On Sunday, the Syrian National Army (SNA) captured the center of Tel Rifaat during Operation Dawn of Freedom, targeting the PKK/YPG terrorist organization. The SNA continues its advance into the outskirts of the district.
SNA forces engaged in ongoing clashes with PKK/YPG militants stationed along Tel Rifaat’s northwestern, northeastern, eastern, and southern front lines. Entering from Deir Jamal in the west, they successfully cleared the district center of terrorist elements.
Additionally, the SNA liberated the village of Hirbil, located east of Tel Rifaat, and continued to make progress in the surrounding areas.
Tel Rifaat, situated 18 kilometers (11 miles) from the Turkish border, had been under PKK/YPG control for eight years.
Operation Dawn of Freedom
The SNA initiated Operation Dawn of Freedom in response to PKK/YPG’s plans to establish a terrorist corridor connecting Tel Rifaat with northeastern Syria.
Amid anti-regime uprisings in Aleppo, Syrian regime forces lost control over vast areas and sought support from PKK/YPG, allowing the group to expand its influence. The Syrian regime subsequently handed over several territories east of the Euphrates to PKK/YPG forces.
This transfer resulted in the movement of numerous PKK/YPG militants to the Aleppo region, along with the deployment of heavy weaponry.
In reaction to the PKK/YPG’s corridor plans, the SNA rapidly launched Operation Dawn of Freedom to counter the threat and regain control of key territories.
