Turkey in the fight against IS 298 Other regional actors edit nbsp Iraqi Kurdistan The head of the Iraqi autonomous Kurdistan Region Massoud Barzani said on 24 August that Iraqi Kurdistan and Turkey had agreed on a strategy to fight IS 299 On 15 September when asked about Turkey s military intervention and PYD Barzani said PYD was seizing areas in Syria and following outlawed PKK s policies Due to its non inclusive policies the PYD does not enjoy the support of other elements in Syria and continues to support Syria s Assad regime without any thought for the future of the Kurds in the region Barzani stated 300 Barzani s political affiliation KDP doesn t recognize PYD as representative of Kurds in Syria 301 nbsp Rojava Hediya Yousef co chairwoman of the constitutional assembly of the Federation of Northern Syria Rojava said that we have decided to convene a meeting of the founding assembly of the federal system at the start of October and we will declare our system in northern Syria We will not retreat from this project On the contrary we will work to implement it The Turkish intervention will not obstruct us 302 The Shahba region civilian council condemned the occupation of Jarabulus as a Turkish attempt to expand into Syria likening it to the Battle of Marj Dabiq and suggesting that Jarabulus would become a grave for the criminal occupier Erdogan and his mercenaries 45 Among SDF component groups YPG forces said that the Turkish operation is motivated more by the desire to stop the SDF s advance in northwestern Syria than by anti IS sentiment 77 nbsp Syrian National Coalition The National Coalition for Syrian Revolutionary and Opposition Forces commended Turkey and other countries participating in anti IS coalition for their support of the rebel offensive on Jarabulus town The Syrian National Coalition stated foreign military presence in and around Jarabulus to be temporary and limited to the provision of logistical support 303 304 nbsp Syrian Turkmen councilhead Emin Bozoglan said that the Turkmen minority feels threatened both by IS and the PYD Furthermore he stated that the Turkmen minority is calling for an expansion of the offensive until northern Aleppo and Manbij are completely in control of the Turkish Armed Forces and the Free Syrian Army that it backs 305 On an interview Bozoglan also stated Turkmens hope that operations will also save other important Turkmen regions in Tel Abyad area occupied by YPG and in Latakia area under control of the Assad government 306 nbsp The Kurdish National Council in Syria condemned the indiscriminate Turkish bombings on populated towns such as Jindires and other towns in the northern Aleppo Government The council stated that the Turkish Army and allied Islamist rebels have been killing civilians carrying out indiscriminate shelling and airstrikes on populated areas and demanded the Turkish Armed Forces to withdraw its forces A KNC member also denounced the Turkish focus on attacking the SDF 307 dd See also editTurkish involvement in the Syrian Civil War Operation Olive Branch Operation Peace Spring Battle of al Rai August 2016 Terrorism in Turkey Turkey ISIL conflict Western al Bab offensive September 2016 Battle of al Bab List of wars involving Turkey Spillover of the Syrian civil warNotes edit a Only against ISIL b Part of Syrian Turkmen Brigades as wellReferences edit Operation Euphrates Shield ends ISIL rule in Jarablus Al Jazeera 25 August 2016 a b Leith Fadel 24 August 2016 US to provide air cover for Turkish Syrian forces in Jarabulus al Masdar News Archived from the original on 15 August 2018 Retrieved 24 August 2016 a b US warns over Turkish Kurdish violence BBC 29 August 2016 1 U S halts military support for Turkey s fight in key Islamic State town 2 