Turkey's 2019 invasion of North and East Syria: as it happened
Here you can find an archive of Turkey’s 2019 invasion of North and East Syria, with daily summaries of key events from the first airstrikes on 9 October through to the beginning of December, as the new frontlines solidified. December is also covered, with weekly summaries of key events.
While we are currently focusing on other, more long-term projects and so no longer publishing daily summaries this archive accurately summarizes all the key events of the 2019 invasion. You can also visit our Twitter feed (in the panel to the right) for more recent updates on the situation on the ground in North and East Syria.
12th - 18th December
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The M4 international road was reopened shortly after the Syrian army took control of it.
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Sporadic clashes continued in the east of the occupied area, in the vicinity of Zirgan (Abu Rasin), as well as to the west of Qazali village.
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The situation in Al Hol camp has become more calm as 91 families were part of a negotiated return to their homes in Deir-ez-Zor region and up to 200 refugee families were transferred to Iraqi camps.
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Russia continues to strenghten its position in North and East Syria through deploying more troops and establishing a military base in Tel Tamer city.
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Russian, Syrian army and US armies continue to move troops and logistics between positions and bases.
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The US and SDF continue to collaborate in organized raids against ISIS cells in Deir-ez-Zor. The situation remains unstable, with ongoing reports of attacks on local council members and civilians.
4th - 11th December
- With the exception of some sporadic clashes, the situation on the fronts stayed calm. Following negotiations between Russia and Turkey control of the M4 international road was handed over to the Syrian army. There are ongoing negotiations about Russian observation posts to be established alongside the M4 road. It was announced that Russian forces would control an area in the west of the city.
- After the most recent escalation of attacks on Ayn Issa the situation remains stable. The Syrian army has assumed control of the of Sharakrak silos and is removing mines from the suroundings.
- However, raids on ISIS sleeper cells and insfrastructure continue in Deir-ez-Zor amid ongoing attacks on civilians, members of the local administration. Security in al Hol camp remains unstable, with three deaths of camp residents in the last week.
3rd December - Tuesday
Syrian democratic military sources confirm that the Syrian democratic forces has withdrawn 4km from the M4 International highway and conceded it to Russia and Syria army. Joint-patrols between Russia and Turkey are expected to begin soon on the M4 International highway.
Turkish proxy forces continue shelling the region of Tel Rifaat.
Russian-Turkish joint patrol took place in the countryside of Kobane, monitored by two Russian helicopters.
Shelling by Turkish proxy forces was reported on the villages of Kafifa, Kajal, Laqlaqo, and Ajrama in the western countryside of Gire Spi (Tel Abyad).
At least 10 trucks loaded with Russian soldiers have entered the headquarters of the 93rd brigade south of the Ayn Issa.
Fierce clashes were reported between the SDF and Turkish proxy forces in villages of Qasimiyah and Rihaniya in the Tel Tamer countryside.
A US military convoy of several armored vehicles crossed the city of Qamişlo.
Over 100 refugees who fled North and East Syria during the Turkish invasion have returned to the region via the Semalka border crossing, in the second such official return of refugees to regions still under Autonomous Administration control.
2nd December - Monday
Statement by SDF spokesman Kino Gabriel: “The Syrian Democratic Forces and the International Coalition Forces jointly completed their redeployment in the regions of Jazeera (Hasakah, Qamishlo, Derik) and Deir-ez-Zor.”
Eight children, one man and one woman were killed in Turkish shelling of Tel Rifaat. A source on the ground confirms that at least 12 other individuals were wounded, with some in serious condition. Tel Rifaat is a town largely populated by former residents of Afrin who were displaced by the 2018 Turkish invasion and subsequent occupation of the region.
Three Russian soldiers were wounded, two of them critically, after a mine explosion in the village Dafa Maghar east of Kobane city.
The Syrian army and SDF engage in ground clashes with Turkish proxy forces around Qazali village in the Ayn Issa countryside, accompanied by mutual shelling.
In Jazarat al-Bohemayad village, the body of a member of the SDF was found buried inside a tent after having been missing for 2 days.
Gunmen opened fire on an SDF military vehicle in al-Jinnah village in the western countryside of Deir ez-Zor, resulting in the death of one SDF fighter.
Refugees from north Syria continue to cross the border into KRG Iraq, with over 50 arrivals reported today.
1st December - Sunday
Representatives from Turkish forces and the SDF have announced an agreement for the future control of the M4 road. Although the details of the agreement are unclear, with varying reports from each spokesperson, it will involve a withdrawal of Turkish proxy forces from the road, and Russian oversight of future control.
After a meeting with the head of Russian armed forces in Syria, General Chaiko, SDF Commander-in-Chief Mazloum Abdi announced that Russian troops will be deployed in the cities of Amude, Tel Tamer and Ayn Issa “For the security and stability of the region.”
Attacks from Turkish proxy forces were reported in the vicinity of Qazali village.
SDF Military reinforcements have entered the Zirgan (Abu Rasin) countryside.
After a meeting between Russian and Turkish military delegations west of Tel Tamer, it was reported that Turkey has handed over the al-Liyah silos on the M4 international road to the Syrian army.
There have been reports of the Syrian army entering the villages of al-Soussa, Suwayfeh and Najdiyeh, on the M4 international road, west of Tel Tamer city.
A Motorcycle bomb in Hasakah injured two members of the Asayish internal security forces.
Manbij Military Council forces have been engaged in night-time clashes with the Turkish proxy forces at Umm Adsa, north of Manbij.
In the city of Dhiban, Asayish internal security forces have dismanted a TNT-loaded explosive device.
Following coordination with tribe authorities, 60 displaced families have left al Hol camp and returned to their homes in Deir ez-Zor. The group consisted of 300 people, all women and children. They were released as they were deemed to not have been part of ISIS.
The management of Washo Kani camp (Tuweyna) and the Kurdish Red Crescent continue to establish the camp infrastructure and prepare tents for the forthcoming rain season and winter temperatures.
November 2019
30th November - Saturday
- American aircraft were reported flying over Rimelan, a city between Qamishlo and The Russian Army has established a new base in Amude city.
- The 12th joint Russian-Turkish patrol took place in the countryside of Derik (al-Malikiyah) city, accompanied by UAVs.
- A series of raids on former ISIS elements was carried out by the SDF and international coalition in al-Hawayej town east of Deir-ez-Zor, resulting in dozens of arrests.
- Security officials in al-Hol camp reported that Hassan Jamil, a displaced Syrian, was stabbed 38 times. The assailant was most likely an ISIS-linked woman in the camp. He is currently undergoing medical treatment.
29th November - Friday
- In the morning hours the Turkish proxy forces shelled the countryside of the Ayn Issa camp and the village Saida.
A large SDF military convoy has entered Ayn Issa countryside.
Clashes continued in the evening hours.
The Turkish proxy forces and SDF are exchanging fire in the area of Umm al-Kayif, north west of Tel Tamer. Neither side is trying to advance.
Asayish internal security forces dismantle an explosive device in the Ghuwairan neighborhood of Hasakah city.
28th November - Thursday
A meeting between a Russian delegation and the Ayn Issa Civil Council took place in Ayn Issa city to discuss the reconstruction and repair of hospital and school facilities in Ayn Issa district damaged by the conflict.
The SDF took control over Sadda and al-Kafifa villages southwest of Tel Abyad.
A car bomb was dismantled in Ayn Issa by local security forces.
Turkish proxy forces shelled the villages of Debs and Hoshan with mortars and rockets, accompanied by Turkish strike-capable drone presence. Debs and Hoshan are located west of Ayn Issa on the M4 highway.
Sporadic clashes between Manbij Military Council and Turkish proxy forces reported at Umm Jalud and Arab Hassan villages, north of Manbij. No casualties reported.
The Syrian Army shot down a small Turkish drone in the village of Hamo, near Qamishlo.
Asayish Internal Security Forces seized and dismantled a number of improvised explosive devices in the village of Hawayeh in the Deir-ez-Zor countryside.
6 U.S. armored vehicles headed from Chil Akha (Al-Jawadiyah) towards Rimelan area, in the triangle border with Iraq and Turkey.
There was reported movement of US military vehicles and trucks from several points in the Hasakah countryside towards Deir-ez-Zor and Derik (Al-Malikiyah) oilfield areas.
The second batch of international aid arrived through the Semalka border crossing into North and East Syria. The aid will be delivered to the Tuweyna/Washo Kani camp near Hasakah. Camp authorities report that there are now over two thousand IDP from Tel Abyad (Gire Spi) and Sere Kaniye (Ras Al Ayn) in the camp.
