Who are the Syrian Democratic Forces?
5 years, 2 months ago

Who are the Syrian Democratic Forces?

Al Jazeera  

The US-backed SDF is mostly made up of YPG fighters which Turkey considers a ‘terror group’ linked to the PKK. Turkey launched its long-threatened military operation into northern Syria last week marking Ankara’s third major cross-border offensive since 2016. Ankara says the “Operation Peace Spring” aims to remove Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces from northern Syrian region bordering Turkey and create a so-called “safe zone” where millions of Syrian refugees can be resettled. Ankara considers the Kurdish People’s Protection Group, which forms the backbone of the SDF, a “terrorist” group linked to Kurdish separatist group Kurdistan Workers Party, inside Turkey. Turkey’s first operation, named “Euphrates Shield”, saw Ankara cross into northwest Syria in 2016 to clear the area of ISIL and the YPG fighters.

Syria Turkey Kurdish Group Turkish Syrian Operation Isil Sdf Pkk Ypg Ypg Fighters  democratic  group  turkish  terror  syria  syrian  turkey  kurdish  sdf  operation  forces  ypg

History of this topic

Conflict between Turkey and Kurdish groups rises around key dam in northern Syria
1 day, 17 hours ago

Conflict between Turkey and Kurdish groups rises around key dam in northern Syria

Associated Press  

TISHRIN DAM, Syria — A key dam in northern Syria has become a flash point in the conflict between Kurdish forces and Turkish-backed armed groups, which has intensified in the weeks since the fall of former Syrian President Bashar Assad in a lightning offensive. “They tried to silence our voices so we wouldn’t be able to protect this dam.” Farhan …

Nearly 37 killed in north Syria clashes between pro-Turkey, Kurdish forces in Manbij region: war monitor
2 days, 3 hours ago

Nearly 37 killed in north Syria clashes between pro-Turkey, Kurdish forces in Manbij region: war monitor

The Hindu  

“Battles between Turkish-backed groups, supported by air strikes, and Kurdish-led forces killed 37 people on Thursday in Syria’s northern Manbij region,” a war monitor said. The latest reported fighting comes despite the United States saying Wednesday that it was working to address Turkey’s concerns in Syria to dissuade the NATO ally from escalating an offensive against Kurdish fighters. “The attacks …

Monitor says 31 Kurdish, Turkish-backed fighters killed in Syria
1 week, 5 days ago

Monitor says 31 Kurdish, Turkish-backed fighters killed in Syria

Hindustan Times  

A Syria war monitor said 31 combatants had been killed since Sunday in ongoing battles between Turkey-backed groups and Kurdish-led forces. Monitor says 31 Kurdish, Turkish-backed fighters killed in Syria Swathes of northern Syria are controlled by a Kurdish-led administration whose de facto army, the Syrian Democratic Forces, spearheaded the fight that helped defeat the Islamic State group in the …

Jailed PKK Leader Ready to Work With Turkey for Peace, DEM Says
1 week, 5 days ago

Jailed PKK Leader Ready to Work With Turkey for Peace, DEM Says

Live Mint  

-- The leader of separatist Kurdish group PKK said he’s ready to cooperate with the Turkish government in a bid to end a long-running conflict that has claimed thousands of lives, according to a statement by the pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party, or DEM, on Sunday. One day after Bahceli’s call, PKK attacked Turkish state defense firm Turkish Aerospace …

Kurdish-led forces push back Turkish-backed Syrian rebels in a tense offensive
2 weeks, 3 days ago

Kurdish-led forces push back Turkish-backed Syrian rebels in a tense offensive

Associated Press  

QAMISHLI, Syria — Kurdish-led fighters in Syria, known as the Syrian Democratic Forces, said Tuesday they have launched a counter-offensive against the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army to take back areas near Syria’s northern border with Turkey. The Kurdish-led SDF is Washington’s critical ally in Syria, targeting sleeper cells of the extremist Islamic State group scattered across the country’s east. “Turkey …

Turkey says it believes Kurdish fighters will be forced out of all Syrian territory
2 weeks, 6 days ago

Turkey says it believes Kurdish fighters will be forced out of all Syrian territory

Hindustan Times  

ANKARA, - Turkey believes Syria's new rulers, including the Syrian National Army armed group which Ankara backs, will drive Kurdish YPG fighters from all territory they occupy in northeastern Syria, Defence Minister Yasar Guler said on Sunday. Turkey says it believes Kurdish fighters will be forced out of all Syrian territory Turkey regards the Syrian YPG as an extension of …

