Syria: Syrian troops approach border with Turkey October 14 /update 9

Event

Syrian troops loyal to President Bachar al-Assad have approached the border with Turkey as of Monday, October 14, after an agreement with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) to deploy along the border with Turkey amid an ongoing Turkish offensive in northeastern Syria was reached. Local reports indicate that the agreement includes that Syrian forces will advance into the cities of Manbij and Ain al-Arab. The Syrian army announced on Monday its troops had reached Tall Tamr, located about 19 km (12 mi) from the Turkish border.

As of Monday, the Turkish offensive, which includes artillery fire, airstrikes, and ground attacks, is focused on the cities of Tall Abyad and Ras al-Ayn.

A heightened security presence and violent clashes between opposing security forces are to be expected throughout northeastern Syria over the coming days and weeks.

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 will extend 30 km (19 mi) into Syria's northeastern border. Turkey considers the YPG to be a terrorist organization linked to the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) group in Turkey.

The offensive comes days after US President Donald Trump announced a US military pullback in the region.

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.