27th November - Wednesday
The Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria has announced that it will increase the salaries of workers and employees in the region. It is one of the biggest employers in North and East Syria. The decision was made at a meeting of the Executive Council of the Autonomous Administration with the Finance Authority on Wednesday 27th November.
Ilham Ahmed, Chair of the Syrian Democratic Council: “Our security forces stopped 635 attempted escapes from al Hol camp since the Turkish invasion. Many of the camp residents have European citizenship. European countries should help strengthen the security of prisons, detention centers, and camps without delay.”
Kurdistan Regional Government of Iraq: “The number of Syrian refugees arriving in the Kurdistan region from northeastern Syria has exceeded 17,000 since the start of the Turkish military operation on October 9.”
Turkish artillery wounds two Syrian army soldiers in Birketik, a village in the surroundings of Tel Abyad.
Turkish forces and proxies shell the villages of Qazali and Birket in the Tel Abyad countryside.
Four unexploded mortar shells fired from across the Turkish border into the countryside of Amude have been dismantled by Asayish internal security forces.
No clashes in Ayn Issa, but movement of Turkish proxy forces reported in the village of Ma’alek, north of Ayn Issa.
In al Hol camp, resident Salman al-Khalaf (14 years old) has been reported as murdered.
A US military convoy drove through Hasakah and south towards Deir-ez-Zor. The convoy consisted of 20 military vehicles as well as fuel trucks.
26th November - Tuesday
The first official visit of a Russian delegation to the local administration of Kobane took place.
In the evening there was a large explosion in Qamishlo, in the south of the city close to the Qamishlo airport which is under joint control of Russia and Syria army. The reason for the explosion unknown until now.
Following the explosion, there was unidentified airplane activity over Qamishlo throughout the evening and night.
A spokesperson of the international coalition denied reports that US warplanes struck an Iranian target south of the city: “The Coalition and US forces were not involved in any strikes in the Qamishli region.”
Clashes between Turkish proxy forces and the SDF were reported in the vicinity of Tel al-Ward village of Zirgan (Abu Rasin).
The Head of Deir-ez-Zor Military Council Ahmed Abu Khulah has survived an assassination attempt in the eastern Deir-ez-Zor countryside.
U.S. armored vehicles left the U.S. military base west of Hasakah, heading into the southern outskirts of the city. A convoy of 3 U.S. armored vehicles headed towards the same destination on the morning of the 26th.
A US military convoy of 3 armored vehicles, 3 tanks and logistics equipment entered North and East Syria.
25th November - Monday
Turkey advanced armoured vehicles to the villages it controls to the north and east of the strategically-located administrative capital Ayn Issa. During all day there were drones flying over the city and its surroundings.
In the evening and night there were reported violent clashes between the SDF, the Syrian army and Turkish proxy forces on the Tel Tamer and Zirgan (Abu Rasin) axis, particularly in Tel al-Ward.
The security situation remains poor in al-Hol camp, with at least 20 tent-burning incidents in the camp to date throughout November, compared to 9 the month before.
After the agreement between the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria and tribal leaders more than 100 families (360 people) have left al-Hol camp to be returned to their places of origin.
ISIS have claimed more than 20 assassinations in Deir-ez-Zor since the Turkish invasion as part of a campaign targeting those working with the Autonomous Administration, with at least 10 victims identified by name.
24th November - Sunday
The director of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, Osama Suleiman, stated: “We have documented at least 64 elements who were members of the ISIS terrorist organization and joined the Turkish proxy forces.”
Turkish proxy forces withdrew 2km from Ayn Issa. The Turkish drones continue flying over the area targeting Ayn Issa camp surroundings and nearby villages.
Further attacks were not reported although there was increased movement of Turkish proxy forces in the area of Sidon village.
Constant jet activity over Tel Tamer today. Turkish proxy forces conducted an attack on the village Tal Tawel in the Tel Tamer countryside.
Asayish Internal Security Forces dismantled a motorcycle loaded with 5kg TNT in the Gweran neighborhood, Hasakah city.
A U.S. military convoy was documented in the Qamishlo outskirts this morning.
23rd November - Saturday
There has been a significant escalation of the conflict in and around the city of Ayn Issa. Turkish proxy forces launch ground attacks on the area of Ayn Issa. Turkish strike drones bomb around the city and the refugee camp areas (1km northwest from Ayn Issa), along with areas located south of the international M4 road. Turkish backed forces breached the boundaries of the camp before being repelled.
Turkish shelling of Malaak village wounded 5, including one child.
The SDF has sent significant reinforcements to Ayn issa countryside.
The 10th Turkish-Russian patrol took plcae in the area of Dirbesiye, accompanied by drone aircraft(UAVs).
A German female ISIS member with her three children and one ISIS-linked US child have been handed over to their respective governments by officials of the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria.
Anti-terror units belonging to Manbij military council captured a cell attempting to smuggle ISIS families from al-Hol camp towards Turkey.
Returns of 3000 Syrian IDPs from Hol Camp to their home communities near Raqqa are planned for the coming days, with returns to Raqqa to follow, as the Autonomous Administration continues its program of managed returns together with local tribal and community leaders.
Work is underway to expand Roj camp near Derik to securely house 1500 third-country national women and children from the foreigners’ annex in al-Hol camp, as part of further efforts to reduce overcrowding and tension in the volatile camp. Expansion should be finished in the coming weeks.
At least 100,000 people in Hasakah city alone are still reliant on trucked-in water totalling 750,000 liters daily.
22nd November - Friday
Ilham Ahmed, president of the Syran Democratic Council, has called for an international delegation of researchers, press and NGOs to be allowed to visit Turkish-occupied Afrin and document rights violations there. She noted that North and East Syria is open to all journalists, whereas access to Turkish-occupied areas is impossible.
British Special Envoy for Syria, Martin Longden, met with with representatives of the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria at Semalka border crossing, to discuss the latest developments in the region. The co-chair of the Foreign Affairs Commission made the proposal for an international force to be put in place on the Syria-Turkey border.
The SDF took control of villages Mardouda and Wasita Maksour north of the village Sharakrak.
The Syrian army is preparing a helipad at the 93rd Brigade in Ayn Issa region. The Syrian army also began construction of an airstrip, with the aim of delivering military and logistical reinforcements.
The Syrian army began the expansion of its military base at Jabal Kawkab in the countryside of Hasakah city.
In Kobane and surrounding countryside the “Free Burma Rangers” began distributing aid to IDPs from the areas of Sere Kaniye(Ras al-Ain) and Tal Abyad (Gire Spi).
Russian armored vehicle runs into a civil car in the countryside of Manbij city leaving 3 women and one child dead and 3 wounded.
SDF anti-terror units and US forces carried out an operation in the town of Dhiban, east of Deir-ez-zor, accompanied by four aircrafts. It was reported that 14 ISIS suspects were captured.
21st November - Thursday
The Department of Foreign Relations of North and East Syria handed over three ISIS-linked children of British origin to the British Foreign Office.
Lina Abdelwahab, a female member of the Syria Future Party, was shot by masked gunmen in her home in Deir-ez-Zor on 17 November. She is now in hospital in Qamishlo. The Syria Future Party was the political party that Hevrin Khalaf, who was assassinated by Turkish backed forces on 12th October, was the Secretary General of.
A joint military patrol of two Russian armored vehicles and three Syrian government vehicles took place in the Tel Tamr countryside from Tal Akhbayish village to the Assyrian village of Tal Jumaa.
Clashes were reported in the village of Dawudiyah northwest of Tel Tamer, between the Syrian Democratic Forces and Turkish proxy forces.
Turkish proxy forces attacked Syrian army positions with mortar shells between the villages of Rub’at and Tel al-Ward in Zirgan(Abu Rasin) countryside.
SDF intelligence has carried out security operation targeting Turkish-backed group “Ahrar Al-Sham” in the village “Al-Debs”, 3km from Ayn Issa. 8 Terrorists including a field commander were captured alive.
Russian and Turkish forces met in Shirrak silos to establish a joint military point between the two parties in Ain Issa region.
There was heavy Turkish shelling on the village of Qiz-Ali and its silos, west of Tel Abyad.
Russian forces have announced that they have control of the Sarin airbase and the establishment of Russian observation points in the countryside of Kobane.
