Syria: Islamic State (IS) supporters escape holding camp in Tell Abiad October 13 /update 8

Event

Hundreds of Islamic State (IS) group supporters reportedly escaped a detention camp in Tell Abiad on Sunday, October 13. Clashes between Kurdish fighters and Turkish-led forces erupted in the vicinity of the camp amid heavy shelling by Turkish warplanes. According to the Kurdish-led administration in northern Syria, approximately 950 IS supporters fled the camp in Ain Issa after attacking guards and storming the gates. Some of the escapees were reportedly recaptured.

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.