Syria: Turkey launches military operation, airstrikes in northeastern Syria October 9 /update 2

Event

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan announced on Wednesday, October 9, that Turkey had launched its planned military operation in northeastern Syria. Turkish artillery fire and airstrikes were reportedly carried out on Wednesday in the border towns of Ras al-Ain and Tell Abiad. Turkish ground forces have also reportedly amassed on Turkey's southeastern border with Syria. The offensive comes days after US President Donald Trump announced a US military pullback in the region.

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.