SDF intelligence captured 11 members of an ISIS terrorist cell in Raqqa city who were responsible for a terrorist attack at Al-Naeem roundabout in June
20th November - Wednesday
A meeting between the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria and the Syrian goverment took place in Damascus to discuss the development of a political agreement.
Turkish proxy forces targeted positions of the Syrian army east of Bab al-Khayr with heavy machine gun and mortar fire.
A Turkish drone stroke hit a civilian car in the village of Qirinfol, 20km west of Tel Abyad. Two civilians died – Nizam Mahmoud Feto (20) and Haci Hemed Sali. Two civilians – Rokisan (22) and her sister Newroz (25) – were taken to Kobane hospital with critical injuries. A fifth person, Mohamed Mahmoud Feto, was lightly injured.
The ninth Russian-Turkish joint patrol took place in the Dirbesiye countryside, intensive Russian aircraft activity over the area was reported.
US forces conduct a patrol from the US base in Rimelan towards al-Qahtaniya in the countryside of Qamishlo.
19th November - Tuesday
- The first joint Russia – Syria patrol of the areas between Tel Tamer and Zirgan (Abu Rasin) took place, passing through the villages of Tal Juma’a, Kesra and Asadiya, and then through Mebarikiya and Qabr Kadrawi villages near the Turkish border.
- Shelling and exchange of fire continues on the Tel Tamer front.
- Exchange of artillery fire between Turkish proxy forces and the Syrian army was reported in the villages Qazali and Qarfal, west of Tel Abyad.
- SDF reinforcements arrive in the area of Ayn Issa.
- One civilian was wounded due to a mine explosion in Ayn Issa countryside.
- 6 ISIS women escaped from al Hol camp, east of Hasakah.
- US forces conduct a patrol in the countryside of Chil Akha (Al-Jawadiyah) and Derik (al-Malikiyah).
18th November - Monday
- Reports that the Tel Tamer to Hasakah road has been cut off by Turkish-backed forces are false. Turkish forces are still to the north of Tel Tamer, far from this road, and the road can be used as normal.
- There is ongoing Turkish shelling on the villages surrounding Tel Tamer.
- Sporadic clashes between SDF and Turkish-backed forces in Tal al-ward village on the Tel Tamer – Zirgan (Abu Rasin) axis.
- The Syrian army has entered the villages Dashisha and Al-Tawila in the Tel Tamer countryside.
- The 8th Turkish-Russian patrol took place in the eastern countryside of Kobane, accompanied by unmanned surveillance aircraft. A woman was injured as a Turkish military vehicle ran over her foot in the village of Terri. One civilian car was damaged by the patrol vehicle.
- Footage from the protest shows escalating anger against the patrols, with local protesters using molotov cocktails for the first time throwing stones, striking a Turkish armoured vehicle.
- Reports of the Syrian army taking control of Tishrin Dam in Manbij countryside are false.
17th - November - Sunday
The SDF denied the rumor that an agreement between Russia, Turkey and the SDF was reached concerning the area of the M4 International road and the city of Tel Tamer and the passing of control of these areas to the Russian military police and Syrian goverment forces.
Attacks by Turkish proxy forces continued in Zirgan (Abu Rasin) countryside.
Russian forces intend to set up a military base in the village of Um al-Kayif, 5 km northwest of Tel Tamer.
Throughout the day fighting north of Tel Tamer continued, without significant changes of front.
In the evening Turkish proxy forces launched attacks in the direction of Tel Tamer.
Heavy clashes took place around the village Sharakrak north east of Ayn Issa. Rumors of Turkish proxy forces capturing the silos were false.
All attacks by Turkish proxy forces were repulsed.
At 4:50 PM a motorcycle bomb exploded in Khashman neighbourhood, north of Hasakah. No casaulties, only material damage was reported.
12 Russian military vehicles moved from the surroundings of Manbij towards the countryside of Kobane and towards the M4 international highway.
16th November - Saturday
In the morning the SDF launched an offensive to reclaim the villages of Dawudiya, Aziziya and al-Arisha. By the end of the day the SDF had taken control over all of those villages.
There were reports of preparations being made to withdraw SDF and Turkish-backed forces from the M4 International highway to a distance of one to three kilometers.
The seventh joint Russian-Turkish patrol took place in Girke Lege countryside, accompanied by two helicopters.
In the evening the Mine Engineering Division of the Asayish internal security forces dismantled an explosive device mounted onto a motorcycle in the Mufti neighborhood of Hasakah.
An unidentified gunman opened fire in al-Shuhayl town, killing one civilian and wounding his brother. Names have not been published yet.
Asayish internal security forces in Qamishlo said they have detained an individual planting a motorcycle bomb on Wahide street in the city center – also the location of this week’s car bombing.
The Syrian Army is now posted along the border between Dirbesiye and Derik (al-Malikiyah). The Semalka border crossing with the Kurdish Regional Government of Iraq will remain under the control of the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria.
Kurdish Red Crescent published an update on the preparation of Washokani Camp in the village of Tweyna outside of Hasakah city for newly displaced people, which currently houses 700 people. Currently, 100 family tents have been erected, the remainder of the displaced people are in large shared tents. Due to lack of permission from the Syrian Goverment, UNHCR is unable to support the construction of the camp.
15th November - Friday
- The burning ceremony of Zau Singh, a member of the Free Burma Ranger took place in the countryside of Tal Tamer, according to his tradition.
- After two weeks of advocacy, a repair team was able to access the seriously damaged Allouk water station (now in the control of Turkish proxy militias) on 9th November. One day later the powerlines to the station were to be struck by Tuskish proxy forces. The station is once again not functional (for the third time).
- Overnight, Turkish proxy forces resumed their attacks with drones and artillery on the Dawoudiyah and Azaziyeh axis.The Syriac Military Council assists the local population with leaving the area.
- It was reported that SDF took back control of village al-Menakh and encircled village al-Faisaliah.
- Civilians are currently packing up their belongings and leaving Tel Tamer in the face of possible future attacks from Turkish proxy forces.
- The SDF has launched an operation against oil smugglers in Shuhayl. Several barges used to transport oil were destroyed.
- 5 russian helicopters have landed in Sarrin air base in Kobane countryside, which was formerly a US-base.
14th November - Thursday
Turkish proxy forces continued shelling the villages north of Tel Tamer, especially in the area of Arishah which was later captured.
Throughout the day the village of Tel Tawil was shelled with mortars, artillery, and heavy machine guns.
Although the majority of civilians from the villages surrounding Til Temir have fled towards Heseke and Qamishlo, some still remain.
Reports of international coalition air planes and military helicopters in the northern countryside of Deir-ez-Zor.
Joint Turkish-Russian patrols tooks place in western of Dirbesiye as part of the Sochi agreement.
Russian forces (helicopters, and planes with military equipment) have entered the former US air base south of Kobane following the US’s complete withdrawal from the airbase.
The road from Ayn Issa to Kobane has been sporadically cut off as Turkish forces try to seize the road and isolate Ayn Issa city. Heavy sleeper-cell activity and daily shellings is reported.
SAA soldiers have begun to take position in the border areas of Girke Lege , Rimelan, Derik (al-Malikiyah) including Ayn Diwar fulfilling the last phase of the military agreement with Syrian Democratic Forces.
In the night a member of SDF was attacked by a grenade thrown by unidentified persons who were riding a motorcycle in the neighborhood of al-Mahata. No serious injuries were reported.
Two ISIS women who were fleeing from al-Hol camp were arrested by Asayish internal security forces in al-Nashwa neighborhood, Hasakah city.
13th November - Wednesday
Following the SDF counter-attack the night of 12 November, heavy clashes and mutual shelling took place on the Tel Tamer – Zirgan (Abu Rasin) axis.
The SDF retook the villages of Qasimiyah, Rashidiya, Umm Ashaifa, al-Ameriyeh, Azaziyeh and Samila.
High level of activity of Turkish reconnaissance aircraft over the countryside of Zirgan (Abu Rasin), reports of arrival of Turkish proxy reinforcements.
Violent attacks ongoing as Turkey tries to seize the villages of Dawoudiyeh, Azaziyeh and Til al-Ward, where a many Assyrian Christian civilians still remain in their homes. Christian fighters and other SDF components are holding out under heavy fire.
ISIS militants claimed to have captured and executed an SDF soldier in Darnaj, Deir-ez-Zor.
Behdi Husno, spokesperson of Jazeera Asayish security forces announced the capture of Ahmet Casım Mustafa, a perpetrator of the 11th November bomb attack in Qamishlo.