Russian jets strike Daesh targets in Syria s al Bab for first time 3 Turkish military says Russian aircraft carried out air strikes in Syria s al Bab area 4 Turkey Russia continue joint airstrikes against ISIL near al Bab RAF air strikes in Iraq and Syria January 2017 GOV UK British jets strike ISIL in northern Syria in coordination with Turkey Turkish military 19 January 2017 YPG We will not withdraw from west of the Euphrates Rudaw 24 August 2016 British YPG fighters head to Manbij to face Turkish forces Middle East Eye 2 September 2016 a b c US backing ensures Arab Kurd alliance in Syria will survive Al Monitor 9 September 2016 Archived from the original on 9 September 2016 Retrieved 9 September 2016 a b Turkey s Euphrates Shield Operation in Syria successfully completed Hurriyet Daily News 29 March 2017 Turkey ends Euphrates Shield operation in Syria 29 March 2017 a b Izat Charkatli 26 August 2016 YPG withdraws from Menbeij amid Turkish pressure al Masdar News Archived from the original on 9 October 2018 Retrieved 26 August 2016 a b Paul Antonopoulos 28 August 2016 Photos FSA amp Islamists near Jarabulus find YPG ID cards weapons al Masdar News Archived from the original on 9 October 2018 Retrieved 28 August 2016 Cavusoglu Rakka yi Rakkalilara teslim edebiliriz Al Jazeera Turk 24 February 2017 Retrieved 25 February 2017 Firat Kalkani bolgesi harekatin 2 yilinda Suriye nin yeni yuzu Anadolu Agency 22 August 2019 Tomson Chris 19 November 2016 ISIS retakes town near al Bab during deadly ambush on Turkish backed rebels Archived from the original on 9 October 2018 Retrieved 19 November 2016 El Bab kontrol altina alinmistir Al Jazeera Turk 24 February 2017 Retrieved 25 February 2017 a b IS is losing connection with the international world and being besieged inside the Syrian lands SOHR 4 September 2016 TSK 32 Koy Terorist Unsurlardan Temizlendi Yeni Asir 31 August 2016 Antonopoulos Paul 23 February 2017 Reports ISIS surrenders Al Bab to Turkish led forces Archived from the original on 24 December 2018 Retrieved 23 February 2017 Agencies Daily Sabah with 7 March 2017 Defence Minister Isik Turkey will prevent unification of PYD cantons at all costs Daily Sabah Andrew Illingworth 2 March 2017 BREAKING Kurdish led SDF to handover huge section of territory to SAA Al Masdar News Archived from the original on 3 February 2019 Retrieved 2 March 2017 Adra Zen 3 March 2017 Kurdish forces to hand over villages in west Manbij to Syrian Army Archived from the original on 9 October 2018 Retrieved 30 March 2017 Turkish Special Forces From stopping a coup to the frontline of the ISIL fight Hurriyet Daily News 24 August 2016 a b Nick Tattersall Humeyra Pamuk 26 August 2016 Turkey signals no quick end to Syria incursion as truck bomb kills police Reuters a href Template Cite web html title Template Cite web cite web a CS1 maint multiple names authors list link Korgeneral Ismail Metin Temel Cerablus ta Hurriyet Daily News 26 August 2016 Turkish Forces and Rebels Storm into Syria Taking IS Stronghold of Jarablus VOA 24 August 2016 SULTAN MURAT TUMENI KOMUTANI FEHIM ISA TATHAMUS TURKMEN KOYUNUN DEAS TEROR ORGUTUNDEN TEMIZLENDIGINI ACIKLADI 24 August 2016 Hamza Brigade s Leader Few Hours Later We Will Raise The Victory Signs In Bab City Video Qasioun News 14 November 2016 Retrieved 3 October 2020 permanent dead link a b 5 Turkmen Tugayi Turkmenlere Firat Kalkani na katilin cagrisinda bulundu a b c Albin Szakola 25 August 2016 Turkey backed rebels aim for key ISIS held town NOW Archived from the original on 16 October 2016 Retrieved 25 August 2016 a b Turkish backed FSA rebels set their sights on last IS Aleppo stronghold after border victory Syria direct 5 September 2016 a b OSO komutanlarindan Turkiye ye tesekkur 25 August 2016 