Syria: Clashes between Turkish and Kurdish forces July 10

Event

Turkish strikes on Kurdish-held territory in northwestern Syria led to clashes between Kurdish forces and Turkey-backed rebels on Monday, July 10. The strikes on Tal Rifaat and Sheikh Issa resulted in two people killed and seven more injured. The villages are among the westernmost territories under Kurdish control. As such, they remain likely targets for further Turkish strikes as Ankara attempts to reduce the Kurds' territorial footprint in Syria.

Context

Turkey's intervention in Syria started in August 2016 as part of the Euphrates Shield operation to fight Islamic State (IS) in Syria, particularly along the Turkish border. Tensions are also high in eastern Syria between Turkey-backed rebels and Kurdish forces, which are partly backed by the United States-led international coalition.

Syria is enmeshed in a civil war that started between the government of Bashar al-Assad and opposition forces in March 2011. Today, the conflict in Syria involves many parties, including the Syrian, Iranian, Turkish, and Russian governments, the United States-led coalition, and various armed group.

Advice

Due to extremely poor security conditions, Western governments generally advise against all travel to Syria, with some countries banning travel to the country. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to any travel to Syria.