Approximately 120 vehicles including armoured vehicles and ammunition and logistics left the coalition base in Sarrin in the morning.
U.S. forces conduct another patrol in the town and countryside of Derik (al-Malikiyah) towards the cemetery “Martyr Xabat Derik” within the Syrian-Iraqi-Turkish border triangle.
Approximately 20 military vehicles entered through Yaaroubia/Al Walid border crossing with Iraq and headed towards Tirbespi.
Camp authorities at Al Hol camp state that the camp’s medical clinics can only meet 10% of demand and the shortage in water supply is critical.
12th November - Tuesday
During the day Turkish backed forces made significant territorial gains in the areas of Tel Tamer and Abu Rasin, advancing to 2km from the city of Tel Tamer and capturing the road between Abu Rasin and Tel Tamer.
The SDF launched a counter-operation in the evening and recaptured some of these areas. The daytime attacks of Turkish proxy forces targeted the area north of Tel Tamer in the surroundings of Umm al-Kaif, Rihaniye and Qasimiye villages with artillery and drone strikes.
Massive fires were lit at the outskirts of the city to create smoke screen protection from drone strikes and surveillence.
The SDF counter-operation in the evening and overnight pushed Turkish forces further away from the city, recapturing the road to Zirgan (Abu Rasin) and Umm al-Kaif village. Three military vehicles were captured from Turkish backed forces.
Most of the fatalities on the front line were caused by Turkish drone air strikes.
In the morning the fifth Turkish-Russian patrol, started in the village of Marj Ismail in the eastern countryside of Kobani. A Turkish patrol vehicle opened fire and tear gas on the protesters between the villages Tel Hajib and Qara Mazraa . At least 4 people were wounded, including a journalist from the Women’s TV statoin (Jin TV), fatalities have not yet been confirmed.
Asayish internal security forces carried out an operation to capture terrorists responsible for the car bomb attacks yesterday in Qamishlo, which killed 6 and injured dozens.
US forces continued with military patrols in the countryside of Rimelan and Chil Akha (Al-Jawadiyah).
11th November - Monday
Coalition Spokesperson Colonel Myles Caggins held a joint press conference. They gave the following updates:
US bases in Manbij, Raqqa, Tabqa, and the Lafarge Cement Factory all closed, only Sarrin base remains as part of ‘deliberate withdrawal’ to east Syria.
The coalition official affirmed they would continue to jointly fight the Islamic State in the Hasakah and Deir-ez-Zor areas.
The SDF spokesperson issued a joint call for international support in dealing with the 12,000 ISIS fighters in SDF detention.
The Armenian Christian priest Hanna Ibrahim and his father Ibrahim Hanna Bido were assassinated on the road from Hasekah to Deir-ez-Zor. The attack was claimed by ISIS.
ISIS have claimed 30 attacks in the first 10 days of November – an increase of nearly 300% compared to the first days of October before the Turkish invasion.
From the early hours of the morning Turkey and its proxy forces continued attacks – including drone/UAV air strikes – in the region north of Tel Tamer, ultimately capturing Mahmoudiyah village.
The fourth joint Russian-Turkish patrol took place within the eastern and southeastern countryside of Dirbesiye. The local people protested by throwing stones and shoes.
In the afternoon 3 vehicle explosions took place in the city center of Qamishlo. 6 people died, and 48 others were injured, including 4 members of the Asayish internal security forces. It is reported that 25 to 30 shops were destroyed or damaged in the explosion.
Northeast of Ayn Issa, Turkish proxy forces launched large assaults on the defense line of the M4 highway and tried to gain access to the road. They took control of Khafiyah village, but were repelled at the Shirrak silos.
In the night the SDF repelled an attack on Masudiyah village, 30km east of Ayn Issa.
SDF anti-terror units, with support from the International Coalition, captured several ISIS of members including former leader Hammam al-Lafi in the city of Hawaij,east of Deir ez Zor.
SDF spokesperson Kino Gabriel, SDF Press spokesperson Mustafa Bali and Anti-ISIS
10th November - Sunday
- In a radio interview, Mazloum Abdi clarified the agreements existing with the US, Russia and Syrian government:
- US forces will be deployed alongside SDF and local forces in the countryside of Qamishlo, Derik, Shadadi and Hasakah
- Russian forces will be deployed along most of the borderline, and there will be Russian – Turkish patrols once a week
- The Administration of North and East Syria desires to be integrated within the Syrian state, but insists on certain rights and representation, including a existence of the SDF as the defense force for North and East Syria
- The SDF will continue to work with the US in counter terror operations against ISIS, and guarding of ISIS prisoners
- Turkish-backed forces sent large numbers of fighters and heavy weapons into the area surrounding Aniq al-Hawa village while heavy artillery shelling targeted villages on the Zirgan (Abu Rasin) and Tel Tamer axis. These attacks were supported by Turkish reconnaisance aircraft.
- Syrian army responded to attacks on villages Bab al-kher, Umrit, Khirbat Kadreh with artillery and heavy weapons.
- A mine explosion wounded two Syrian army soldiers in the Asadiye village on the Zirgan (Abu Rasin) – Tel Tamer axis.
- In the afternoon clashes between Syrian government forces and Turkish proxy forces were reported in Dardara village and its surrounding.
- Turkish proxies published a video of military vehicles moving towards the frontlines. The Syrian Army have started to use tanks and artillery on the Zirgan (Abu Rasin) front lines for the first time since they arrived in the area.
- In Um al-Kayf four SDF fighters were wounded by Turkish drone strike. They were transported to the hospital in Tel Tamer.
- Turkish proxies attacked the villages of Qasimiyeh and Umm al-Kaif north of Tel Tamer with mortar and gunfire while conducting reconnaissance in the village of Rihaniye.
- 3 US military vehicles conducted a patrol from Rimelan towards Derik. The patrol passed through villages in the border area and continued to the village of Ain Diwar.
- A Russian military patrol was reported en route from Ayn Issa towards the village of Tarwazia, east of Ayn Issa on the M4 highway.
- A US military convoy traveled from Tel Tamer to Ayn Issa via the M4 international highway, arriving at a military base south of Kobane in the afternoon. The convoy consisted of 6 armored vehicles, 2 Bradley fighting vehicles, a crew of 40 members and overflight protection.
- The new camp at Tuwena near Hasakah is rapidly growing, now housing 153 families made up of 626 IDPS – primarily women and children from Sere Kaniye (Ras al Ain), Zirgan (Abu Rasin) and the Tel Tamer countryside.
- More than 800 families who were displaced from the region of Tel Abyad (Gire Spi) are accommodated in schools in Kobane city.
9th November - Saturday
According to the SDF, since the start of the 17th October ‘ceasefire’ 182 SDF fighters were killed and 243 wounded.
They also reported 108 ground assaults, 82 air strikes, 110 artillery barrages outside agreed ‘safe zone’ area.
Heavy fighting took place on the Tel Tamer – Abu Rasin axis as well as villages close to Tel Tamer on the Tel Tamer – Sere Kaniye axis. The SDF and Syrian army took control of the village Dawoodiyeh in Zirgan (Abu Rasin) countryside. Soon after, Turkish proxy forces shelled the villages of Dawoodiyeh, Arisha and Qassemia. After heavy clashes and attacks from Turkish proxies west of Zirgan (Abu Rasin), Syrian army soldiers withdrew from a number of villages.
West of Tel Tamer clashes continued in the area of Mulla Salman, Mahmoudiyah, and Khirbat Kabra villages where Turkish proxies attacked mainly with mortars and heavy weapons together with strike-capable drones. Kurdish Red Crescent reported that one of its ambulances was bombed on the way to Dardara village, one person was wounded.
5 Syrian soldiers were killed and 8 were wounded after the shelling of al-Manakh and Um al-Shuayfa.
Turkish proxies captured a Syrian army truck loaded with rockets.
In the afternoon further withdrawal of Syrian forces with their heavy vehicles was reported from area between Tel Tamer and Abu Rasin.
At 11 in the evening a US military convoy of a dozen armored vehicles and 20 empty trucks entered from the eastern side of the city and headed towards the M4 international road
Turkish drones bomb the village of Hishah southwest of Ayn Issa. Two civilians were killed and 5 wounded.
8th November - Friday
Since the 17th October ceasefire agreement between the US and Turkey, 30,000 civilians have been displaced, tens of civilians killed, 1100 km² occupied and 182 SDF soldiers killed.
In the morning the third joint Russian-Turkish patrol took place in the countryside of Derik and nearby towns, often taking the same route as the US patrol three days ago.
