Syria: Airstrikes reported in Al-Hasakah province October 7 /update 1

Event

According to local media reports, Turkish military forces launched airstrikes against Kurdish and Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) positions in Al-Hasakah province on Monday, October 7. The airstrikes reportedly targeted the SDF's provincial headquarters. As of Tuesday, October 8, it remains unclear whether the airstrikes resulted in any casualties or damages.

A heightened security presence is expected in northeastern Syria over the coming days and weeks. Violent clashes between opposing security forces cannot be ruled out.

Context

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan announced on October 5 that Turkey will launch a military operation in northeastern Syria in an attempt to expel Syrian Kurdish (People's Protection Units; YPG) forces from the Turkish border. Erdoğan stated that the air and ground operations and will extend 30 km (19 mi) behind Syria's northeastern border. Turkey considers the YPG to be a terrorist organization linked to the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) group in Turkey.

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.