Operation Euphrates Shield
Part of the Turkey–IS conflict, the Rojava conflict, the military intervention against IS, and Turkish involvement in the Syrian civil war

  Turkish-backed opposition control
  SDF control
  Syrian Army control
  Islamic State control
For a more detailed, up-to-date, interactive map, see here.
Date24 August 2016 – 29 March 2017
(7 months and 5 days)[13]
Location
Aleppo Governorate, Syria
ActionTurkey and allies secure control of Syria–Turkey border and region between Afrin and Manbij regions.
Result

Turkish and SNA victory[14]

  • Clashes erupt between Turkish-backed Syrian rebels and SDF, YPG withdraws to east of Euphrates[15] though Turkey disputes this[16]
  • 50,000 Syrian refugees in Turkey have returned to the areas which were taken under control since the beginning of the intervention.[17]
Territorial
changes
  • Turkish-backed Syrian rebels captured a total of 2,055 square kilometres (793 sq mi),[18] including 230 settlements,[19] increasing FSA-controlled territory in the region to 2,225 square kilometres (859 sq mi)[20]
  • Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant-held territory along the Turkish–Syrian border completely captured by the Turkish-backed rebels[21]
  • Turkish-backed rebels capture all settlements in the Jarabulus area from the SDF[22]
  • Turkish-backed rebels capture al-Bab from ISIL.[23]
  • The SDF is prevented from connecting the cantons.[24]
  • The SDF hand over some territory to the Syrian Army.[25][26]
    • Belligerents
     Turkey
    Syrian opposition Turkish-backed Free Syrian Army[1]
    Support:
     United States[a][2][3][4]
     Russia[a][5][6][7][8]
     United Kingdom[a][9]    		  Islamic State

    Syrian Democratic Forces[10]
    International Freedom Battalion[11]
    Support:
     United States[a][12]

     Syria (minor clashes)
    Support:
     Russia
    Commanders and leaders
    Turkey Lt. Gen. Zekai Aksakallı[27]
    (Operations chief commander)
    Turkey Lt. Gen. İsmail Metin Temel[28][29]
    (Second Army commander)
    Syrian opposition Col. Ahmed Othman[30]
    (Sultan Murad Division commander)
    Syrian opposition Fehim İsa[31]
    (Sultan Murad Division commander)
    Others
    • Syrian opposition Brig. Gen. Sayf Balud[32]
      (Hazma Division)
      Mahir Basha[33]
      (Muntasar Billah Brigade commander)
      Mustafa Cahit[33]
      (Muntasar Billah Brigade commander)
      Syrian opposition Mohammad Abu Ibrahim[34]
      (Levant Front field commander)
      Syrian opposition Mustafa Sejari[34]
      (Al-Moutasem Brigade political leader)
      Syrian opposition Abu Mohammed Kafr Zita[12]
      (Liberation Brigade commander)
      Mahmoud Abu Hamza[35]
      (Descendants of Saladin Brigade commander)
      Capt. Abdul Salam Abdul Razaq[35]
      Nour al-Din al-Zenki Movement commander, until 28 January)
      Capt. Mohammed Abu Mustafa[36]
      (Sham Legion commander)
      Abu Jafer[37]
      (Brigade of Conquest commander)
      (Artillery base commander of Levant Front)
      Syrian opposition Yusuf Sibli
      (Qabasin Military Council commander)[citation needed]
      Syrian opposition Brig. Gen. Abdul Razaq Aslan[38]
      (Police force head)
      Syrian opposition Taha Atrach[citation needed]
      (1st Aleppo Division commander)
    DOW
    • Syrian opposition Ali Şeyh Salih[39] (DOW)[40]
      (Sultan Murad Division field commander)
      Syrian opposition Muhammad al-Gabi (DOW)[41][36]
      (Liberation Army commander)
    KIA
    • Abu Ansari[42]  †
      (Emir of al-Bab)
      Abu Hussein al-Tunusi[43]  †
      (ISIL southern Raqqa field commander)
      Abu Khalid Urduni[44] †
      (Amir of al-Bab)

    Muhammad Ahmed[45]
    (Jarabulus Military Council commander)

    Adnan Abu Amjad[46]
    (Manbij Military Council commander)
    Units involved
    Orders of battle
    Strength

    Turkey 4,000–8,000 troops[47][48][49]

    Unit Strengths
    Syrian opposition: 10,000–12,000 fighters[52][50][53][54]    		 5,000–7,000+ militants[49][55][56][57] Unknown
    Casualties and losses

    Turkey 71 killed[58]

    Syrian opposition 614 killed[59][60]    		 2,647 killed, 417 captured (per Turkey)[61]

    131+ killed (per SOHR and SDF)[62]

    425 killed, 37 captured (per Turkey)[61]
    30+ killed, 22 captured[63][64][65]
    540+ civilians killed (per SOHR)[66][67]