Local villagers threw stones and shoes at the military vehicles.
Turkish soldiers fired tear gas at protesters and drove into the protesting crowds in Sermisagha village, reports indicate 10 civilians injured. Serxebun Ali, 25, was critically injured and later died from his injuries.
Turkish proxy forcies attacked the villages Khirbat Karam and Dibis, 2km west of Ayn Issa, and the Shirrak Silos and al-Masaudiyah, also west of Ayn Issa.
The SDF repelled all of the attacks.
10 large tents house 65 families in Tuwena Camp near Hasakah, including families transferred from schools in Til Temir.
7th November - Thursday
Turkish proxy forces were shelling the village of Khalidiya, 10km west of Ayn Issa, on the international M4 road.
Heavy fighting throughout the day took place in Sharaqraq village 4km east of Ayn Issa.
Conrol over Bir Issa village 5km east of Ayn Issa changed many times a day.
Turkish army was targeting Qasimia village in Tel Tamer countryside with shelling and drone strikes.
SDF and the Syrian army reclaimed the village Mashrafah Umm Shu’ayfah, northwest of Zirgan (Abu Rasin) city, from Turkish proxies.
The Syrian army and Manbij Military Council exchanged artillery fire with Turkish- backed forces in Arab Hassan (Sagheer), Al Dadaniyeh and al Hamran.
Turkish backed forces shelled the village Maranaz and Shara in Tel Rifaat region.
Some returns to North and East Syria from Bardarash refugee camp in KRG Iraq have been recorded.
The memorial ceremony for Zau Seng, international humanitarian volunteer from Burma who was killed by Turkish shelling, took place in Derik (Al Malakiya)
6th November - Wednesday
After several meetings with Coalition commanders, SDF commander Mazloum Abdi announced resumption of the joint program to combat ISIS.
Talks with the Syrian regime about the political status of North and Eastern Syria continue.
There were reports that Turkish-backed jihadists use a German-produced Leopard tank in the area of Ras al Ain (Sere Kaniye).
Fighting on the Ayn Issa axis continues.
- In the front north of Tel Tamer the past three days from 5-6 November Turkish drones have killed 18 SDF soldiers and wounded two civilians .
More than 40 trucks loaded with arms, ammunition and Russian armored vehicles arrived at the coordination and military operations center of Russian forces and SDF militia in Ayn Issa.
Heavy clashes took place between Turkish-backed SNA and SDF in the vicinity of Kafia village west of Tel Abyad.
The Khufet Salem silos in the countryside of Tel Abyad have been recaptured from Turkish proxy forces.
US forces patrol the Syrian-Iraqi-Turkish border triangle containing oil and gas fields in the countryside of Derik (al Malakiya).
Syrian government helicopters are recorded flying over the city of Manbij and its eastern countryside and landing in Saidiya base west of Manbij.
There were reports that the village of Sheikh Issa was shelled by Turkish forces.
ISIS claims 20 attacks in the first 5 days of November alone, as rates of ISIS attacks continue to rise.
5th November - Tuesday
- A large number of reinforcements, largely from Arabic-majority forces Raqqa Military Council, Tabqa Military Council, Deir ez-zor Military Council, Manbij Military Council and Syriac Military Council, have arrived in Ayn Issa, Tel Tamer and Zirgan (Abu Rasin).
- The village of Dawoudiyeh was targeted by the Turkish proxy forces in the morning hours.
- The fight also continued in the Zirgan (Abu Rasin) countryside. Two Syrian Army soldiers were wounded.
- Clashes between Turkish proxies and SDF around Qantari village continued and the village was later reported as captured by SDF.
- Turkish attacks on the Shirrak silos continued into the evening, but all were repelled.
- Syrian army units have arrived in Qamishlo for deployment along the border with Turkey.
- The Syrian Army took positions in the villages of Kardim, Dirona Qalinka, Ataba and Dirna Agi, located in the border area in the countryside of Girke Lege.
- After several delays Russian-Turkish patrols started in the village of Marj-Ismail, eastern countryside of Kobane. Local villagers threw stones and shoes at the military vehicles.
- Turkey targetted Sinjar, home of a large Yazidi community, with air strikes for a second time.
- “Due to the Turkish attacks on North and East Syria, 500 schools in the province have stopped training and education,” said Azad Mahmud, the joint head of the school administration in al-Hasakah province.
- Manbij Military Council announce the capture of three ISIS-linked women of Iraqi, Lebanese and German nationality as they attempted to enter Turkey through a smuggling route in Manbij Region.
- A large amount of US forces have entered the 113th Brigade headquarters in Deir-ez-Zor province.
4th November - Monday
- Turkish jets have conducted airstrikes on the district Khanesor in Sinjar: Reports says that 3 civilians have been killed.
- Units of the Khabour Guards, an all-Christian militia, took position to defend their villages along the Khabour river.
- The Syrian Army and SDF have pushed back Turkish forces from Tel Tamer and the Zirgan (Abu Rasin) – Tel Tamer road.
- Throughout the day the Syrian army entered the villages Qaramaniyeh, Kairouan, Karbashk, Shreik, Khirbet Haji Ibrahim, Heliwa, Arad, Zohr al-Arab, Kusra, Asadiya and Tel Harmal in the Zirgan (Abu Rasin) countryside.
- SDF military reinforcements arrived at Tel Tamer and Zirgan countryside.
- SDF forces and the Syrian army have reached the outskirts of Umm Ashba city and Amrit village.
- After heavy clashes SDF forces took control of Bir Isa village and overnight continued with an offensive on Qantri village near the M4 international road.
- Joint Russian-Asayish internal security forces patrol through the border villages in the countryside of Chil Akha (Al-Jawadiyah).
- US patrol from Rimelan to the villages of Deir al-Ghosn & Musharrafa surrounding the town of Chil Akha (Al-Jawadiyah) to Derik (al-Malikiyah) & Ain Diwar.
- Although 17 countries have repatriated at least 650 ISIS-linked children from North and East Syria since the SDF liberation of ISIS-held territories, 28,000 children from more than 60 countries remain in the region.
- SDF intelligence carried out counter-terror operations in the region of Qamishlo. At least 6 suspects were captured and were charged with connections to Turkish-backed jihadist forces.
3rd November - Sunday
- Zau Seng, medic and camera-man of the international NGO Free Burma Rangers team was killed and two were wounded by a Turkish artillery strike near al-Qasimiyah village which targeted their ambulance.
- Fighting is heavier today, with clashes and artillery shelling from Turkish forces in Hewisha, Sibata and Azizi villages towards Mahmudiya, Asadiya, Bab Al-Faraj and Um Ashba near Zirgan (Abu Rasin).
- A military convoy of the Syrian army, consisting of tanks and artillery, passed through Tel Tamer and continued north on the Abu Rasin road to Mazri and Tel Hermal villages.
- Clashes are ongoing north and east of Ayn Issa, with Turkish-backed forces using Mesrudi village as a base for attacks.
- The SDF report that they repelled an attack of Turkish proxies in the area of Kantari, Sakiru and Masoudia villages east of Ayn Issa on the M4 road.
- Russia-Turkey negotiations sought the withdrawal of Turkish proxy forces to a distance of 4km away from the M4 road. Turkey rejected this proposal and are now saying that they will build military points on the highway.
- US forces have withdrawn from the Serrin military base, south of Kobane, two days after the arrival of dozens of trucks and carriers to remove the remaining equipment.
- US forces conducted a patrol consisting of 3 armored vehicles, starting from the town of Rimelan, heading towards Qamishlo.
2nd November - Saturday
- Turkish proxy forces continued with attack in the eastern and southern areas od Ras al-Ain, especially in the Khabour area and the villages around Tel Tamer.
- Syriac Military council will be deployed in the front lines of the Khabour area and will take over security and military responsibility from SFD.
- SDF have taken back control of 7 villages in the Abu Rasin/Zarkan and Tel Tamer countryside.
- Unidentified planes were reported to fly over Tel Tamer.
- The SDF has reported capturing of Bab al-Faraj and Muslehat Al-Kom.
- Attacks on villages north of Ain Issa continued.
- Syrian army was shelling the city Al-Humran in Turkish occupied area, north-west of Manbij in Jarablus.
- Car exploded in the city of Tal Abyad.
- According to Military sources US forces will establish 3 small military bases in the city of Qamishlo.
1st November - Friday
- The Turkish proxy forces attacked a village 7 km northwest of Ayn Issa.