41K Turkish soldiers ready to support operation Al Bab Yeni Safak 22 September 2016 Archived from the original on 23 September 2016 Retrieved 22 September 2016 6 Hundreds of police trained by Turkey start work in northern Syria Sultan Murat Tugaylari Once Cobanbey ardindan Menbic e ilerleyecegiz 25 August 2016 Archived from the original on 26 August 2016 Retrieved 26 August 2016 TURKMEN KOMUTANIMIZ ALI SALIH SEHIT DUSTU 4 October 2016 Archived from the original on 6 October 2016 Retrieved 5 October 2016 PLA chooses a new leader created for Gabi All4Syria 11 November 2016 7 El Bab da son dakika DEAS in sozde emiri Ebu Ensari olduruldu 8 ISIS Leader Dead Islamic State Emirs Killed By Turkish Warplanes in Syria 9 Turkey neutralizes ISIL s political leader in al Bab a b c Kurdish backed council says Turkey s intervention to make Syrian town grave for Erdogan troops ARA News 26 August 2016 Archived from the original on 26 August 2016 Turkey calls on US allies to reconsider Syria no fly zone Associated Press 21 November 2016 Asker sayisi 8 000 e cikacak Yeni Safak 5 January 2017 Retrieved 5 January 2017 US Assistant Secretary of Defense tells Turkey only ISIS is a target not Kurds ARA News 16 January 2017 Archived from the original on 16 January 2017 Retrieved 16 January 2017 a b Turkey bogged down in Syria as it realigns with Russia AP News 11 January 2017 Retrieved 13 January 2017 a b AS IT HAPPENED Turkish military coalition forces launch Euphrates Shield operation in Jarablus Hurriyet Daily News 24 August 2016 Leith Fadel 24 August 2016 Breaking Turkish tanks enter northern Aleppo al Masdar News Archived from the original on 3 February 2019 Retrieved 24 August 2016 What we know about army unit Turkey is setting up in northern Syria 26 May 2017 Retrieved 26 June 2017 Mehmetcigin Silah Arkadaslari TURKMEN AJANS Archived from the original on 18 February 2017 Retrieved 17 February 2017 Luck Taylor 14 December 2016 Fall of Aleppo could tip Syria from civil war to insurgency The Christian Science Monitor Retrieved 30 March 2017 MINA Breaking News Syrian Army surrounds 5 000 ISIS fighters in Al Bab Archived from the original on 9 October 2017 Retrieved 24 February 2017 Isis is preparing for an apocalyptic battle to defend the village at the heart of its propaganda Independent co uk 3 October 2016 Archived from the original on 24 May 2022 Retrieved 9 October 2016 More than 1000 fighters of Jaysh al Osra reach Dabiq sheikhs at mosques declare Dabiq epic is approaching 14 October 2016 Firat Kalkani Operasyonu sona erdi Sozcu Gazetesi 30 March 2017 Erdogan says 3 747 terrorists neutralized in Afrin op Anadolu Agency 25 March 2018 What kind of success did Turkey achieve in Syria Hurriyet Daily News 30 March 2017 Retrieved 31 March 2017 a b FIRAT KALKANI HAREKATI NDA 3522 TERORIST ETKISIZ HALE GETIRILDI 3522 terrorists have been neutralized in Euphrates Shield in Turkish Archived from the original on 12 March 2017 4 killed 28 August 10 6 killed 7 September 11 22 killed 20 23 October 12 6 killed 25 October 13 Archived 28 October 2016 at the Wayback Machine 9 killed 27 October 14 Archived 16 November 2016 at the Wayback Machine 3 killed 8 November 15 Archived 13 November 2016 at the Wayback Machine 1 killed 10 November 16 Archived 17 November 2016 at the Wayback Machine 1 killed 11 November 17 Archived 26 November 2016 at the Wayback Machine 6 killed 12 19 November 18 Archived 23 November 2016 at the Wayback Machine 1 killed 20 November 19 Archived 21 November 2016 at the Wayback Machine 8 killed 21 November 20 Archived 21 November 2016 at the Wayback Machine 2 killed 22 November 21 Archived 24 November 2016 at the Wayback Machine 6 killed 23 November 22 7 killed 27 November 23 Archived 29 November 2016 at the Wayback