Syrian National Army advances to Tel Rifaat square in Operation Freedom Dawn

The Syrian National Army (SNA) has reached the central square of Tel Rifaat as part of its ongoing Operation Freedom Dawn, aimed at countering PKK/YPG activities in northern Syria. Clashes between SNA forces and PKK/YPG militants persist on the outskirts of the town.

#LATEST — Reports indicate that Syrian National Army (SNA) forces have taken control of Tel Rifaat city center pic.twitter.com/VHmd1g7l2K

— Türkiye Today (@turkiyetodaycom) December 1, 2024

SNA troops have engaged PKK/YPG fighters on multiple fronts—northwest, northeast, east, and south of Tel Rifaat—before advancing through Deir Jamal on the western edge to secure the town square. Fighting remains sporadic in surrounding areas, where SNA forces have discovered numerous landmines planted by PKK/YPG militants.

The operation was launched to thwart PKK/YPG efforts to establish a “terror corridor” connecting Tel Rifaat to northeastern Syria. The PKK/YPG had begun deploying forces and heavy weaponry into the Aleppo region as part of their plan, following territorial shifts involving the Syrian regime.

In recent years, the Syrian regime ceded control of certain areas east of the Euphrates to PKK/YPG forces after losing ground to opposition groups in Aleppo. This transfer allowed PKK/YPG units to bolster their presence near Tel Rifaat, intensifying regional tensions.

The SNA’s swift response during Operation Freedom Dawn resulted in the capture of key infrastructure, including the Kuweires Military Airbase. This critical facility, which housed military aircraft and air defense systems, served as a logistical hub for PKK/YPG operations. The capture effectively severed the Tel Rifaat–Manbij supply line.

Additionally, SNA forces took control of the Minnigh Airbase, a site of strategic importance located just 13 kilometers from Türkiye’s border.

While the SNA’s advance into Tel Rifaat marks significant progress, the operation underscores the ongoing struggle to dismantle PKK/YPG’s territorial plans. Clashes and security risks persist, particularly with the presence of landmines and fortified militant positions in the region.

The developments in Tel Rifaat highlight the broader regional implications of the operation, as local actors and international stakeholders closely monitor the situation.