Syria: Turkish-led forces seize center of Afrin March 18 /update 10

Event

On Sunday, March 18, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced that Turkish-backed forces took full control of the center of the Syrian-Kurdish city of Afrin. A spokesman for the Free Syrian Army said the fighters met no resistance as they entered Afrin on three fronts. Some fighting is still being reported in other areas of the city. At least 200,000 civilians have fled the city over the last week.

Turkish forces may also advance on Manbij (around 100 km [60 mi] east of Afrin) in the coming days and weeks if no agreement is reached on March 19 between Turkish and American officials regarding the withdrawal of Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) fighters from Manbij and the subsequent provision of security in the area by Turkish and American soldiers.

Context

The Turkish cross-border campaign, termed "Operation Olive Branch," officially began on January 20. The operation aims to destroy fighters and positions of the YPG - considered by Ankara as a terrorist organization and ally of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) - in Kurdish-controlled northern Syria. Turkish forces seek to establish a 30-km (20-mi) "safe zone" in the area.

Meanwhile, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has warned the Syrian army against supporting Kurdish militias in Afrin. A deal was reportedly reached between Turkey and Assad's major international allies in the conflict, Russia and Iran, on February 19 to prevent the intervention of the Syrian army in the region. However, on February 20, pro-Syrian regime forces entered the Kurdish-controlled region to assist YPG fighters in halting the advance of Turkish troops.

The UN Security Council (UNSC) called for a 30-day nationwide ceasefire on February 24, which entered into effect that same day. According to the UNSC, the agreed-upon ceasefire would be in effect across Syria, except in areas where armed forces are fighting the Islamic State (IS), Hay'at Tahrir Al-Sham (Al-Nusra Front), and Al-Qa'ida-affiliated militants, among other designated terror groups. Fighting has continued across Syria in recent weeks despite the ceasefire.

Advice

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