Machine 4 killed 29 November 24 Archived 30 November 2016 at the Wayback Machine 2 killed 1 December 25 Archived 4 December 2016 at the Wayback Machine 3 killed 2 December 26 Archived 2 December 2016 at the Wayback Machine 1 killed 7 December 27 Archived 20 December 2016 at the Wayback Machine 2 killed 9 December 28 Archived 20 December 2016 at the Wayback Machine 2 killed 14 December 29 Archived 20 December 2016 at the Wayback Machine 1 killed 10 February 30 Archived 11 February 2017 at the Wayback Machine 2 killed 11 February 31 1 killed 16 February 32 Archived 18 February 2017 at the Wayback Machine 1 killed 19 February 33 Archived 21 February 2017 at the Wayback Machine 3 killed 21 February 34 Archived 22 February 2017 at the Wayback Machine 4 killed 1 March 35 Archived 3 March 2017 at the Wayback Machine 5 killed 3 March 36 Archived 4 March 2017 at the Wayback Machine 5 killed 9 March 37 Archived 12 March 2017 at the Wayback Machine 3 killed 11 March 38 Archived 12 March 2017 at the Wayback Machine 2 killed 14 March 39 Archived 15 March 2017 at the Wayback Machine 1 killed 16 March 40 Archived 17 March 2017 at the Wayback Machine 1 killed 18 March 41 Archived 20 March 2017 at the Wayback Machine 2 killed 23 March 42 Archived 24 March 2017 at the Wayback Machine total of 131 reported killed Tomson Chris 27 February 2017 Syrian Army neutralizes Turkish backed troops near Al Bab Archived from the original on 9 October 2018 Retrieved 3 March 2017 Fadel Leith 9 March 2017 Breaking Turkish forces attack Syrian Army units west of Menbeij 8 killed Archived from the original on 4 October 2018 Retrieved 30 March 2017 Tomson Chris 9 March 2017 Syrian Army Kurdish forces team up against Turkish troops in Aleppo province Archived from the original on 27 June 2018 Retrieved 10 March 2017 Nearly 100 civilians dead in Turkey backed Syria op monitor 24 October 2016 Loveluck Louisa Sly Liz 23 February 2017 Turkey backed rebels seize Islamic State s al Bab stronghold in Syria via www washingtonpost com Erdogan says Syria operation aimed at IS jihadists Kurdish PYD 24 August 2016 a b Manbij is Turkey s next step in Syria operation Erdogan says Reuters 1 March 2017 Retrieved 1 March 2017 Erdogan says Syria operation aimed at IS jihadists Kurdish PYD 24 August 2016 Archived from the original on 25 August 2016 Turkish army backed rebels advance inside Syria on ISIL World News Hurriyet Daily News 25 August 2016 Turkey could be overplaying its hand with Syria ground offensive as civil war reaches crucial point Independent Archived from the original on 24 May 2022 Turkey deploys more tanks in Syria warns Kurdish YPG Al Jazeera Turkey sends tanks into Syria in operation aimed at Isis and Kurds TheGuardian com 24 August 2016 Turkish tanks enter Syria to open 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mends broken relations with Turkey s Erdogan BBC 9 August 2016 Retrieved 4 September 2016 Opposition groups are preparing to break into Jarabulus northern Aleppo from Turkey ARA News 20 August 2016 Archived from the original on 1 September 2016 Turkey Strikes Islamic State And Kurds in Syria Sky News 23 August 2016 Turks Shell Isis But Keep Sights on Jarabulus Morning Star Online 24 August 2016 Archived from the original on 24 August 2016 Retrieved 24 August 2016 Turkey Shells Islamic State in Syria The Wall Street Journal 23 August 2016 a b Firat Kalkani Operasyonu nda Cerablus tan ilk kareler Haberturk 24 August 2016 Retrieved 25 August 2016 Cerablus Harekati nda TSK ya OSO ve Turkmenler Destek Veriyor T24 24 August 2016 Retrieved 25 August 2016 Iste Kirmizi ve Mavi Bantlarin Sirri Hurriyet Daily News 24 August 2016 Retrieved 25 August 2016 Cerablus Operasyonu nda renk ayrintisi Sozcu 24 August 2016 Retrieved 25 August 