ISW : Turkish airstrikes target PKK/YPG strongholds north of Syria's Raqqa PHOTO/MAP

The Turkish-backed Syrian National Army (SNA) has intensified shelling of positions held by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and its Kurdish militia allies, the PKK/YPG, along the M4 highway to the north of Raqqa.

According to the latest report from the American Institute for the Study of War (ISW), the SNA targeted PKK/YPG positions in areas such as Tarwaziya and Ayn Fawar, both situated along the key M4 highway, per Caliber.Az.

Additionally, the SNA reportedly shelled PKK/YPG positions in the Dardar area, near Tal Tamra. The ISW report highlights that artillery exchanges have been ongoing in the region, particularly between the SNA and the PKK/YPG, as tensions along the frontlines in the Raqqa and Hasakeh provinces continue to escalate. These exchanges come as the SNA has reinforced its forces along these frontlines.

The situation further intensified on February 16, when Turkish airstrikes targeted PKK/YPG positions north of the Qara Qozak Bridge, located on the eastern bank of the Euphrates River. 

The airstrikes also resumed against PKK/YPG targets on the western side of the river, specifically across from Jarabulus, where key areas like Zor Magar and al-Shuyukh were struck.

Local media reported that the Turkish Armed Forces and the Syrian National Army, conducting joint operations on the Teshreen Dam and Qara Qozak frontlines, neutralized seven PKK/YPG militants. The airstrikes and artillery shelling form part of Türkiye’s continued military operations in northern Syria aimed at diminishing PKK/YPG influence in the region.

By Tamilla Hasanova