• Source: 2019 Tell Rifaat clashes

The 2019 Tell Rifaat Clashes were a military confrontation between Turkey and allied Free Syrian Army groups against the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) in early May 2019.




Background


The clashes began after two Turkish soldiers were killed on May 4, 2019, in a confrontation with the YPG, and one soldier was injured. In retaliation, the Turkish Defense Ministry claimed to have killed a total of 23 YPG fighters. Following the incident, a Turkish official told Reuters that a larger operation would be launched "if necessary."




Timeline


On 4 May 2019, the Syrian National Army (SNA) announced it had initiated an operation against the YPG in the villages near Tell Rifaat. The SNA managed to initially capture the three villages of Mar'anaz, Al-Malikiyah, and Shawarighat al Arz, facing little resistance. After taking the villages the SNA stated “Our aspiration is to reach Tel Rifaat and what is beyond it.” However, subsequently, due to heavy shelling by SDF as well as pro-government forces and a large number of landmines in the area, the SNA and the Turkish Armed Forces were forced to withdraw and the Kurdish-led forces recaptured all three villages.
The following day, it was reported that the offensive had been cancelled in favor of more negotiations between Turkey and Russia to set up a joint demilitarized zone in the area.




Aftermath


On 18 May 2019, new fighting erupted in the Tell Rifaat area, with five rebels and one civilian being killed.
On 9 June 2019, fighters of the Syrian Democratic Forces attacked Turkish troops, killing 2 soldier and wounding 7. In response, the Turkish Armed Forces responded days later with shelling.




See also


Operation Olive Branch
SDF insurgency in Northern Aleppo
2018 Syrian-Turkish border clashes




References

Kata Kunci Pencarian:

• Serangan Rojava 2019
• Pendudukan Suriah utara oleh Turki
• Bom mobil bunuh diri Aleppo 2017
• Serangan Kobanî Juni 2015
• Pengeboman kedutaan besar Iran 2013
• Musim Dingin Arab
• Timber Sycamore
• 2019 Tell Rifaat clashes
• Tell Rifaat
• Syrian National Army
• 2020–2021 Ayn Issa clashes
• SDF insurgency in northern Syria
• Eagles of the Whirlwind
• Rifaat al-Assad
• 2019 Turkish offensive into north-eastern Syria
• Afrin Canton
• Liwa Zainebiyoun