    Operation Euphrates Shield (Turkish: Fırat Kalkanı Harekâtı) was a cross-border military operation conducted by the Turkish Armed Forces in the Syrian Civil War which led to the Turkish occupation of northern Syria. Operations were carried out in the region between the Euphrates river to the east and the rebel-held area around Azaz to the west. The Turkish military and Turkey-aligned Syrian rebel groups, some of which used the Free Syrian Army label, fought against the forces of the Islamic State (IS) as well as against the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) from 24 August 2016. On 29 March 2017, the Turkish military officially announced that Operation Euphrates Shield was "successfully completed".[13]

    The Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said on the first day of the operation that it was aimed against both the IS and Syrian Kurdish "terror groups that threaten our country in northern Syria".[68] The objective to capture Manbij, under the de facto control of the AANES administration, that had been promulgated by the Turkish president at the end of February 2017[69] remained unfulfilled.

    Background

    Main article: Turkish involvement in the Syrian Civil War

    See also: Foreign involvement in the Syrian civil war and Safe Zone (Syria)

    Northern Aleppo Governorate is a region of major strategic importance in the Syrian civil war, previously mostly held by the Islamic State (IS). For IS it was their only gate to the Turkish border. For the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), the Shahba region between the Euphrates River to the east and the Kurd Mountains to the west is the missing link to connect the cantons of the Federation of Northern Syria – Rojava. For Turkey, it is the path to its influence in Syria.[70][71] The stage for the Jarabulus offensive was set by the previous Manbij offensive from June–August, which saw the SDF capturing the city of Manbij and its surroundings from ISIL and in the aftermath moving north. At the same time, Turkey-backed Syrian rebels fought the Battle of al-Rai to approach Jarabulus from the west.

    According to an article published in The Independent, the Turkish objectives were to target ISIL, strike at the political and military power of the Democratic Union Party (PYD) and to consolidate its position in expectation of shifts towards more war or greater peace.[72] Turkey's defence minister Fikri Işık said that "preventing the Kurdish PYD party from uniting Kurdish cantons" east of Jarabulus with those further west was a priority.[73] In Ankara Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said "at 4 am this morning, operations started in the north of Syria against terror groups which constantly threaten our country".[74][75][76]

    Before the operation, SDF forces including People's Defense Units (YPG) units were advancing on Jarabulus following their military victory over the Islamic State in Manbij.[77] Both Manbij and Jarabulus are west of the Euphrates River, but Turkey wanted YPG forces to move back to the east of the river after the conclusion of the SDF's Manbij operation.[78]

    Turkey's action pitched its military against a force backed by its NATO ally, the United States.[78][79] It was the first time Turkish warplanes struck in Syria since November 2015, when Turkey downed a Russian warplane, and the first significant incursion by Turkish special forces since a brief operation to relocate the tomb of Suleyman Shah, in February 2015.[78]

    Pro-SDF sources stated that Turkey had "an agreement with IS " to rescue it in Jarabulus from the SDF offensive.[80] According to Hürriyet Daily News this report is believed by "many" in Washington and Turkey and it could pose serious problems for Ankara.[81]

    Preparations

    Reportedly,[82] Turkey had prepared battle plans for the intervention more than a year prior. On 9 May 2016, a plan was reportedly proposed by the US, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar to have the Nour al-Din al-Zenki Movement form a "Northern Army" to gather more than 3,000 fighters for the operation. The next phase was to transfer the fighters from Idlib to northern Aleppo through the Bab al-Hawa Border Crossing and the Azaz border crossing. This reportedly began on 13 May.[83] However, the plan was delayed due to doubts from U.S. officials about the capabilities of the Syrian rebel forces that Turkey had recruited to fight with its military, opposition from the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces, and the rift between Turkey and Russia that was not mended until early August 2016.[84]

    On 20 August 2016, a large number of rebels and a military convoy containing more than 50 vehicles loaded with heavy and medium weapons from al-Rai were transferred to the Turkish border with Jarabulus.[85] On 22 August, as a response to the Gaziantep bombing and two mortar shells launched by ISIL hitting the town of Karkamış adjacent to Jarabulus, the Turkish Land Forces launched 60 artillery shells at Islamic State positions in Jarabulus while simultaneously bombarding Manbij Military Council positions farther south in order to prevent them from advancing further to the north.[86] Karkamış was soon evacuated and cleared of its residents. The Morning Star reported that Turkey continued to shell ISIL positions in Jarabulus after two mortar rounds hit Karkamış and three hit Kilis.[87][better source needed] On 23 August, Turkey shelled Islamic State territory in northern Syria again. IS responded by firing rockets into Turkey.[88]

    The Turkey-backed rebels under the brand of the Free Syrian Army (FSA) that took part in the offensive comprised mainly Syrian Turkmen, mostly in the Syrian Turkmen Brigades.[89][90] During the offensive, FSA militants of Turkmen origin used light blue armbands, a color which is often used as a symbol of Turkic heritage; meanwhile, the rebels of Arab origin mainly used red ones.[89][91][92]