2016 Turkish jets bomb Daesh targets in Jarabulus Trend News Agency 24 August 2016 Archived from the original on 1 November 2016 Retrieved 24 August 2016 a b c d Turkey sends tanks into northern Syria BBC 24 August 2016 Turkey US led coalition launch major operation in northern Syria Reuters 24 August 2016 Turkish led forces capture first village in northern Syria al Masdar News 24 August 2016 Archived from the original on 5 October 2018 Retrieved 24 August 2016 Turkish military US led coalition launch operation to sweep Islamic State from Syrian town ABC News 24 August 2016 Retrieved 24 August 2016 Operation Euphrates Shield Timeline Yeni Safak 25 August 2016 Archived from the original on 25 August 2016 Retrieved 25 August 2016 Turkey backed opposition forces enter Daesh s stronghold Yeni Safak 24 August 2016 Archived from the original on 25 August 2016 Retrieved 25 August 2016 Turkish and US backed Syrian rebels have captured a key ISIS border crossing Business Insider 24 August 2016 a b Turkey sends tanks into Syria to battle ISIS CNN 24 August 2016 IS conflict Turkey backed Syrian rebels take Jarablus BBC 24 August 2016 Syria Turkish backed rebels seize Jarablus from ISIL Al Jazeera 25 August 2016 What Turkey stands to lose in its hunt for Syrian Kurds Al Monitor 1 September 2016 Retrieved 9 September 2016 Phillips David L 1 September 2016 Erdogan s Waterloo Turkey Invades And Occupies Syria HuffPost Isis fighter reveals group s plan to spread even after defeat in Iraq and Syria and claims collusion with Turkey The Independent 9 September 2016 Archived from the original on 24 May 2022 Retrieved 9 September 2016 a b Remarks by Vice President Joe Biden and Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim at a Press Availability whitehouse gov 25 August 2016 Retrieved 4 September 2016 via National Archives YPG We will not retreat from west of Euphrates ANF News 24 August 2016 Retrieved 24 August 2016 Izat Charkatli 24 August 2016 Turkish backed rebels fight US backed rebels in Aleppo al Masdar News Archived from the original on 25 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warns we will treat Britons fighting with Kurds as terrorists The Telegraph 1 September 2016 Archived from the original on 12 January 2022 Retrieved 2 September 2016 Western members of YPG reject Turkish attacks on Rojava but won t fight Turkey ARA News 2 September 2016 Archived from the original on 2 September 2016 Retrieved 3 September 2016 Turkey backed FSA captures Syrian village of Qundarah from Daesh Daily Sabah 2 September 2016 Retrieved 3 September 2016 Turkish warplanes strike and destroy 3 Daesh sites in northern Syria Daily Sabah 2 September 2016 Retrieved 3 September 2016 Turkish tanks roll into Syria opening a new line of attack Reuters 3 September 2016 US forces hit Isis targets in Syria with mobile rocket system official says The Guardian 3 September 2016 Retrieved 3 September 2016 Turkish tanks open new line of attack in Syria s north ABC News 3 September 2016 Retrieved 3 September 2016 More Turkish tanks enter Syria in new front Middle East Eye 3 September 2016 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Parliament extends military operation mandate for another year Daily Sabah 1 October 2016 Retrieved 1 October 2016 TSK 960 kilometrekarede denetim saglandi Al Jazeera Turk 2 October 2016 Retrieved 2 October 2016 Turkish Air Forces Pounds IS held Akhtarin as Turkish Special Forces Enter the City WN 5 October 2016 Retrieved 5 October 2016 Turkish backed rebels capture important town from ISIS in northern Aleppo Archived 26 January 2018 at the Wayback Machine Al Masdar News 6 October 2016 ISID in Bab la Dabik Arasindaki Ikmal Yolu Kesildi Haberler com 9 October 2016 Retrieved 9 October 2016 