- The first Russian-Turkish patrol started from Shereke village at 11 AM, heading towards Dirbesiye and Amude and finished at 6PM. The villagers protested against the Turkish patrol, some threw stones at the military vehicles.
- At the beginning of the day the situation in Tel Tamer was calmer than the day before, although some drones in the air were reported. Turkish proxy forces attacked villages in Zarkan (Abu Rassin) countryside. Attacks were repelled and number of Turkish backed forces soldiers were captured.
- Total numbers of refugees arriving in KRG reached 13,828.
- 66,000 IDPs in Hasakah are temporarily housed in private homes. 63 schools in Hasakah house thousands of IDPs.
- Work is being done in Raqqa region to provide additional accommodation and support for at least 5,000 displaced people from Tel Abyad and Ayn Issa countryside.
- There was an explosion near an SDF checkpoint in the outskirts of the city of Shehil, most likely caused by a car bomb.
- An US patrol, conducted alongside local military forces, passed through Rimelan, Chil Akha, Tel Kocher and Derik. This area, in the northeast “border triangle” of Syria, Iraq and Turkey, hosts oil fields and infrastructure.
October 2019
31st October - Thursday
- Roads from Tel Tamer toward Zirgan (Abu Rasin) and Aliye have been cut off by Turkish forces.
- Syrian Army and local forces regained control of five villages: Rajla, Abu Rasin, Hamra, Manakh, Sibatiya, and Qasimia, located on the Tel Tamer and Abu Rasin axis.
- Swedish-national doctor in NE Syria, released a report documenting burns that may have come from chemical weapons.
- Turkish proxy forces withdrew from 4 villages situated on the M4 international road, handing them over t
- Alhough many border positions in Dirbesiye were empty SAA have not completely withdrawn, many SAA are outside city at city entrance.
- Russian Military Police patrolled near the city at 12 noon today.
- 3 civilians were killed and 4 wounded in Turkish bombardment near Zirgan village.
- The Syrian Army strengthen their positions north of Tel Temir. Front line is now about 4 km north of Tel Temir.
- Motocycle explosion in Hasakah targeting a military vehicle. 2 SDF soldiers and five civilians were injured. Reports said that ISIS claimed responsibility of the attack.
- IDPs from Sere Kaniye have set up their tents outside the UN offices in Qamishlo. They say they will remain there, in protest, until their voices are heard by the UN.
- US troops and about a hundred empty trucks passed on the M4 road south of Tel Tamer towards Ayn Issa and Kobane. Later in the day they arrived at their airbase near Sirin, 30KM south of Kobane.
- In the evening Turkey handed over 18 Syrian soldiers to Russian army at border crossing gate.
30th October - Wednesday
Some reports indicate that the regime army sodiers fled as they were placed on the front line without support of heavy weapons and they were heavily attacked by Turkish forces. Other reports said that the retreat looked orderly and planned.
Turkish military & affiliated armed groups are bombing the village of Bir-Zinar, 25km in southwestern countryside of Tal-Abyad.
Footage shows SAA soldiers leaving the front west of Dirbesiyeh.
From local source it was confirmed that at least some SAA remain on the border north of Amude.
Unidentified gunmen opened fire on Deir Ez zor, killing him instantly and injuring another person who was accompanied by a shoulder shot.
A Russian patrol started from the city of Qamişlo, towards the Dirbêsiyê area. Some reports say the Turkish patrol will join at 31st Oct, some say the 1st, some say the following Friday.
Turkish President Erdogan threatens to “cleanse Kobani as soon as possible and expand the safe zone.”
General Command of SDF says Turkish backed groups “are moving from Abu Rasen side and trying to cut the road between Tel Tamer and Abu Rasen and to affect the Tel Tamer – Ras al-Ain road”
Second US convoy went through Tel Tamer. They were heading west.
29th October - Tuesday
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As the deadline for SDF withdrawal to 30km from the border passed, Russia confirmed full withdrawal of SDF troops and military equipment from the zone.
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Syrian government forces and local military councils remain.
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There were severe clashes between Turkish-backed forces and Syrian Army forces resulting in many casualties east of Sere Kaniye, in one of the most hotly contested areas Abu Rasin/Zarkan.
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Clashes, kidnappings and looting continue within the occupied zone.
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Syrian Government and Coalition forces have attacked each other’s positions in Deir ez Zor.
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The SDF for the first time officially confirmed the death of international volunteer Konstantin G from Germany. Konstantin, who was given the Kurdish name Andok, was killed by a Turkish air strike in Sere Kaniye on the 16th October.
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The regional authorities of Jazeera region has issued an urgent call for help to cope with the water crisis caused by Turkish attacks on water infrastructure.
28th October - Monday
- Russian troops are beginning to patrol east of Qamishlo towards Derik, and Syrian, and the Syrian Army has taken positions along the border east of Sere Kaniye.
- The water crisis in Hasakah continues as displaced families await the construction of a refugee camp outside of the city of Hasakah.
- Ongoing report of violations from the occupied region emerge.
- In the morning Turkish proxies carried out field executions in the village of Arayed north of Ayn Issa. The victims were Mahmoud al-Zaher, 60 and Barho al-Alou, 65. Turkish proxies also kidnapped and killed three civilians.
- The Coalition conducted another raid in coordination with SDF to capture senior ISIS leaders in Jarablus, on the border with Turkey.
- Despite the ceasefire there were ongoing heavy clashes and shelling in villages east of Sere Kaniye and in the villages along the road down south to Tel Tamer.
- Attacks from Turkish backed armed groups in north of Mambij forced many civilians to flew from the area.
- Turkish proxies occupied 24 villages south of Tel Abyad after SDF had withdrawn according to the Sochi agreement between Russia and Turkey.
- US forces have returned to the Qusarki base located between Tel Tamer and Tal Baidar in the Hasakah countryside.
27th October - Sunday
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In the night of the 26th – 27th October the ISIS leader Abu Bakr-Bagdadi was killed in US military raid in the region of Idlib. The operation was conducted from Erbil (KRG Iraq) and not from US-held Incirlik airbase in Turkey.
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SDF forces have been seen withdrawing away from the border in the direction of Hasakah.
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Turkish attacks on villages south-east of Sere Kaniye, east of Sere Kaniye and south-west of Tal Abyad continue.
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The Syrian Army takes positions along the border while will be guarantor against further Turkish aggresion. from the Euphrates in the west to the Tigris in the east.
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When the Syrian Army took position in the contested area of Abu Rassin east of Sere Kaniye, they were directly involved in heavy clashes with Turkish proxy forces in the villages Harmala, Bab al Khair and Um Eshba.
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Turkish proxy forces took the village Tel Dhiyab in the Sere Kaniye countryside from the Syrian Army.
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Convoy of 35 armored US army vehicles proceeded on the Hasakah – Qamishlo road in the night, accompanied by airplanes.
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The first 15 families arrived at Newroz refugee camp near city of Derik; more will arrive in the coming days. Gawilan Camp in Dohuk has been expanded to house newly arrived refugees from North and East Syria.
26th October - Saturday
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The Syrian Army has also deployed more troops, notably around the villages of Kobane region and in Abu Surra, a village northwest of Ayn Issa on the M4.
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Former residents of Ayn Issa camp have been relocated to Al Hol camp.
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Reports of assault of civilians and looting continue to emerge from Sere Kaniye and Tel Abyad.
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Bardarash camp in Duhok, Iraq reached capacity with approximately 2,000 Syrian refugee families (estimated at 12,000 people)
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Turkish proxies launched attacks on Dawudiyah in Ras Al-Ayn countryside with tanks and howitzers (artillery), including the area directly east of Sere Kaniye. Turkish drones were also seen in the airspace.
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there was heavy fighting in multiple villages on the Sere Kaniye – Tel Tamer axis.
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An American military convoy has re-entered North East Syria. It moved through Qamishlo city, supervised by American helicopters. They have taken positions around oil fields east of Qamishlo. At least 13 American vehicles are heading to Deir ez Zor.
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Germany has announced that it is ready to send forces to Syria.
25th October - Friday
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Russian patrols from Qamishlo to Dirbesiye and the arrival of a Russian convoy of 25 military vehicles in Kobane while the Syrian Army has established a base in Kobane and set up checkpoints on the M4 road near Masoudiyah village in Raqqa region.
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There are reports of a US military convoy returning to North East Syria.
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The women fighter in the video footage of Turkish proxy forces is Cicek Kobane and one of the appearing solders was identified as Yaser Abdulrahim, a member of al Majd faction, which stands accused of war crimes including maltreatment of prisoners of war.