    The SDF have said that MIT assassinated Abdel Sattar al-Jader, the leader of the Jarabulus Military Council (a component of the SDF), just prior to the operation.[77]

    The campaign

    See also: Turkish Armed Forces casualties in Syria

    Capture of Jarabulus by Turkish-backed forces (24 August)

    Early in the morning of 24 August, Turkish forces directed intense artillery fire against IS positions in Jarabulus while the Turkish Air Force bombed 11 targets from the air.[93] Later that day, Turkish main battle tanks followed by pick-up trucks, believed to be carrying Turkish-backed Syrian rebels,[94] and the Turkish Special Forces crossed the border and were joined by hundreds of Free Syrian Army (FSA) fighters as the ground forces attacked the town.[95] U.S.-led coalition planes helped the Turkish forces.[2][78] This was their first co-ordinated offensive into Syria.[78] The FSA said progress was slow because of mines planted by IS fighters.[94]

    A few hours after the offensive's beginning, Turkish Special Forces and the Sham Legion captured their first village, Tal Katlijah, after IS fighters retreated from it to reinforce Jarabulus.[96] Some time later, the FSA captured four more villages[97] including Tel Shair, Alwaniyah and two other villages.[98][99] Hours later, Turkish- and US-backed rebels were reported to have captured the border town of Jarabulus, with IS offering little resistance.[100][101] The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) also reported that the FSA had captured almost all of the city.[102] A FSA spokesman stated that a large number of IS fighters had withdrawn to al-Bab in front of the offensive.[103]

    The fact that not much combat took place between Turkey or Turkish-backed Syrian rebels against IS in Jarabulus[104] and the closeness in Islamist political ideology between IS and some of the rebel groups involved, has led to accusations, both local and international, about collusion between Turkey and IS in the operation, including reports of IS fighters changing uniform.[105] In an interview published in The Independent on 9 September, an IS fighter said that "when the Turkish army entered Jarabulus, I talked to my friends who were there. Actually, Isis didn't leave Jarabulus; they just shaved off their beards."[106]

    Continued advance of Turkish-backed forces against ISIL and conflict with SDF (24–25 August)

    Later on 24 August, speaking in Ankara, US vice president Joe Biden appeared to support Turkey's stance vis-a-vis the Syrian Kurds and said that "the elements that were part of the Syrian Democratic Forces, the YPG that participated, that they must go back across the river" (the Euphrates).[94][107] The YPG, however, initially refused to withdraw from Manbij,[108] while the pro-SDF Jarabulus Military Council groups declared that they would not give up their hometown to the Turkish-backed rebel groups which they considered "no different from ISIS". In consequence, when Turkish-backed FSA units, among them the Sham Legion and Nour al-Din al-Zenki Movement, forcibly attempted to enter the SDF-held village of Amarinah south of Jarabulus, they were met with resistance. Whereas the SDF stated to have repelled the assault, the rebels stated that they had captured the village. Before clashing with the SDF, the FSA had captured half a dozen villages.[109][110][111][112]

    On early 25 August, more than 20 Turkish tanks crossed into the Syrian border.[113] The U.S. foreign minister later informed his Turkish counterpart that the YPG had started withdrawing to the east of the Euphrates river.[114] A spokesman for Operation Inherent Resolve later announced that the SDF had withdrawn across the Euphrates river in order to prepare for the Raqqa campaign.[115] The YPG later separately announced it had withdrawn to the east of Euphrates and said all military command along with all YPG-held positions was handed over to the Manbij Military Council.[116] Despite this, Turkey stated that some YPG units had not retreated, leading the Turkish military to shell the SDF with artillery and, according to Hürriyet Daily News, launch a drone strike against one YPG group.[117][118] While the conflict between Turkey and SDF continued, members of the Jarabulus Military Council stated once again that they "will not allow some "mercenaries" to take over our city. We will liberate Jarabulus," with some stating that some of the Turkish-backed rebels were former IS fighters.[45]

    At approximately 11:00 pm local time that evening, internet censorship watchdog organization Turkey Blocks detected a nationwide social media blackout, restricting domestic and mobile services throughout Turkey.[119] Analysts concluded that the blackout measure had almost certainly been implemented to restrict online sharing of sensitive war plans, as the offensive in Syria got under way, using newly amended wartime internet "killswitch" legislation.[120]