Turkey will do 'whatever it takes' if Syria government cannot address Kurd militia issue, minister says
2 weeks, 6 days ago

Turkey will do 'whatever it takes' if Syria government cannot address Kurd militia issue, minister says

Hindustan Times  

ANKARA, - Turkey will do "whatever it takes" to ensure its security if the new Syrian administration cannot address Ankara's concerns about U.S.-allied Kurdish groups it views as terrorist groups, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said on Saturday. Turkey will do 'whatever it takes' if Syria government cannot address Kurd militia issue, minister says Turkey regards the YPG, the militant group …

Syrian Democratic Forces: Rebels with a cause
2 weeks, 6 days ago

Syrian Democratic Forces: Rebels with a cause

The Hindu  

When civil war broke out in Syria in 2011, one of the first things Bashar al-Assad’s regime did was to pull back troops from the country’s north-east so that they could defend the heartland against militias. This gave an opportunity to Syria’s Kurds, the country’s largest ethnic minority who make up some 10% of its population, to establish a de …

Erdogan urges end of foreign support for Kurdish fighters in Syria
3 weeks, 1 day ago

Erdogan urges end of foreign support for Kurdish fighters in Syria

Al Jazeera  

Turkish president compares Kurdish YPG fighters to ISIL and says neither group has a future in Syria. Turkiye expects foreign countries to withdraw support for Kurdish fighters in Syria after the toppling of Bashar al-Assad, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says, as Germany warns against an escalation in fighting with Kurdish forces. Security for Kurds ‘essential’ Later on Friday, German Foreign …

Turkiye refutes US claims of ceasefire with Syrian Kurdish fighters
3 weeks, 2 days ago

Turkiye refutes US claims of ceasefire with Syrian Kurdish fighters

Al Jazeera  

Ankara vows to continue operations in northern Syria as fears grow over an assault on the Kurdish-held border town of Kobane. Renewed fighting between Turkish-backed factions and Syrian Kurdish fighters comes more than a week after fighters led by opposition group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham toppled Syria’s longtime strongman Bashar al-Assad. Reporting from Istanbul, Al Jazeera’s Sinem Koseoglu said that Turkiye …

Turkey-Backed Syria Forces Aim to Push on Against Kurdish Groups
3 weeks, 2 days ago

Turkey-Backed Syria Forces Aim to Push on Against Kurdish Groups

Live Mint  

-- Turkey-backed forces are aiming to capture more territory in northern Syria from Kurdish groups, according to Turkish officials familiar with the matter, a move that could stir tensions with the US. The SNA will likely try to capture areas to the west of Ayn al-Arab, also known as Kobani by its mostly Kurdish inhabitants, said the people, who aren’t …

Amid Turkey's offensive, Iraqis & Syrian Kurds fear Islamic State's attempts to free thousands of prisoners
3 weeks, 3 days ago

Amid Turkey's offensive, Iraqis & Syrian Kurds fear Islamic State's attempts to free thousands of prisoners

Firstpost  

As Kurdish forces are stretched thin in the wake of a Turkey-led offensive, Iraqi and Kurdish officials are concerned that the Islamic State may attempt to free thousands of terrorists held in Kurdish jails in Syria The Islamic State is likely to take advantage of the spiralling conflict in Syria and free thousands of its terrorists held in numerous prisoners, …

US-backed Kurdish forces report ceasefire failure in northen Syria
Top News
3 weeks, 4 days ago

US-backed Kurdish forces report ceasefire failure in northen Syria

China Daily  

DAMASCUS -- US-led mediation efforts have failed to establish a lasting ceasefire in northern Syria's Manbij and Kobani regions, the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces said on Monday. In a statement from its media center, the SDF accused Türkiye and allied militias of rejecting key provisions in a proposed agreement, including the transfer of remaining Manbij Military Council fighters and civilians …

US-backed Kurdish forces report ceasefire failure in northen Syria
Top News
3 weeks, 4 days ago

US-backed Kurdish forces report ceasefire failure in northen Syria

China Daily  

DAMASCUS -- US-led mediation efforts have failed to establish a lasting ceasefire in northern Syria's Manbij and Kobani regions, the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces said on Monday. In a statement from its media center, the SDF accused Türkiye and allied militias of rejecting key provisions in a proposed agreement, including the transfer of remaining Manbij Military Council fighters and civilians …