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The Kurdish Red Crescent confirmed the death of three paramedics who were kidnapped near Suluk in the surroundings of Tel Abyad on the 13th October. Their bodies were found dumped in the sewer.
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The UNHCR reported over 8,000 new arrivals in past week, 75% of whom are women and children in Bardarash camp in Duhok, Iraq. Some children arrive unaccompanied, and new arrivals continue.
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Amnesty International published a report documenting Turkey’s forced settlement of Syrian refugees to border areas of Syria where there is ongoing conflict.
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Throughout the morning Turkish proxy forces attacked the villages of Leylan and Abu Rassen (Zarkan), east of Sere Kaniye, also the villages of Asadiyah, Nuh and Derdara, between Tel Tamer and Sere Kaniye.
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In the morning there were attacks by Turkish backed forces in the countryside of Ayn Issa. A family including children was injured as a result of an attack on Rogeman village in the countryside of Ayn Issa.
24th October - Thursday
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Turkey continues with attacks and advancing towards Tel Tamer, where thousands of displaced families are seeking shelter. The village of Manajir has been claimed by Turkish backed forces.
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The Syrian government has sent 160 vehicles containing 1300 soldiers, supplies and weaponry to the border, particularly around Kobane.
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The first Russian patrol between Qamishlo and Amude took place.
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New refugee camp near Hasakah is being established by the local administration to house families displaced from Sere Kaniye. Also Newroz camp near Derik has now been reopended.
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Internal Secrity Forces (Asayish) arrest five escaped ISIS-linked women who were attempting to flee towards the Iraqi border, along with 18 children.
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Ground clashes continue to take place between the SDF and Turkish proxy forces east of Sere Kaniye, in the Um Ashya in the Abu Rassen countryside.
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There are ongoing reports of kidnapping for ransom and murder of civilians in Sukuk, Tel Abyad countryside.
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The headquarters of Turkish proxy forces in Tel Abyad was targetted by bomb.
23rd October - Wednesday
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Turkish proxy forces attacked villages west, east, and south of the occupied zone, particularly focusing on trying to gain control over villages close to the M4 international road.
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There were clashes in villages between Sere Kaniye and Tel Tamer, the area south east of Tel Abyad, as well as the region around Manbij.
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A child died and an adult civilian was injured when they stepped on a mine west of Hasakah.
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There was a drone strike on municipal offices in Abu Rassem east of Sere Kaniye.
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In Qamishlo, a car bomb exploded outside a community center, injuring one person, in an attack claimed by ISIS.
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An unclaimed motorcycle bombing south of Hasakah caused several injuries.
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Car bombs exploded in Suluk and Raqqa. The attacks have not been claimed by anyone.
22nd October - Tuesday
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A new Turkey – Russia cedes Sere Kaniye and Tel Abyad to Turkey, and establishes Turkey – Russia patrols along a 10 km zone along the border (with the exception of Qamishlo).
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The situation in IDP camps is reaching breaking point, as international aid food packets have not arrived in Al Hol and the population of Mahmoudli camp swells from new arrivals.
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Grain silos in Tel Abyad were raided by Turkish proxies, and ISIS-affiliated factions within Turkish backed forces have continued to loot houses and shops and sell the stolen goods.
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A video has emerged which appears to show members of Turkish proxies from “Al Majd Division” mutilating a corpse which they claim is a deceased YPJ fighter.
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There are reports of imposition of sharia law in Tel Abyad, with women being forced to wear full face covering and not leave the home without a male chaperone.
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A group of ISIS-linked women and their children, who had broken out of Ayn Issa camp, were arrested while trying to enter Turkey from Manbij region. One was German and two were Lebanese.
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In Tel Abyad, Sere Kaniye and the surrounding countryside the Turkish army and proxy forces continue to violate the ceasefire, attacking villages in the morning. The SDF recaptured a number a villages in the area.
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Syrian government forces were reported south of Kobane and passing through Tel Tamer.
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Thousands of people protesting against the Turkish invasion and accusing Turkey of war crimes.
21st October - Monday
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The SDF made a statement saying that since the announcement of the ceasefire, Turkey has violated its terms 37 times, listing 13 ground attacks, 10 airstrikes and 14 artillery attacks.
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Villagers living within the Turkish-occupied zone allege war crimes, saying that Turkish backed forces are robbing, assaulting and humiliating residents. A 17 year old boy has been reported as kidnapped.
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Families are fleeing from Dirbesiye in advance of the end of the ceasefire.
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Turkish Proxy forces advanced to the region southeast of the Sere Kaniye with tanks and artillery. The SDF and the Syrian Army repulsed several attacks on the villages between Sere Kaniye and Tel Tamer. Turkey established a military observation post west of Sere Kaniye.
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In Tel Abyad, there are intensive military movements by the Turkish army, accompanied by reconnaissance flights. Two Turkish helicopters dropped off troops in the village of Zenubiye at about 4:00 AM in the morning of the 21st. Turkish proxy forces attacked villages west of Tel Abyad. There are reports of Turkish proxy forces killing civilians in the village Dadat, east of Tel Abyad and seizing the property of the displaced people in the villages in the region.
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There have been clashes between Turkish proxy forces and the SDF in villages north of the city of Ayn Issa.
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A large number of Syrian Army soldiers have been deployed along the international highway M4 close to Ayn Issa.
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Turkish planes targeted the area of al-Khalidiya, north of Raqqa.
20th October - Sunday
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There were repeated clashes between SDF and Turkish proxy forces in the area of Sere Kaniye.
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The convoy of medics and journalists brought wounded from Sere Kaniye to hospitals in Qamishlo, Hasakah, and Tel Tamer.
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At 6 PM (GMT+03), the SDF announced full withdrawal from Sere Kaniye in order to comply with the terms of the ceasefire.
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In the evening, Turkish drones bombed the region around Abu Resen east of Sere Kaniye.
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Turkish proxy forces attacked villages south of Tel Abyad, as well as the towns of Cirin, Kobane and villages on the Euphrates shore close Kobane.
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In the morning, Turkey shelled a village outside of Ayn Issa. Turkish warplanes were reported above Ayn Issa.
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Russian forces are patrolling in Manbij.
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US forces have fully withdrawn from western Rojava and are moving to Western Iraq.
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The Syrian Democratic Council calls for specialized missions to investigate alleged war crimes.
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Displacement continues, most displaced people are heading towards Hasakah
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There are reports of Turkish proxy forces looting homes and farms and terrorizing civilians in areas where Turkish proxies have established military positions.
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ISIS affiliates tried to flee from Al Hol Camp. 46 women and 56 children broke out, but were recaptured by security forces.
19th October - Saturday
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The Kurdish Red Crescent reports that since the start of the ceasefire, they have documented 20 civilian deaths and 20 serious injuries. Calls for observation and enforcement by third party is growing.
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The convoy made up of 20 ambulances evacuated 30 wounded individuals and 5 deceased. The wounded were taken to hospitals in Tel Tamer, Qamishlo and Hasakah.
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The potential usage of chemical weapons is being investigated by UN chemical weapons inspectors. There are currently six patients, including children, who are receiving treatment for burns from “unknown weapons.”
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14 ISIS-linked families breakout from Al Hol camp. Later they were found and returned to the camp. They claimed to “join the war against the Kurds”.
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Fighting in Sere Kaniye continued throughout the whole night. Turkey brought additional proxy forces and heavy weapons. Turkish planes bombed the city and in afternoon proxy forces started to attack Sere Kaniye hospital.
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There are increasing reports of Turkish proxy forces seizing civilian houses, detaining civilians and looting their homes in Tel Abyad.
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Hundreds of people protested against Turkish occupation. Demonstrators called on the United Nations to intervene to evacuate the wounded.
18th October - Friday
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Sere Kaniye was completely cut off by Turkish forces, who continued to attack the city with artillery fire, drone strikes and air strikes, despite its location in the ceasefire zone. There have also been clashes between SDF and Turkish proxy forces in the villages east of Sere Kaniye.
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Intercepted radio communications revealed that Turkish proxy forces aim to continue fighting, despite the ceasefire.
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The Kurdish Red Crescent, the NGO Cadus and an American relief organisation attempted to reach Sere Kaniye in a civilian convoy of 100 vehicles, but were unable to reach it due to the presence of proxy forces, drones and ongoing shelling in the area. The KRC has released a statement saying that some wounded people in its Sere Kaniye hospital “already passed away due to the lack of blood and other needed medical help.”