    Meanwhile, the offensive against IS continued, as both the Turkish-backed forces as well as SDF units took control of additional villages south of Jarabulus from IS.[121] Pro-PYD sources stated that clashes had broken out among FSA groups in Jarabulus.[122] Turkish Defence Minister Fikri Işık stated later in the day that FSA was clearing Jarabulus of any remaining IS militants.[123] After Jarabulus was largely secured, rebel commanders declared conflicting targets for the further offensive; whereas the Levant Front announced that the rebels would next attempt to take Al-Bab, the Al-Moutasem Brigade and the Sultan Murad Division stated that the Turkish-backed forces would proceed west to break the IS siege of Mare', while Turkish media reported that the offensive aimed at securing a strip of territory along the Turkish-Syrian border.[28][34] However, Ankara's forces pushed south and mostly focused on targeting Kurdish-led SDF forces.[124]

    Disputed YPG withdrawal; Turkish-backed rebels drive SDF south of the Sajur River (26–29 August)

    On 26 August, Al-Masdar News stated that all YPG forces had actually withdrawn to the east of the Euphrates as result of the continued Turkish pressure, leaving all territory around Manbij under control of their allies within the SDF,[15] though rebel forces later released photos of YPG ID cards and weapons reportedly taken in Amarna, suggesting that at least some YPG fighters remained around Manbij, if not all.[16] On the next day Turkish planes bombed the SDF-aligned Jarabulus Military Council positions in the village of Amarna, 10 km south of Jarabulus. According to the SDF, civilian homes were also hit and the SDF avoided moving north to prevent escalation of the clashes.[125] Turkish backed-rebel forces then attacked and captured the SDF-held villages of Mazaalah and Yousif Bayk, while also attempting to advance against the strategic significant hilltop of Amarna.[126][127] In response to the attacks, mostly Arab SDF groups such as the Northern Sun Battalion announced that they would send reinforcements to help the Jarabulus Military Council.[128] Later that day, one Turkish soldier was killed and three were wounded in an anti-tank missile attack on a Turkish tank south of Jarabulus. According to Turkish military sources the missile was fired from territory held by the SDF. The soldier's death was the first reported fatality on the Turkish side.[129][130] Turkish forces retaliated with artillery fire.[131]

    Meanwhile, the Turkish Free Syrian Army (TFSA) cleared Jarabulus of mines and explosives planted by ISIL militants before their withdrawal from the town.[132] The Turkish Red Crescent started distributing food after landmines and other explosives had been cleared from the border between Karkamis in Turkey and Jarabulus in Syria. The humanitarian movement handed out various food supplies for around 5,000 people in the town.[133] Taking advantage of the fighting between the SDF and the FSA, ISIL launched a massive counteroffensive and captured al-Rai, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR).[134][135]

    On 28 August, according to SOHR and Aleppo24,[136] at least 20 civilians were killed and 50 wounded in Turkish artillery fire and air strikes on the village of Jeb el-Kussa, and another 28 were killed and 25 wounded in Turkish air strikes near the town of Al-Amarneh and the village of Saressat. At least four SDF fighters had also been killed and 15 injured in the Turkish bombardment of the two areas.[137][138][139] Syrian monitoring groups reported that at least 70 people were killed over the weekend (27–28 August), most of whom were civilians, in the Turkish operations. Turkish officials didn't comment on the reported civilian death toll, except to say that commanders were taking all necessary measures to protect noncombatants.[136] Turkey stated to have killed 25 PKK and YPG militants in the course of the airstrikes.[131] Turkish-backed forces then began a major attack against the SDF positions, capturing Amarna and nearby Ain al-Bayda; rebel groups also stated to have taken the villages of Qusa, Balaban, Dabisa, Jeb el-Kussa, Suraysat, Umm Routha, Maghayer and Qiratah further south, though this could not be independently confirmed.[140][141] The ANF News Agency published a video of two Turkish army tanks destroyed by SDF anti-tank missiles.[142] Meanwhile, Turkish-backed Sham Legion fighters released footage showing them torturing SDF prisoners.[143]

    Some of the Syrian refugees, mainly Syrian Turkmen and Arabs who were living in the area which TFSA forces captured, returned to the Jarabulus area. Erdoğan stated that the necessary help would be given to other refugees who wished to return to their homeland[144] and Turkish Minister of Foreign Affairs Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu said the YPG was committing ethnic cleansing in areas which were opposed to them.[145]

    On 29 August, Ibrahim Ibrahim, head of the Rojava Media Cell, stated that local forces in Jarabulus and Manbij were being reinforced but said reports that the YPG was reinforcing Manbij was false.[146] Brett McGurk, the United States' envoy to the anti-IS coalition called the clashes between the SDF and Turkish-backed rebels a "source of deep concern". The spokesman for the Pentagon called for the YPG to pull back to the east of the river, which he stated had largely occurred. He also warned that such clashes enabled IS to find sanctuary and continue planning attacks.[147] In the course of the day, Turkish-backed forces first captured all remaining SDF positions north of the Sajur River, and then proceeded to cross it to take three more villages,[148] bringing the number of villages captured by the rebels to 21.[149]

    Rebel–SDF ceasefire attempt; Rebel fighting against ISIL continued (30 August – 2 September)