US-backed Kurdish forces report ceasefire failure in northen Syria
Trending News
3 weeks, 4 days ago

US-backed Kurdish forces report ceasefire failure in northen Syria

China Daily  

Xinhua | Updated: 2024-12-17 10:19 DAMASCUS -- US-led mediation efforts have failed to establish a lasting ceasefire in northern Syria's Manbij and Kobani regions, the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces said on Monday. In a statement from its media center, the SDF accused Türkiye and allied militias of rejecting key provisions in a proposed agreement, including the transfer of remaining Manbij …

Turkey says Syria's new rebel rulers agreed to dismantle Kurdish forces
3 weeks, 6 days ago

Turkey says Syria's new rebel rulers agreed to dismantle Kurdish forces

Hindustan Times  

Turkey said Syria’s new rebel government agrees with Ankara on the need to dismantle Kurdish military forces — a critical US ally in the northern region of Syria — as countries rush to shape the future of the region after the downfall of the Assad regime. “It is out of the question for the Syrian people, or the new administration, …

Turkey Says Syria’s New Rulers Agree to Abolish Kurdish Forces
3 weeks, 6 days ago

Turkey Says Syria’s New Rulers Agree to Abolish Kurdish Forces

Live Mint  

-- Turkey said Syria’s new rebel government agrees with Ankara on the need to dismantle Kurdish military forces — a critical US ally in the northern region of Syria — as countries rush to shape the future of the region after the downfall of the Assad regime. “It is out of the question for the Syrian people, or the new …

Syria won't become flourishing democracy overnight, but it won't join the league of failed states either
3 weeks, 6 days ago

Syria won't become flourishing democracy overnight, but it won't join the league of failed states either

Firstpost  

Seeing the checks and balances of the various interest groups within and outside Syria, it can be concluded that these forces would not allow Syria to drift into the crisis in which Iraq was post-2003, and Libya drifted and never recovered after the forcible removal of Muammar Gaddafi’s rule in 2011 The fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in Syria and …

Why the Kurdish Question Remains West Asia’s Litmus Test to Embrace Diversity in the Region
4 weeks, 1 day ago

Why the Kurdish Question Remains West Asia’s Litmus Test to Embrace Diversity in the Region

The Hindu  

Published : Dec 13, 2024 15:50 IST - 8 MINS READ With the fall of Damascus, the spotlight has shifted to north-eastern Syria, a region bordering Iran, Türkiye, and Iraq. The Syrian conflict, far from being a binary contest between Bashar al-Assad’s regime and Arab opposition forces like the Syrian National Army, has also involved Kurdish groups seeking autonomy amid …

Syria’s new power struggle? Why Turkey-backed Syrian National Army is at odds with US ally Syrian Democratic Forces
4 weeks, 1 day ago

Syria’s new power struggle? Why Turkey-backed Syrian National Army is at odds with US ally Syrian Democratic Forces

Firstpost  

The Syrian conflict has entered a new phase as the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army escalates its offensive against the US-supported Syrian Democratic Forces. While the SNA seeks to establish control in northern Syria, the SDF faces mounting pressure despite its pivotal role in defeating ISIS People chant in celebration while holding flags adopted by the Syrian new rulers after their …

Top Kurdish commander warns of 'bloody civil war' in Syria as Turkey & Islamists continue attacks
4 weeks, 1 day ago

Top Kurdish commander warns of 'bloody civil war' in Syria as Turkey & Islamists continue attacks

Firstpost  

As Turkey has joined hands with Syrian Islamist groups, including the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, against the Kurds, the top Kurdish general has warned that the country may be headed into another round of ‘bloody civil war’ General Mazloum Abdi, the commander of Kurdish Syrian Democratic Forces, has warned that the country may be headed into another round of a “bloody …

Syria in a map: Who controls what now that Assad is gone?
4 weeks, 1 day ago

Syria in a map: Who controls what now that Assad is gone?

