Turkish-backed troops continue striking PKK/YPG strongholds in Syria PHOTO/VIDEO

On January 15, the Türkiye-backed Syrian National Army (SNA) continued to attack positions of the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), along the contact line and deep within SDF-controlled territory.

The SNA air assets struck a convoy organized by the Autonomous Administration of North East Syria (AANES) as it was travelling to the Tishrin Dam, located east of Aleppo. This marks the second such attack on a convoy in the region in less than a week, following a similar strike on January 8, Caliber.Az reports, referencing a report from the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).

Turkish fighter jets carry out airstrikes on PKK/YPG-held areas around Tishreen Dam

The convoy, which included approximately 900 people, was reportedly hit by at least two airstrikes, killing at least three individuals, according to Syrian sources. The SDF confirmed that Turkish "warplanes" were responsible for the strikes.

AANES, which governs northeast Syria and is affiliated with the SDF, had called for civilians to travel to the Tishrin Dam to protest Turkish-backed military operations in the area. The SDF has been engaged in heavy fighting with the SNA near the Tishrin Dam since mid-December 2024. The recent airstrikes are seen as part of Türkiye's broader strategy to target SDF supply lines and key nodes behind the front lines while simultaneously applying pressure on SDF positions with ground assaults.

In a separate development, the SNA continued its assault on SDF positions along the line of control on January 15. Anti-SDF media outlets reported that the SNA shelled SDF positions in Abu Raseen, near the contact line north of Tal Tamr. Airstrikes also targeted SDF positions around Tal Tamr. This offensive coincided with reports of SNA deployments along the line of control, which began at least on January 8.

Turkish F-16s continue to fly massively in Syrian airspace

The SNA and Turkish forces also maintained pressure on the SDF bridgehead west of the Tishrin Dam, with reports of ongoing clashes in the area. On the same day, the SDF announced that six of its fighters were killed in confrontations with SNA forces near the dam. Turkish airstrikes reportedly targeted SDF positions in tunnels and above ground near the dam as part of continued efforts to disrupt the SDF's presence in the region.

By Khagan Isayev