    On 30 August, John Thomas, a spokesman for the US Central Command stated that Turkey and SDF had agreed to stop fighting each other and had opened communications with the United States as well as with each other.[150] Jarabulus Military Council stated that it had reached a temporary ceasefire agreement with Turkey after mediation by the US-led anti-ISIL coalition. It also stated that the ceasefire had started around midnight of 29–30 August.[151] On the same day, Turkey's foreign ministry said the U.S.' comments regarding the objectives of the Turkish military operation in Syria were unacceptable and that the country would continue its operations until it achieved the goal of eliminating "terrorist threats in the region".[152] Turkish military sources[153] and commander of a Syrian opposition group said a ceasefire had not taken effect. The commander stated however while there was a pause in the operation, it would resume shortly.[154] The U.S. welcomed the putative pause in fighting.[155] Later in the day, Turkish Armed Forces stated that a Turkish tank near Sajur river had been hit by a rocket. However, it was not clear who had carried out the attack. The Turkish military carried out a strike 45 minutes after the tank was hit and stated it had destroyed a group of "terrorists" west of Jarabulus. It also stated that it had carried out airstrikes against IS targets in Kulliyah in northern Syria.[150][156][157] SOHR confirmed that there was a pause in fighting between the two groups around Jarabulus and Sajor river.[158] General Joseph Votel meanwhile stated that Kurdish fighters had moved to east of Euphrates as per their commitment.[159]

    Also on 30 August, SDF forces with coalition support started the Western al-Bab offensive against IS in the southwest of the region.

    On 31 August, Turkey's officials rejected the announcement of ceasefire made by the U.S. shortly prior, saying Turkey would not accept any compromise or ceasefire between Turkey and what Turkey saw as terrorist elements.[160][161] Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yıldırım said that "operations will continue until all terrorist elements have been neutralised, until all threats to our borders, our lands and our citizens are completely over".[160] Meanwhile, IS launched a massive counterattack in the southwestern countryside of Jarabulus preceded by a suicide attack. The militants captured four villages (Kiliyeh, Arab Hasan Saghir, Al-Muhsinli, and Al-Bulduq) from both the SDF and Turkish-backed rebels. Two Turkish tanks were reportedly destroyed in the clashes.[162]

    On 1 September 2016, explosive experts of the Turkish Armed Forces cleared mines from the area around Jarabulus using controlled explosions. The de-mining operation on the Syrian side of the border was visible from the Turkish border town of Karkamış. An AFP photographer nearby heard at least a dozen explosions.[163]

    Turkish prime minister's spokesman said the Turkish government would treat foreign volunteers as terrorists, and Yasin Aktay, a spokesman for Turkey's ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), speaking to Middle East Eye opined that when it comes to Europeans or Americans joining the YPG, they could only be considered "crusaders" or intelligence agents.[164][165] Macer Gifford, a prominent British volunteer with the YPG and leader of its medical unit was quoted as saying "only in the minds of right wing and nationalist politicians in Turkey could the volunteers ever be called terrorists"; he said that while he had no intention to fight against Turkey, he would do so if and when Turkey attacked the YPG.[166]

    Later on 2 September 2016, a statement released by the Turkish military said that a total of 271 targets were hit 1195 times by the Turkish Armed Forces and the Free Syrian Army while anti-IS coalition jets struck two IS targets. Also, the Turkish-backed FSA captured the Syrian village of Qundarah from IS.[167] The Turkish military also said that the Turkish Air Force destroyed three buildings used by IS in Arab Ezza and Qundarah with airstrikes.[168]

    Also on 2 September, the leader of a SDF component group Liberation Brigade, Abdul Karim Obeid, defected to the camp of Turkish-backed rebels with 20 to 50 of his men, citing opposition to reported YPG domination of the SDF, while SDF sources suggested: "he was displeased with the civil administration of the Federation of Northern Syria – Rojava replacing "warlordist" political rule".[12]

    Turkey enters the rebel's al-Rai front against IS (3–19 September)

    On 3 September, Turkey additionally deployed tanks to the Syrian town of al-Rai to help the Turkish-backed rebels to push east from the town towards villages captured by the rebels west of Jarabulus. The incursion was launched from Kilis Province which had been frequently targeted with rocket attacks from IS.[169] The Sham Legion and the Hamza Division also announced they had captured four villages (Fursan, Lilawa, Kino and Najma) south of Arab Ezza. The United States stated that it had hit IS targets near the Turkey-Syria border via the newly deployed HIMARS system.[170][171] The Turkish armed forces meanwhile reported that the rebels had captured two villages and an airport near al-Rai.[172][173] An official of the Fastaqim Kama Umirt also stated that the rebels had captured eight villages to the east and south of the town.[174] SOHR confirmed that the Turkish-backed rebels had captured three villages near the Sajur river with advances in two other villages. It also confirmed that the rebels had captured a village near al-Rai.[175] The U.S. Embassy in Ankara said US forces hit IS targets overnight near Turkey's border with Syria using HIMARS located in Turkey.[176]