Firat Harekati nin 48 gunu Sozcu 10 October 2016 Retrieved 10 October 2016 Firat Kalkani Harekati nda Son Durum Vatan 10 October 2016 Retrieved 10 October 2016 Dabik ISID den alindi Al Jazeera Turk 16 October 2016 Retrieved 16 October 2016 FSA poised for showdown with Kurdish forces in Aleppo The New Arab 19 October 2016 Havadan vurulan PYD artik karadan da vurulacak 22 October 2016 Archived from the original on 22 October 2016 Retrieved 22 October 2016 US denies involvement in Tukey s campaign against the SDF expresses concern ARA News 25 October 2016 Archived from the original on 26 October 2016 Retrieved 27 October 2016 Jabhit al Shamiya and Turkish occupation head for Bab Hawar News Agency 24 October 2016 Archived from the original on 9 January 2017 Retrieved 25 October 2016 After many defeats clashes break out between mercenaries Hawar News Agency 23 October 2016 Archived from the original on 18 January 2017 Retrieved 25 October 2016 مصدر معركة تل مضيق شتت صفوف المرتزقة in Arabic Hawar News Agency 26 October 2016 Archived from the original on 26 October 2016 Retrieved 26 October 2016 Leith Fadel 26 October 2016 Kurdish forces expel Turkish backed rebels from northern Aleppo village al Masdar News Archived from the original on 22 January 2018 Retrieved 27 October 2016 Coalition not backing Turkish move on Al Bab US Agence France Presse 17 November 2016 Archived from the original on 30 November 2016 Our El Bab martyrs are buried today www sozcu com tr 25 November 2016 Turkish soldiers killed by Syrian air strike Military Al Jazeera 24 November 2016 a b CHP warns of perilous process after Syrian regime air strike hits Turkish troops Hurriyet Daily News 24 November 2016 Ankara vows retaliation against Syrian attack on Turkish troops Hurriyet Daily News 24 November 2016 Turkish army blames Syrian government for killing its soldiers The National 24 November 2016 Fadel Leith 25 November 2016 Syrian Air Force denies bombing Turkish Army in east Aleppo Archived from the original on 25 November 2016 Retrieved 25 November 2016 Airstrikes by Russia Buttress Turkey in Battle vs ISIS The New York Times 9 January 2017 Turkish air raids kill 51 Islamic State militants in Syria Sky News 2 February 2017 Euphrates Shield Forces Defeat SDF Offensive in Azaz And Jarablus Qasioun News Agency 7 February 2017 Archived from the original on 14 February 2017 Retrieved 8 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Syria to gov t army Xinhua News Agency 2 March 2017 Retrieved 2 March 2017 Turkey Asks U S to Force Kurd Fighters to Quit Syrian Town Bloomberg com Bloomberg 2 March 2017 In the first round of fight on Manbij front after controlling al Bab Manbij Military Council regains what it lost in the city s countryside hours after controlling them by factions of the Euphrates Shield 2 March 2017 Russia confirms regime takeover in Syria s YPG held Manbij Daily Sabah 3 March 2017 Retrieved 3 March 2017 Russian Syrian regime convoys enter northern Syria city Al Monitor 3 March 2017 Retrieved 3 March 2017 Syrian troops deployed to areas controlled by Kurds General Staff TASS 3 March 2017 Retrieved 3 March 2017 Chris Tomson 3 March 2017 Standoff in eastern Aleppo as US troops face the Turkish Army across the battlefield Al Masdar News Archived from the original on 30 August 2017 Retrieved 5 March 2017 Karen DeYoung Liz Sly 4 March 2017 Pentagon plan to seize Raqqa calls for significant increase in U 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of outside project and the transformation of the course of the war in Syria Syrian Arab News Agency 8 December 2016 Archived from the original on 9 December 2016 Joe Biden came saw but failed to conquer Turkey Archived 19 February 2020 at the Wayback Machine Asia Times Online 