Turkish-backed Syrian army advances south of Maskanah, democratic forces on alert

In early January 2025, the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army (SNA) made significant strides in outflanking the southern advance of the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) along the Aleppo-Raqqa highway.

Anti-SDF media outlets reported that the SNA had seized control of several villages in the desert south of Maskanah, advancing up to the train tracks south of the city. This move positions SNA forces approximately five kilometers from Maskanah, Caliber.Az reports citing the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).

A photo circulated by anti-SDF media showed SNA fighters observing Maskanah from a position in the desert. Maskanah, located along the Aleppo-Raqqa highway, holds strategic importance as its capture would sever the westernmost SDF advance along the highway connecting Raqqa and Tabqa cities to the east.

🚨 Suriye Milli Ordusu, Sultan Murat Tugayı Tişrin hattında PKK/YPG terör örgütünü vuruyor. pic.twitter.com/T7623LK2mu

— Conflict (@ConflictTR) January 5, 2025

The SDF had previously captured Maskanah during their southern push towards Deir Hafer and Khafseh in late December 2024. An anti-SDF social media user claimed that as of January 5, the SDF remained in control of Deir Hafer. Reports from anti-SDF media indicated that the SDF was fortifying Maskanah on January 5 in anticipation of a potential SNA assault on the city.

The SNA's southern advance poses a direct threat to the SDF's control over the Aleppo-Raqqa highway, jeopardizing their ability to reinforce and supply fighters stationed in Deir Hafer and along the Khafseh axis. Should the SNA successfully capture Maskanah, the SDF's counteroffensive would become considerably more difficult, if not unfeasible. Furthermore, capturing Maskanah would put SDF strongholds in Tabqa and Raqqa at risk, forcing the SDF to make difficult decisions regarding prioritizing the Euphrates River crossings or defending Raqqa City.

Özgürlük Şafağı Operasyon Odasına bağlı Müşterek Kuvvet, Münbiç hattına yeni bir askeri sevkiyat daha gönderiyor.

Örgüt, Sivil halkı zorla silah altına alarak kendi sonunu hazırlıyor.
Kahraman Milli Ordu askerlerimizin taarruza geçmesiyle birlikte, aynı Münbiç'te olduğu gibi,… pic.twitter.com/68AJN4bDWx

— İbrahim Bozan (@ibrahimbozanTR) January 5, 2025

In addition to the ground assault, the SNA and Turkish forces continued to pressure the SDF's operations west of the Tishreen Dam through airstrikes and artillery. On January 4, the SDF reported that it had repelled SNA attacks supported by Turkish air support in the Manbij countryside and near the Tishreen Dam. 

Local media reported multiple Turkish airstrikes targeting SDF positions near the Dam and along supply lines from Raqqa to the frontlines, including hits on SDF logistics in al Jarniya District and an SDF position near Sarrin. Furthermore, the SNA also reportedly shelled the entrances to Tishreen Dam and an SDF position in Ain Issa. The SDF announced the death of 12 of its fighters on January 5.

By Vafa Guliyeva