Based on information from security sources, clashes in Idlib, northern Syria, have led to anti-regime armed groups seizing control of Aleppo, previously held by Syrian regime forces. This development has reignited activity across the Syrian conflict zones.
Facing significant losses in a short period after the anti-regime groups launched their operation on Aleppo, the Syrian regime forces sought support from the PKK/YPG terrorist organization, thereby creating opportunities for the PKK/YPG to expand its influence.
The Syrian regime began transferring territories under its control to the PKK/YPG forces situated east of the Euphrates. A significant number of PKK/YPG fighters from the Euphrates’ eastern regions arrived in Aleppo, accompanied by the organization’s heavy weaponry.
Seizing the opportunity created by the withdrawal of Syrian regime forces, the PKK/YPG attempted to establish a terror corridor linking Tel Rifaat with northeastern Syria. However, this plan was thwarted by the Syrian National Army (SNA).
Recognizing the PKK/YPG’s maneuvers, which capitalized on the advance of anti-regime armed groups towards Aleppo, the SNA launched Operation Freedom Dawn, swiftly mobilizing forces to counter the threat.
According to security sources, by cutting the Raqqa-Aleppo road, the SNA prevented the PKK/YPG from establishing a terror corridor between Tel Rifaat and northeastern Syria.
Syrian National Army took Kuwairis Military Airport and cut off PKK/YPG’s Tel Rifaat-Manbij line
The Syrian National Army (SNA) captured the Kuwairis Military Airport in the Aleppo region during “Operation Freedom Dawn,” effectively disrupting the PKK/YPG’s Tel Rifaat-Manbij supply route.
This operation targeted the PKK/YPG’s attempt to establish a terror corridor linking Tel Rifaat to northeastern Syria, with the SNA successfully gaining control of the strategic Kuwairis Military Airport.
With the SNA taking over the Kuwairis Military Airport, where military aircraft and air defense systems are located, the PKK/YPG’s Tel Rifaat-Manbij logistics line was interrupted.
Kuwait Military Airport was also targeted by Israel many times.Â
Syrian National Army liberates 3 villages from terrorists in Tel Rifaat in Operation Freedom Dawn
The Syrian National Army (SNA) has successfully liberated three villages and a hill in the Tel Rifaat region during Operation Freedom Dawn, an initiative aimed at disrupting the PKK/YPG’s terror corridor between Tel Rifaat and Manbij.
As part of the operation, the SNA secured control of Tel Ineb, Mezeret Hamad, Zoyan, and Zuyan Hill in the Tel Rifaat area.
Additionally, the SNA captured the Kuwairis Military Airport in Aleppo province, effectively severing the PKK/YPG’s logistics route between Tel Rifaat and Manbij.
Syrian National Army continues to advance against PKK/YPG in Operation Freedom Dawn
Clashes between SNA forces and terrorists entrenched in Tel Rifaat continue along the region’s northwestern, northeastern, eastern, and southern frontlines.
As part of the operation, the SNA has taken control of several strategic locations, including the villages of Şevergaelriz, Tennep, Malikiyye, Keffin, Kefernaya, Miskan, El-Juz, Tatmıraş, Tel Ineb, Mezeret Hamad, Zoyan, Maranaz, Algamiyye, Burcelgas, Minnığ, Telaccaz, Harabşems, Kutale, Ayn Dakne, Deir Cemal, and Zukkebir. Additionally, they secured Kuveyris and Minnığ airports, as well as Zuyan Hill.
As part of the operation, the opposition recaptured the Saffire district, southeast of Aleppo city center, from the Assad regime forces.
In the operation, an area of ​​approximately 850 kilometers in and around Tel Rifaat was taken under control.
Syrian National Army Advances into Tel Rifaat District Center
The Syrian National Army (SNA) has begun entering the Tel Rifaat district center as part of Operation Freedom Dawn, aimed at countering the PKK/YPG’s efforts to establish a terror corridor along the Tel Rifaat-Manbij axis.
Tunnel Used by Terrorists Discovered in Zuyan
During the operation, the SNA uncovered a tunnel stretching tens of meters in the village of Zuyan, located south of Tel Rifaat. The discovery followed the village’s liberation from terrorist control earlier in the day. According to local sources, the tunnel was part of a wider network used by the PKK/YPG for covert operations.
Tunnels Surrounding Tel Rifaat District Center
Since occupying Tel Rifaat and nearby settlements in February 2016, the YPG/PKK has constructed an extensive tunnel network. This network facilitates the movement of fighters and weapons, shields operatives from airstrikes, and enables attacks on opposition-controlled civilian areas.
The tunnel in Zuyan is linked to this system, which encircles Tel Rifaat and connects key settlements. In 2022, portions of this network were mapped, revealing tunnels stretching at least 30 kilometers in length, with a width of 1.5 meters and a height of 2-2.2 meters. These structures, located just 18 kilometers from the Turkish border, have become a critical feature of the terrorist group’s operational strategy.
The SNA continues its push to dismantle this infrastructure as violent clashes persist with PKK/YPG forces.
SNA Captures Strategic Minnigh Airport in Operation Freedom Dawn
As part of Operation Freedom Dawn, the Syrian National Army (SNA) has seized control of the strategically significant Minnigh Airport. The operation targets the PKK/YPG’s efforts to establish a terror corridor connecting Tel Rifaat to northeastern Syria.
Minnigh Airport, located just 13 kilometers from the Turkish border, was under the PKK/YPG’s control since 2016. It had been a key base for the terrorist organization to launch attacks on regions secured during the Euphrates Shield and Olive Branch operations. The airport also served as a headquarters for Russia and Iran, who used it to distribute military supplies.
Meanwhile, fierce clashes between SNA forces and PKK/YPG terrorists entrenched in Tel Rifaat persist across the region’s northwestern, northeastern, eastern, and southern frontlines.
The Situation in Tel Rifaat
In February 2016, YPG/PKK terrorists, with the support of Russian airstrikes, seized control of Tel Rifaat and its surrounding settlements. This occupation displaced approximately 250,000 civilians, many of whom sought refuge near the Turkish border.
From Tel Rifaat, the YPG/PKK has launched attacks on areas liberated during the Euphrates Shield and Olive Branch operations, targeting civilian settlements, Turkish security forces, and opposition fighters. The group has also worked in coordination with the Assad regime and its allies to maintain control over the district.
Before this, as anti-regime armed groups advanced into Aleppo city center, regime forces withdrew from Tel Rifaat, enabling the YPG/PKK to occupy the area.
US-Backed Syrian Free Army Advances on Al-Bukamal and Mayadin
In the provinces of Homs and Deir ez-Zor, the US-backed Syrian Free Army launched an offensive targeting the districts of Al-Bukamal and Mayadin, near the US military base in Tanef.
According to local sources, Syrian Free Army forces initiated their assault from Deir ez-Zor city center, advancing toward Al-Bukamal near the Syrian-Iraqi border and Mayadin in eastern Syria. Both districts have been used as strongholds by Iranian-backed groups, with Iraqi Hashd al-Shaabi forces frequently operating in the area.
US forces have conducted numerous airstrikes in these districts, targeting Iranian-backed militias and regime forces.
It is worth noting that the Syrian Free Army referenced here operates independently from the original Free Syrian Army (FSA), which later evolved into the Syrian National Army (SNA) following Syria’s popular uprisings.
