ISW: Türkiye launches airstrike on SDF position as tensions rise along eastern frontline MAP/video

Türkiye launched an attack on Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) positions along the eastern frontline, amid mounting signs of a potential Turkish-backed Syrian National Army (SNA) offensive.

On January 12, local, anti-SDF media reported a drone strike by Türkiye targeting an SDF position on Mount Abdulaziz, south of Tal Tamr, Caliber.Az reports via ISW.

🚨 Türk savaş uçakları, Ayn El Arab bölgesindeki terör örgütü PKK/YPG unsurlarını yoğun bir şekilde vuruyor. pic.twitter.com/wWPoVNFEfo

— Conflict (@ConflictTR) January 12, 2025

Türkiye has continued to support the SNA’s efforts to encircle SDF positions along the Euphrates River, following a data cut-off on January 11. Reports from local media indicated that Turkish fighter jets hit several SDF positions near Sarrin, east of the Qara Qozak bridge. 

Turkish warplanes destroying PKK/YPG targets south of Ayn al-Arab. pic.twitter.com/8w9NluP9JZ

— Clash Report (@clashreport) January 12, 2025

Clashes between the SDF and the SNA persisted west of the Tishreen Dam, with the SDF posting geolocated footage on January 11 showing their forces engaging SNA fighters in Mahshiyat al Tawahin, located approximately 3.5 kilometres northwest of the dam. The SDF also deployed drones targeting SNA fighters along the frontlines. Syrian media confirmed that seven SDF members were killed in the fighting, while local, anti-SDF outlets reported that the SNA had sent reinforcements to the area.

In al Bab City, northeast of Aleppo, HTS-led forces apprehended several individuals attempting to carry out an explosive attack on January 12. Geolocated photos revealed the explosives-laden motorcycle that had been seized. This marks the second attempted motorcycle bombing in SNA-controlled territory since January 1.

HTS-led forces also released around 360 former regime personnel from detention centres in Homs Province on January 12. The General Security Department of HTS confirmed that initial investigations found no weapons or intentions to disrupt the HTS-led interim government, with the detainees having been arrested during operations in early January.

Meanwhile, the Jordanian Armed Forces reported engaging several armed smugglers attempting to cross from Syria on January 12. The clash resulted in the death of one smuggler, the confiscation of weapons, including two Kalashnikov rifles and a pistol, and a large quantity of narcotics. One Jordanian border guard was injured.

This is the second such incident observed along the Jordan-Syria border since the fall of the Assad regime. On January 7, Jordan and the HTS-led Syrian interim government established a joint security committee to tackle cross-border drug and weapons smuggling.

By Aghakazim Guliyev