    On 4 September, Turkey declared that the Turkish-backed rebels had captured the last remaining IS held villages along the Turkish border, cutting off key supply lines used by the group to bring in foreign fighters, weapons and ammunition.[177][178] The SOHR confirmed that the IS no longer controlled territory along the Turkish-Syrian border after Turkish-backed rebels captured the last remaining villages under control of the group.[21]

    On 5 September, nine more villages in northern Syria were cleared of IS by the Turkish-backed rebels as part of operation Euphrates Shield according to Turkish armed forces.[179] On 6 September, Turkish military reported that two Turkish soldiers were killed in a rocket attack on two tanks by IS during clashes near al-Waqf village, while five soldiers were also wounded. In addition, two Turkish-backed rebels were also killed while another two were injured.[180] One of the Turkish soldiers who was critically injured in the attack later succumbed to his injuries in a hospital.[181] The village along with the Sadvi village was reported to have been captured by the rebels on the same day.[182]

    On 7 September, around 300 Syrians started to return to Jarabulus in Syria, after Turkish-backed rebels recaptured the region from IS, marking the first formal return of civilians since Turkey launched Operation Euphrates Shield.[183] Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister of Turkey Nurettin Canikli stated that Syrian Kurdish fighters still hadn't completely withdrawn to the east of Euphrates river.[184] Also according to ARA news report IS evacuated their headquarters in the city of al-Bab in Syria's Aleppo province.[185]

    On 8 September, it was reported that IS would evacuate its headquarters in al-Bab, as SDF continued their advance towards the city from the west, and Turkish-backed rebels also announced readiness to fight IS in al-Bab and other areas.[186] The same day, Turkish fighter jets hit four IS targets in northern Syria as part of Euphrates Shield operation, published in a statement from the Turkish General Staff.[187] Also on the same day Turkey's foreign minister repeated the call for a no-fly zone over northern Syria to boost security and allow more refugees to return home while enabling more local troops to be trained in their fight against IS fighters.[188] However, the United States as in the years before rejected the idea of a "no-flight zone" in Syria.[189]

    On 9 September, Turkish military stated that three Turkish soldiers were killed in clashes with IS near the region of Tel el-Hawa while one soldier was injured. The Turkish army also shelled 15 IS positions in the Kafr Ghan region after a rocket from the region landed near Kilis Province. The military also stated that it carried out an air operation in Tal Ali, Tel al-Hawa and south Wuquf regions which destroyed 4 buildings being used as headquarters by the militants. An IS fighter was also stated to have been killed in an air operation conducted by the anti-IS coalition.[190] On 10 September, the Turkish military stated that airstrikes conducted by it targeting 3 buildings in Tel el-Hawa resulted in the death of 20 IS fighters.[191] On 13 September, Turkish military stated that the US-led coalition conducted airstrikes targeting four mortar positions and 2 defensive positions of IS between al-Rai and Azaz. The attack resulted in the deaths of 6 militants.[192]

    As of 14 September, a total of 1,900 Syrian refugees returned to the area cleansed by Turkish-backed forces, mainly to Jarabulus and Al Rai.[193]

    On 15 September, Turkish Armed Forces said that it had so far destroyed 26 mines and 671 improvised explosive devices (IEDs) planted by IS in northern Syria as part of operation Euphrates Shield.[194]

    On 16 September, US interference in al-Rai town caused the withdrawal of the Ahrar al-Sharqya Brigade from joining Euphrates Shield operation, the withdrawal came in protest against the US forces' interference in northern Aleppo.[195] Earlier, US troops on gun trucks, followed by a Turkish tank and trucks carrying US-allied FSA fighters, withdrew from al-Rai back into Turkey after some fighters of Ahrar al-Sharqya, a Free Syrian Army labeled rebel group, denounced them as "infidels" and "Crusaders".[196] Dozens of US forces continued to cooperate with Turkish soldiers in support of the operation.[197] Meanwhile, the Turkish military stated that 5 fighters of FSA were killed while 6 were injured in an IED attack in Tatimus region. It also stated that 5 fighters of IS were killed in airstrikes carried out by anti-IS coalition in Kunaytirah, Tatimus, Cakka and Baragidah regions.[198]

    On 17 September the Mountain Hawks Brigade announced that it had withdrawn from the Jarabulus and al-Rai fronts and its fighters and equipment will be transferred to the fronts in Aleppo city, Hama, and Latakia.[199] Meanwhile, Turkish military stated that 67 IS targets were hit with howitzer missiles and rockets between al-Rai and Azaz on the same day. It also stated that 5 fighters of the group were killed during the day.[200]

    IS launched a counter-attack targeting the Tal Hajjar hilltop near al-Rai on 19 September. Amaq stated that the hilltop was captured by IS.[201]

    Third phase of the operation: Dabiq offensive (20 September – 17 October)