ABC  

Whenever a leader is overthrown, a power vacuum is created that can be exploited by self-seeking actors. SNA forces, which are backed by neighbouring country Türkiye, have an interest in creating a buffer zone near the Turkish border to keep Syria's Kurdish forces away from it. This last Kurdish group is known as Syria's Democratic Forces and it controls large …

Crucial dam at risk as Kurds and Turkish-backed groups battle in northern Syria
4 weeks, 1 day ago

Crucial dam at risk as Kurds and Turkish-backed groups battle in northern Syria

CNN  

CNN — A crucial dam is at risk as fighting continues in several areas of northern Syria between Kurdish groups and Turkish-backed factions. The SDF said Friday that after three days of fighting around the dam and an important bridge across the Euphrates river, its forces had driven back “the mercenaries’ attacks.” It claimed to have killed more than 200 …

Syria's never-ending conflict: Nation already faces a NEW civil war as ISIS carry out fresh massacres and Turkish-backed fighters clash with Kurds, threatening to drag in US and Israel
4 weeks, 2 days ago

Syria's never-ending conflict: Nation already faces a NEW civil war as ISIS carry out fresh massacres and Turkish-backed fighters clash with Kurds, threatening to drag in US and Israel

Daily Mail  

Islamist rebel group Ha'yat Tahrir al-Sham officially ended Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's longstanding regime earlier this week, naming a leader of a new transition government days after Assad fled Damascus to seek refuge in Moscow. Destroyed trucks after a Turkish airstrike near Qamishli, northeast of Syria on 11 December 2024 Israeli troops move within the buffer zone between Israel and …

America's closest ally in Syria is losing ground as a new order takes shape
4 weeks, 2 days ago

America's closest ally in Syria is losing ground as a new order takes shape

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Over the course of Syria’s civil war, Kurdish fighters …

Syrian Democratic Forces seal US-brokered ceasefire pact with Turkish-backed rebels in Syria
1 month ago

Syrian Democratic Forces seal US-brokered ceasefire pact with Turkish-backed rebels in Syria

Hindustan Times  

The Kurdish-led force controlling northeast Syria on Wednesday informed that it had reached a ceasefire with Turkish-backed fighters in Manbij, after Islamist-led rebels toppled Bashar al-Assad's government. Turkish-backed Syrian fighters preparing rockets to be fired towards areas in northeastern Syria controlled by the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces. Abdi had last week said that the United Nations had been in touch …

As rebels marched against Assad, Turkey opened new front against US-backed Kurds in Syria
Trending News
1 month ago

As rebels marched against Assad, Turkey opened new front against US-backed Kurds in Syria

Firstpost  

Even as Syrian opposition forces were marching against President Bashar al-Assad’s forces, Turkey and a militia it sponsors opened a new front against US-backed Kurds in Syria over the weekend The photograph shows US-backed Kurdish military personnel of the Syrian Democratic Forces in Syria's Raqqa in 2017. Even as Syrian opposition forces pushed against President Bashar al-Assad’s forces, Turkey opened …

Syrian rebels are closing in on Assad. What does it mean?
Trending News
1 month ago

Syrian rebels are closing in on Assad. What does it mean?

Slate  

The resumption of large-scale fighting in Syria’s civil war affirms, once more, the wisdom of the Irish poet William Butler Yeats, who wrote that when “Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold; / Mere anarchy is loosed upon the world, / The blood-dimmed tide is loosed.” In Syria’s case, the region’s security arrangements fell apart, the delicate balance of power …

Key players in Syria’s long-running civil war, reignited by a shock rebel offensive
1 month, 1 week ago

Key players in Syria’s long-running civil war, reignited by a shock rebel offensive

Deccan Chronicle  

Beirut: Syria’s long civil war has reclaimed global attention after insurgents seized most of its largest city and dozens of nearby towns and villages. Here’s a look at the key players: Syrian pro-government forces, backed by Russia and Iran Syrian government troops have long controlled a large part of the country, thanks to allied forces dispatched by Russia and Iran. …

Syria civil war explained: From pro-govt forces to Hayat Tahrir al-Sham — All about key players
1 month, 1 week ago

Syria civil war explained: From pro-govt forces to Hayat Tahrir al-Sham — All about key players

Live Mint  

Syria civil war: The Syrian civil war, which started in 2011, recently grabbed headlines again after rebel forces managed to seize the country's largest city, Aleppo and a dozen other neighbouring towns and villages, according to a report by the AP. We take a look at the key players involved: Assad's pro-government forces backed by Iran and Russia The Assad …

Syria war live tracker: Maps and charts
1 month, 1 week ago

Syria war live tracker: Maps and charts

Al Jazeera  

Here’s what the situation on the ground looks like as of December 8, 2024. On November 27, groups opposing the government of al-Assad, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, launched a surprise offensive that captured large parts of Aleppo, the country’s second largest city. They are: Syrian government forces: The army, the government’s main military force, fights alongside the National Defence …

Who are the Syrian rebels who have taken Aleppo?
1 month, 1 week ago

Who are the Syrian rebels who have taken Aleppo?

