Syrian National Army enters Tel Rifaat in major offensive against PKK/YPG terror corridor

By Anadolu staff

TEL RIFAAT, Syria (AA) – The Syrian National Army (SNA) has begun entering the center of Tel Rifaat as part of the Operation Dawn of Freedom, launched against the PKK/YPG's plan to create a terrorist corridor along the Tel Rifaat–Mare region.

Clashes with terrorists stationed in Tel Rifaat continue on the northwestern, northeastern, eastern, and southern fronts of the district, with SNA forces now advancing into the center of Tel Rifaat.

During the operation, approximately 850 kilometers of territory surrounding Tel Rifaat has been brought under control.

- Operation Dawn of Freedom

The SNA launched Operation Dawn of Freedom in response to the PKK/YPG's plans to establish a terrorist corridor between Tel Rifaat and northeastern Syria.

Following the start of operations by anti-regime armed groups against Aleppo, Syrian regime forces lost control of large areas in a short period.

In response, they sought support from the PKK/YPG, allowing the terrorist group to gain territory.

The Syrian regime began handing over control of areas to the east of the Euphrates to PKK/YPG forces.

As a result, numerous PKK/YPG terrorists from the region moved to the Aleppo area, and heavy weapons belonging to the group were deployed there.

In response to PKK/YPG's plan to establish a terrorist corridor between Tel Rifaat and northeastern Syria, the SNA swiftly entered the field and launched Operation Dawn of Freedom.

During the operation, SNA forces seized the Kuweires Military Airbase, which contains military aircraft and air defense systems, severing the PKK/YPG's control over the Tel Rifaat–Mare corridor.

The SNA also captured the strategically important Minnigh Airport, located just 13 kilometers (8 miles) from Türkiye.

*Writing by Gizem Nisa Cebi in Istanbul