Escalating conflict in northern Aleppo: Pro-Turkish factions launch offensive as Syrian army tightens control MAP/VIDEO

The pro-Turkish Syrian National Army (SNA) has officially launched Operation Dawn of Freedom, targeting the region from al-Bab to Tadef within the area covered by Operation Euphrates Shield.

Fierce clashes have erupted between the SNA and forces loyal to Bashar al-Assad's government in northern Aleppo, escalating the already tense situation in the region, Caliber.Az reports.

According to a post by SavunmaSanayiST.com on the social media platform X, the conflict has intensified, drawing widespread attention to the ongoing military engagements.

#SONDAKİKA | Suriye Milli Ordusu, Fırat Kalkanı Harekatı bölgesindeki El-Bab’dan Tadif’e yönelik olarak "ÖZGÜRLÜK ŞAFAĞI" operasyonunu başlattığını duyurdu.

Bölgede, Suriye Milli Ordusu ile rejim askerleri arasında şiddetli çatışmalar yaşanıyor. pic.twitter.com/BZ0Qlf3xbz

— SavunmaSanayiST.com (@SavunmaSanayiST) November 29, 2024

As the fighting rages on, Türkiye has voiced its concerns about further destabilization in Syria. The Turkish government continues to stress the importance of maintaining Syria's unity and territorial integrity, calling for stability in the region. Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesperson Oncu Keceli underscored Ankara's commitment to avoiding new conflicts that could worsen the fragile situation in neighboring Syria.

"Maintaining calm in Idlib and the adjacent region, which is at ground zero of our border, is a priority for Türkiye," Keceli stated. "Since 2017, Türkiye has been diligent in fulfilling the terms of several agreements regarding the Idlib de-escalation zone."

Keceli also condemned recent attacks on Idlib, noting that they undermine the spirit of the Astana agreements and have resulted in heavy civilian casualties. He urged an end to the violence, which has further escalated tensions.

Ankara is also closely monitoring attacks against civilians and Turkish forces in the areas of Tal Rifaat and Manbij, where earlier agreements to expel terrorist groups have not been fully implemented. "In line with our commitment to Syria's unity and territorial integrity, as well as our counter-terrorism priorities, we continue to closely monitor developments," Keceli concluded.

Meanwhile, the situation in Aleppo has grown more tense as the Syrian army blocks the main roads leading to and from the city, with only military personnel allowed to pass through the newly erected checkpoints. Additionally, all flights at Aleppo International Airport have been canceled, isolating the city further amid the intensifying conflict.

Russia, a key ally of the Syrian government, has pledged additional military support to help Damascus suppress rebel forces in the region, with new equipment expected to arrive within the next 72 hours. In response to the ongoing rebel advances, the Syrian army has been instructed to facilitate a "safe retreat" from key areas of Aleppo now under rebel control. This strategic shift aims to prevent further opposition gains and regain control over the city.

By Vafa Guliyeva