    Main articles: Northern al-Bab offensive (2016) and Dabiq offensive (2016)

    On 16 September, US special operations forces entered northern Aleppo as part of a new US mission known as "Operation Noble Lance." According to the Pentagon, they will provide training, advice and assistance to the Syrian rebels. Furthermore, the soldiers likely will also be used to call in US airstrikes in support of the rebels as they advance.[202] On the same day, the Turkish military stated that 5 fighters of FSA were killed while 6 were injured in an IED attack in Tatimus region. It also stated that 5 fighters of IS were killed in airstrikes carried out by anti-IS coalition in Kunaytirah, Tatimus, Cakka and Baragidah regions.[198]

    As of 19 September Turkish forces and Turkish-backed rebels, the primary ground force being the Turkmen group Sultan Murad Division, took control of five new villages in the biggest advance of the third phase, making the total number of villages taken in this phase 10.[203]

    After Turkish Free Syrian Army(TFSA) units had captured a few villages from IS,[204] By 23 September IS had recaptured more than 20 villages from the rebels.[205]

    Due to the rebel losses, the offensive was halted and the third phase of the Turkish operation was put on hold.[206][207][better source needed] A late September piece in Al-Monitor assessed the campaign as follows: "IS has recaptured scores of Turkmen villages south of Jarablus from FSA militias. (...) From the outset, there were doubts about whether Euphrates Shield could be sustained without the involvement of Turkish ground troops. It was not difficult to foresee that the biggest weakness was the inadequacy of the motley crew of jihadists assembled under the FSA banner. To make up for this deficiency, the Turkish army will have to deploy increasing numbers of troops to advance southward in Syria and thus into the quagmire."[208]

    In the immediate aftermath of the aborted offensive towards al-Bab, the TFSA and Turkey launched a new offensive towards the IS-held town of Dabiq. On 1 October, the Turkish Parliament extended the military operation's mandate for another year.[209] The next day, Turkish-backed opposition forces started advancing; Turkmen villages Boztepe (Tallat al-Baydah), Türkmenbarı and Hurdanah were taken over by Turkish-backed rebel forces.[210]

    On 5 October, TFSA primarily driven by the Sultan Murad Division, took control of four more villages from IS and, with the Turkish Special Forces, entered the small and strategic town of Akhtarin, easing the way for the planned attack on Dabiq.[211] The town was captured by them on 6 October.[212]

    After taking control of the supply route between Al-Bab and Dabiq by taking Akhtarin and its vicinity, on 9 October, Turkey and the affiliated rebels announced that the area between Mare, Akhtarin and Kafrghan, an area which contains two important IS-held locations, Sawran and Dabiq, a military zone.[213]

    On 10 October, Turkish forces and Turkish-backed rebels made significant advances and established control in all settlements on the way to the town of Sawran from its north and northwest, and started pushing into the town of Ihtamillat, the last settlement east of Sawran.[214][215]

    One week later, following heavy clashes around the area, on 16 October, the FSA, headed by Sultan Murad Division, first took control of Sawran, Syria and continued towards Dabiq. One day earlier, IS leader Baghdadi published a voice record stating that the "Dabiq War", which IS was using as ritual propaganda, "isn't this ongoing one". Soon after Sawran, full control in Dabiq was also taken and rebel forces went as south as Asunbul to secure the newly acquired area before proceeding to the next stage of the offensive targeting Qabasin and Bab.[216]

    Clashes between SDF, ISIS and rebels: western al-Bab offensive (18 October – 3 November)

    Main article: Western al-Bab offensive (October 2016)
    A Turkish-backed FSA fighter loads an M2 Browning during the fighting in northern Aleppo Governorate

    On 18 October, the Northern Thunder Brigade issued an ultimatum to the "PKK" and the Army of Revolutionaries, warning them to leave Tell Rifaat within 48 hours after which they will attack the town.[217] On 19 October, following capturing the last remaining IS-held villages between the control line of the SDF, Turkey-backed rebels started an offensive towards the SDF positions in Shahba region and Tell Rifaat with Turkish support. Following the first days of clashes and strikes, the Turkish army said that its air strikes have killed 160 to 200 YPG members with maximum care for civilians. Syrian government sources however reported around such a number of civilians killed. SDF sources reported 11 fighters from their ranks killed. SOHR stated that death toll was around 20, possible 4 civilians included.

