Syria: Turkish soldiers killed March 26 after seizure of Afrin region /update 11

Event

At least two Turkish soldiers were killed in an improvised explosive device (IED) detonation in Afrin region on Monday, March 26, after Turkish forces completed their seizure of the region from Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) fighters on Saturday, March 24.

Additionally, Turkish military forces killed at least 11 Kurdish fighters in Turkey's Arsuz district (Hatay province) overnight from Monday, March 26, to Tuesday, March 27 (local time). Also, unconfirmed reports have claimed that militias associated with the primarily Kurdish Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) are retreating from the areas of Deir Jamal, Kafrnaya, Sheikh Hilal, and Sheikh Issa (Aleppo province) as of Tuesday, as Turkish troops advance on Tel Rifat under an agreement with Russian forces. Additional fighting between Turkish forces and Kurdish fighters is expected in northern Syria in the coming weeks, possibly including a Turkish advance on Kurdish-controlled Manbij (Aleppo province).

Context

Turkish troops took control of the center of the town of Afrin on March 18. According to the UN, at least 167,000 people have been displaced in Afrin region since 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.

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.