CNN  

CNN — Eight years ago, Syria’s civil war shifted in President Bashar Al-Assad’s favor after a Russian blitzkrieg on Aleppo helped him regain control over the country’s second biggest city. Mahmoud Hassano/Reuters The ‘Syrian National Army’ One main coalition group taking part in the offensive on Aleppo is the “Syrian National Army,” an umbrella group incorporating dozens of factions with …

Mapping who controls what in Syria
1 month, 1 week ago

Mapping who controls what in Syria

Al Jazeera  

Opposition forces led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham seize control of large parts of Aleppo, one of Syria’s largest cities. On November 27, Syrian opposition fighters, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, launched a surprise offensive that captured large parts of Aleppo, the country’s second largest city. Syrian government forces had controlled Aleppo since 2016 with support from Iran, Russia and the …

Kurdish leader in Syria calls for diplomatic solutions to conflict with Turkey
2 months, 1 week ago

Kurdish leader in Syria calls for diplomatic solutions to conflict with Turkey

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Please try again later {{ …

Turkish drone strikes in Syria kill 4 U.S.-backed fighters, wound 11 civilians, Kurdish group says
7 months, 1 week ago

Turkish drone strikes in Syria kill 4 U.S.-backed fighters, wound 11 civilians, Kurdish group says

Live Mint  

QAMISHLI, Syria — Turkish drone strikes in northeastern Syria on Friday evening killed four U.S.-backed fighters and wounded 11 civilians, the Kurdish-led force said. The strikes on areas held by the U.S.-backed and Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces came a day after Turkey’s president said his government won’t hesitate to act against Kurdish-led groups in northern Syria if they proceed with …

US-backed Syrian force that defeated IS 5 years ago warns group still poses international threat
9 months, 2 weeks ago

US-backed Syrian force that defeated IS 5 years ago warns group still poses international threat

Associated Press  

BEIRUT — The U.S.-backed force that defeated the Islamic State group in Syria five years ago warned Saturday that the extremists still pose grave dangers throughout the world and called on the international community to find solutions for thousands of fighters still held in its jails. On March 23, 2019, SDF fighters captured the eastern Syrian village of Baghouz marking …

Turkey steps up airstrikes against Kurdish groups in Syria and Iraq after 12 soldiers were killed
1 year ago

Turkey steps up airstrikes against Kurdish groups in Syria and Iraq after 12 soldiers were killed

Associated Press  

QAMISHLI, Syria — Turkey intensified its airstrikes against Kurdish groups in Syria and northern Iraq in retaliation for the deaths of 12 Turkish soldiers in Iraq over the weekend. In northeast Syria, at least eight civilians were killed in Turkish airstrikes Monday, including two women, Farhad Shami, a spokesman for the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, said in a post on …

Turkey says its warplanes have hit suspected Kurdish militant targets in northern Iraq
1 year ago

Turkey says its warplanes have hit suspected Kurdish militant targets in northern Iraq

Associated Press  

ANKARA, Turkey — Turkish warplanes carried out new airstrikes Wednesday against Kurdish militant targets in neighboring Iraq, the Turkish defense ministry said, a day after Turkish and Iraqi officials held high-level security talks in Ankara. Turkey often launches strikes against targets in Syria and Iraq that it believes to be affiliated with the Kurdistan Workers’ Party, or PKK, a banned …

Turkish strikes on northeast Syria kill 29: Kurdish forces
1 year, 3 months ago

Turkish strikes on northeast Syria kill 29: Kurdish forces

The Hindu  

Turkish attacks in Kurdish-held northeast Syria killed 29 Kurdish security personnel and wounded 28 at an academy for the forces, authorities in the semi-autonomous area said on October 9. Turkey's Defence Ministry said on October 6 it launched a new wave of air strikes in retaliation for an attack in Ankara earlier this month that wounded two security personnel. Turkey …

Syria's US-backed Kurdish forces hope to end weeklong clashes with militia in the 'next 24 hours'
1 year, 4 months ago

Syria's US-backed Kurdish forces hope to end weeklong clashes with militia in the 'next 24 hours'

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Syria's U.S.-backed and Kurdish-led forces …