26 August 2016 The Pentagon refuses commenting on Turkish targeting of SDF points Hawar News Agency 28 August 2016 Archived from the original on 28 August 2016 Retrieved 28 August 2016 US Will Continue to Back Kurdish Group Opposed by Turkey Votel Military com 31 August 2016 Retrieved 31 August 2016 Turkey continues to be a strong NATO ally work with us to defeat Daesh says Obama Daily Sabah 2 September 2016 Retrieved 4 September 2016 U S Senator John McCain Chairman of the United States Senate Armed Services Committee 27 October 2016 STATEMENT BY SASC CHAIRMAN JOHN McCAIN ON TURKISH GOVERNMENT ATTACKS ON SYRIAN KURDS Archived from the original on 13 October 2018 Retrieved 27 October 2016 PYD should stay on east of Euphrates says EP member Brok Daily Sabah 28 August 2016 Wir sind froh dass die Turkei aktiv gegen den IS eingreift 13 September 2016 Stoltenberg visiting Turkey in show of solidarity 9 September 2016 NATO chief says welcomes Turkey s efforts against Islamic State NTV Reuters 9 September 2016 Retrieved 9 September 2016 NATO EU officials visit Turkey for first time post coup attempt Deutsche Welle 9 September 2016 In meeting with Turkey s President UN chief stresses country s key role in fighting ISIL 3 September 2016 Barzani in Ankara Big changes coming to the region 24 August 2016 Barzani geniesst nicht die unterstutzung anderer gruppen Nachrichten Express 15 September 2016 Retrieved 15 September 2016 Barzani accuses PYD policies Ekurd net 15 September 2016 Retrieved 15 September 2015 Syrian Kurds allies to approve federal plan despite Turkey Reuters 8 September 2016 Syrian Coalition Welcomes Turkish Support for FSA Offensive in Jarablos 24 August 2016 Retrieved 4 September 2016 Syria Kurds condemn Turkish incursion AFP Syrian Turkmen call on Turkey to expand military operations in Syria Rudaw Retrieved 21 September 2016 Syrien Turkmenen fordern von Turkei Befreiung von el Bab und Manbidsch Eurasia News DE 5 October 2016 Retrieved 5 October 2016 Kurdish National Council condemns Turkey s intervention in Syria ARA News 25 October 2016 Archived from the original on 26 October 2016 Retrieved 26 October 2016 Further reading editSemih Idiz Turkey squeezed between Russia US in Syria Al Monitor 1 February 2017 Kadri Gursel Turkey faces decision over boots on the ground in Syria Al Monitor 27 September 2016 Christopher Phillips Turkey s Syria Intervention A Sign of Weakness Not Strength Newsweek 22 September 2016 Kadri Gursel Why US biggest challenge to fighting IS in Syria might be its own allies Al Monitor 20 September 2016 Semih Idiz Turkey seeks more military cooperation with US in Syria Al Monitor 20 September 2016 Meredith Tax Turkey Is Supporting the Syrian Jihadis Washington Says It Wants to Fight The Nation 16 September 2016 Archived 22 April 2019 at the Wayback Machine Fehim Tastekin US backing ensures Arab Kurd alliance in Syria will survive Al Monitor 8 September 2016 Post coup attempt Turkey is a stronger player in Syria Hurriyet Daily News 7 September 2016 Kadri Gursel Will Turkey be dragged deeper into Syria Al Monitor 6 September 2016 Fred Kaplan Turkey s Incursion Into Syria Is the Last Thing We Needed Slate 2 September 2016 Kurds Fear the U S Will Again Betray Them in Syria New York Times 2 September 2016 Euphrates Shield Hurriyet Daily News 2 September 2016 Amed Dicle What Turkey stands to lose in its hunt for Syrian Kurds Al Monitor 1 September 2016 Galip Dalay Turkey s Jarablus operation scorecard Al Jazeera English 1 September 2016 Portal nbsp Asia 36 49 08 N 38 00 40 E 36 819 N 38 011 E 36 819 38 011 Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title Operation Euphrates Shield amp oldid 1171886377, wikipedia, wiki, 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