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In Kobane, there was a demonstration rejecting the Turkish invasion.
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In Raqqa, Tabqa and Deir Ez-Zor, there were demonstrations against the Syrian Government army presence.
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In Derik the situation was stable. There were several unattributed aircraft flyovers.
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In Tel Abyad, Turkish reconnaissance aircraft flights , helicopters and artillery shelling were reported.
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The humanitarian situation in Tel Tamer and Hasakah continues to be at crisis point, with over 100,000 displaced people crowded into the city without adequate supplies. Several hundred refugees have crossed into Iraq, and have been placed in Bardarash refugee camp near Duhok, and another nearby camp.
17th October - Thursday
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9 PM: Turkey and the United States announce 5 day ceasefire. Conditions include SDF withdrawal to 32 km south of the Turkish border, ceding primary “enforcement” of the “security zone” to Turkey, as well as the destruction of heavy weaponry by the SDF. According to Mazloum Ebdi, the head of the SDF forces, the agreement will only cover the areas of Sere Kaniye (Ras al Ain) and Tel Abyad.
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In Asadiya, a Turkish air strike hit an ambulance, killing a paramedic and critically injuring three nurses
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Heavy clashes are being reported from the regions around Sere Kaniye, Tel Tamer, Tel Abyad, and Derik. Control of villages and neighborhoods kept changing hands throughout the day.
16th October - Wednesday
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The UN calls on Turkey to investigate after the autopsy of politician, Hevrin Khalaf indicates that she was shot several times at close range and beaten, causing severe bleeding and multiple fractures.
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The French Foreign Minister confirmed that nine French ISIS-linked individuals escaped from a camp in the region
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Tel Helef came under heavy attack, the SDF held their defensive position.
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In Sere Kaniye, the SDF repelled several waves of heavy attacks in the morning, in the afternoon Turkey bombed the city and Turkish proxy forces attacked accompanied by artillery shelling.
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Mustafa Bali, Head of the SDF press office requested international organisations investigate claims over the use of unconventional weapons in Sere Kaniye.
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Tel Tamer, full of displaced people, was hit by Turkish artillery and surrounding villages were attacked by Turkish proxies. The Syrian Army and SDF have established defensive positions to the west of the city. Both sides are trying to control the M4 highway to the west of Tel Tamer.
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SDF and Syrian Army clash with Turkish proxy forces between Kobane and Ain Issa, regaining at least yen villages according to a local source.
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Indiscriminate Turkish shelling of civlians continue with one death and many injuries reported in Al Aled near Ain Issa.
15th October - Tuesday
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Reports of Turkish-affiliated soldiers looting and assaulting civilians in border towns.
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The front line advances towards Tel Tamer -the city hosting displaced and injured civilians fleeing from Sere Kaniye and Tel Helef. Whilst residents and displaced people flee from Tel Tamer to Hasakah the large number of internally displaced people remaining in the city leads to bread shortages.
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The Kurdish Red Crescent reports further deliberate targeting of their ambulances with artillery attacks.
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Vast majority of international NGOs leave northern Syria – a stripped-back UN and ICRC presence remains in some refugee camps.
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American forces refuse the Syrian Army entry to Kobane.
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US President Donald Trump signs an executive order imposing sanctions on Turkey’s defence and energy departments. He announces a doubling of tariffs on Turkey’s steel exports – to 50% – and the suspension of a $100billion trade deal between Turkey and the US.
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Trump announces that a “small footprint” of US forces will remain in Al Tanf.
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The UK government announce the suspension of new arms sales to Turkey.
14th October - Monday
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Following the agreement between SDF and the Syrian government, Syrian Army Forces entered Raqqa, Tabqa, Hasakeh, Ain Issa, Tel Tamer, Manbij and Kobane, establishing military positions there.
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Russian aircraft entered the conflict for the first time above Minbij
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Turkish army and Turkish proxy forces prepare to attack Minbij
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Heavy clashes between SDF and Turkish proxy forces in Sere Kaniye, Dirbesiye and Tel Abyad.
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Turkish bombing killed a Kurdish Red Crescent doctor. Four Red Crescent members were kidnapped in Tel Abyad by Turkish proxy forces.
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An EU summit in Luxembourg failed to pass an EU wide arms embargo against Turkey
13th October - Sunday
The United States prepares to evacuate its remaining military forces in Northern Syria.
Turkey bombs a civilian convoy near Serekaniye, killing 12 people and wounding 73 others. A Kurdish journalist is among the dead.
ISIS-affiliated families escape from Ain Issa camp after Turkish shelling whilst the SDF arrest an ISIS cell west of Dirbesiye.
The SDF and the Autonomous Administration announce they have entered a military agreement with the Syrian and Russian governments. The agreement includes the intention to push Turkish-backed forces out of Afrin – occupied by Turkey since April 2018 – and leaves the Autonomous Administration in control of local government and institutions.
12th October - Saturday
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Turkish claims to have taken Sere Kaniye contradicted by sources on the ground.
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Turkish proxy forces executed Hevrin Khalaf, the Secretary General of the Syria Future Party along with eight others on the M4 highway.
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ISIS attacked a check point in Bahoz.
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The Kurdish Red Crescent said Turkish forces were deliberately targetting their staff and preventing them from reaching wounded civilians
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US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin warned Ankara that sanctions were being prepared.
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Russian President Putin condemned the Turkish invasion as did Arab League foreign ministers.
11th October - Friday
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Turkish forces start shelling Kobane – the city liberated from ISIS by the YPG in 2014. An American military base in the city is bombed.
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Turkish attack on Kurdish Red Crescent medical centre near Sere Kaniye.
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Water infrastructure in Hasakah region is shelled by Turkish forces and water shortages are reported at hospitals across the region.
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A car bomb in Qamishlo is claimed by ISIS;
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There is attempted prison break-out by ISIS-affiliated women in Al Hol prison camp.
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Five ISIS prisoners escape a prison facility, after being moved due to Turkish shelling.
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“We will never accept that refugees are weaponized and used to blackmail us,” writes Donald Tusk, President of the European Council of EU leaders, in response to Turkish President Erdogan’s threat to “flood” Europe with refugees.
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Italy’s Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte calls for Turkey’s military operations to cease with immediate effect.
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France, Cyprus and Greece call for economic sanctions at an upcoming EU summit.
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The Swedish parliament passes a motion pushing for an EU-wide embargo against arms sales to Turkey.
10th October - Thursday
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Turkish airstrikes and attempted ground incursions around Sere Kaniye (Ras al-Ayn) and Tel Abyad (Gire Spi). Most significant advances made in villages west of Sere Kaniye, nearly surrounding the city. Civilians and SDF remain inside Sere Kaniye, resisiting.
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· Ground incursions attempted as far East as Dirbesiye
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· Civilians and infrastructure targetted, including the Seer Kaniye hospital,water facilities in Hasakah, oil infrastructure in Rimelan and shelling of a demonstration in Tel Abyad.
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ISIS attacked SDF in Deir ez Zor and Al Bab.
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Confirmation of the presence of jihadist groups among Turkish forces including Sham Front, Al Hamza Division, Shield Al Hasekeh and former ISIS leader Rami Dahsh.
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Faisal Maqdad, the Syrian Regime’s Foreign Minister, promises to defend its territory from ‘foreign invading forces’
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Turkish President Erdogan defended the offensive and threatened the European Union, suggesting he could “open the gates and send 3.6 million refugees your way”
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UN Security Council failed to agree on Turkey on a resolution to halt the military action.
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Norway and Finland suspend their arms trade with Turkey.
9th October - Wednesday
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4pm: Turkish airstrikes began in Serekaniye (Ras al Ain) and Tel Abyad (Gire Spi)
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4.30pm: Turkey began shelling Qamishlo
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Air strikes hit Ain Issa, 50km from the Turkish border and not in the ‘safe-zone’
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Waves of displaced civilians begin moving away from conflict areas. The Semalka border crossing to Iraqi Kurdistan was swollen with those trying to escape.
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Turkish army shelled Al-Chikrin prison, where the most dangerous ISIS prisoners are held. ISIS women attempt to break out of Al-Hol camp in Al-Hasakah. ISIS carried out an armed attack in Mansoura, near Raqqa
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Turkey’s actions are condemned by leading figures in NATO, European Commission, France, Britain, Germany, Iran and Egypt. US Congress members sharply criticised President Trump’s decision to allow the Turkish invasion