Turkish airstrike in northern Iraq kills 4 Kurdish insurgents as Ankara’s top diplomat visits region
1 year, 4 months ago

Turkish airstrike in northern Iraq kills 4 Kurdish insurgents as Ankara’s top diplomat visits region

Associated Press  

IRBIL, Iraq — A Turkish airstrike in northern Iraq on Thursday killed three members of a Kurdish insurgent group, officials said, as Ankara’s top diplomat visited the seat of Iraq’s semi-autonomous Kurdish regional government. On Thursday, a Turkish military drone targeted a vehicle some 137 kilometers north of the city of Irbil, the seat of Iraq’s semi-autonomous Kurdish government, authorities …

Syria’s Kurds to try IS fighters after their home countries refused to repatriate them
1 year, 7 months ago

Syria’s Kurds to try IS fighters after their home countries refused to repatriate them

Associated Press  

QAMISHLI, Syria — The Kurdish-led authority in northeast Syria announced Saturday that hundreds of fighters with the Islamic State group held in prisons around the region will be put on trial after their home countries refused to repatriate them. The U.S.-backed and Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, or SDF, is holding over 10,000 captured IS fighters in around two dozen detention …

Syria's Kurds to try IS fighters after their home countries refused to repatriate them
1 year, 7 months ago

Syria's Kurds to try IS fighters after their home countries refused to repatriate them

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Please try again later {{ …

Signals of a slow return to peace in Syria
1 year, 11 months ago

Signals of a slow return to peace in Syria

The Hindu  

As Syria enters the 13th year of its lethal civil conflict, a bomb explosion in Istanbul on November 13, that killed six persons, seems to have accelerated a diplomatic process which could bring peace to that tormented land. Turkish authorities immediately blamed Kurdish militants in Syria, represented by the People’s Protection Units, for the bombing, and even arrested a Syrian …

Syria's Kurds launch offensive against IS militants
2 years ago

Syria's Kurds launch offensive against IS militants

The Hindu  

Syrian Kurdish-led forces said Thursday they had launched an offensive against Islamic State group fighters, days after jihadist gunmen launched a deadly prison attack. Six Kurdish fighters were killed Monday when IS militants attacked a complex in Raqa, the jihadist group's former de facto capital in Syria, in a bid to free fellow militants imprisoned there. The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic …

Syrian Democratic Forces say 6 fighters killed in IS attack
2 years ago

Syrian Democratic Forces say 6 fighters killed in IS attack

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Please try again later {{ …

Syrian Democratic Forces say six fighters killed in Islamic State attack
2 years ago

Syrian Democratic Forces say six fighters killed in Islamic State attack

The Hindu  

An attack by Islamic State militants in the city of Raqqa on Monday killed six members of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, which has played a prominent role in the fight against the group, SDF officials said. He added that intelligence gathered by the group “indicates serious preparations by cells.” Siamand Ali, a spokesman for the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, …

Why does Turkey want to launch another military offensive in Syria? | In Focus podcast
2 years ago

Why does Turkey want to launch another military offensive in Syria? | In Focus podcast

The Hindu  

Tensions are rising in northern Syria along the border with Turkey – an area that is already facing a grave humanitarian crisis following a decade-long civil war. Now Turkey, which has already carried out four on-ground offensives in Syria since 2016, has announced that it could launch another big military operation against the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces. The SDF is …

Explained: What's at stake in Turkey’s new Syria escalation?
2 years ago

Explained: What's at stake in Turkey’s new Syria escalation?

Firstpost  

Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan has repeatedly warned of a new land incursion to drive Kurdish groups away from the Turkish-Syrian border, following a deadly 13 November bombing in Istanbul Beirut: After weeks of deadly Turkish airstrikes in northern Syria, Kurdish forces and international players are trying to gauge whether Ankara’s threats of a ground invasion are serious. Turkish president …

EXPLAINER: What’s at stake in Turkey’s new Syria escalation
2 years, 1 month ago

EXPLAINER: What’s at stake in Turkey’s new Syria escalation

Associated Press  

BEIRUT — After weeks of deadly Turkish airstrikes in northern Syria, Kurdish forces and international players are trying to gauge whether Ankara’s threats of a ground invasion are serious. Here’s a look at what various foreign powers and groups embroiled in the Syria conflict stand to gain or lose: WHAT TURKEY WANTS Turkey sees the Kurdish forces along its border …

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