    On 22 October, first reports gains were announced by the rebel factions, namely 2 to 3 villages, which later turned out to be untrue. Turkish-backed rebels surrounded Shaykh Issa, just east of Tell Rifaat. Turkish artillery shelling and air strikes mainly focused on Tell Rifaat, Shaykh Issa and villages under SDF control in western al-Bab. Turkish tanks entered Syria also from the west, from Hatay region into Idlib region, to the southernmost point of the PYD-held Afrin canton and positioned on hills overlooking Tel Rifat and Afrin.[218]

    By 25 October, it became evident that the SDF had repelled all assaults by Turkish-backed rebels on villages and positions under its control.[219] ANHA stated that the "failures and casualties" despite "major" Turkish support had "demoralized" rebel groups and caused their retreat from further attacks against the SDF.[220][221] Of the commanders from the Northern Thunder Brigade who issued the ultimatum, one was reportedly killed in action and one was seriously injured.[222] In a counterattack, the SDF stated to have captured two villages from the rebels.[223]

    Al-Bab (6 November 2016 – 23 February 2017)

    Main article: Battle of al-Bab
    Al-Bab military council fighters during the Battle of al-Bab.

    On 6 November, the rebels supported by Turkish planes and artillery advanced south towards al-Bab, entering the northern outskirts of the city on 14 November. The US-led coalition did not support the offensive due to it being an independent Turkish operation.[224]

    On 24 November, according to the Turkish military, the Syrian Arab Air Force conducted an airstrike against Turkish Special Operations Forces and aligned Turkish-backed rebels north of al-Bab, killing four Turkish soldiers and injuring 11 otherm one seriously.[225] While the Turkish Prime Minister's office has issued a temporary gag order on reporting about the airstrike,[226][227] main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) leader Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu called on the Turkish government to "act with common sense."[227] Prime Minister Binali Yildirim issued a statement whereby he assured the aggression "will not be left unanswered" promising the Turkish military's determination to "clear the area of terrorists is unaffected by the move."[228]

    Turkish officials initially stated the casualties were due to an IS attack, before blaming the Syrian Air Force.[citation needed] However, the pro-opposition activist group the SOHR disputed it was an air-strike and stated it was in fact an IS suicide attack. Additionally, IS confirmed it conducted a suicide attack in the area.[229] On 25 November, the Syrian airforce said that their jets have not bombed Turkish soldiers.[230]

    TFSA technical in the outskirts of al-Bab

    On 8 January 2017, the New York Times reported that momentum gained with the ouster of Daesh from Jarablus was stalled at al-Bab due to heavy resistance and an inexplicable lack of U.S. air support.[231] In response, the Turkish government sought aid from Russian airstrikes against ISIS positions.

    On 2 February 2017, Sky News reported that Turkish aircraft killed 51 IS fighters in the space of 24 hours in the areas of al Bab, Tadif, Kabbasin and Bzagah, the airstrikes targeted buildings and vehicles resulting in 85 IS positions destroyed.[232]

    On 7 February 2017, clashes erupted between the SDF and Euphrates Shield Forces in the town of Tokhar north of Manbij and south of Jarabulus. The former stated to have repelled SDF's attempt to advance in the town.[233]

    On 9 February 2017, a Russian air strike on a building accidentally killed 3 Turkish soldiers and wounded 11 more in a friendly fire incident near al-Bab, who were supporting the Syrian rebels in the battle for the city. The BBC report added that the Kremlin issued a statement that President Putin had, in a telephone call with his Turkish counterpart, "expressed condolences over a tragic incident which resulted in the deaths of several Turkish troops in the al-Bab area" and that two leaders agreed to "increase military co-operation during operations in Syria against IS militants and other extremist organisations."[234]

    On 14 February 2017, Turkish forces started shelling SDF-held Tell Rifaat with mortars and heavy artillery. The offensive continued the next day. Kurdish officials condemned the violations.[235] Al-Bab was completely captured from IS by Turkish-backed rebels on 23 February, along with the towns of Qabasin and Bizaah.[236][237][238] On 25 February, IS began to retreat from the town of Tadef,[239] with the Syrian Army capturing the town on the following day.[240][241]

    Tadef and clashes with SDF around Manbij (28 February – 25 March)

    See also: East Aleppo offensive (January–April 2017)
    US Humvees drive through a SDF-controlled village near Manbij in an attempt to "deter" the skirmishes between the SDF and Turkish-backed forces[242]

    On 26 February 2017, Turkey's protests notwithstanding, the U.S. announced its support for the Manbij Military Council, established by the YPG-dominated Syrian Democratic Forces, and sent special forces and several military convoys to Manbij.[243] On 28 February, Turkish president Erdogan announced that the Turkish-backed forces would assault Manbij after completing their operations in al-Bab as originally planned. He called for the YPG to be moved to the east of the river and ruled out any cooperation with the SDF.[69] Clashes erupted between both sides, with the Turkish-supported rebels quickly advancing through five villages west of the city.[244][245] On 2 March, the Manbij Military Council announced that it had reached an agreement with Russia to hand over villages to the west of Manbij to the Syrian government in the coming days in order to protect them from being assaulted by Turkish-backed forces.[246][247] Turkey's foreign minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu requested from the United States to force Kurdish troops to withdraw from Manbij.[248] The SDF later launched a counter-attack, retaking several villages that had been captured by the rebels a day earlier.[249] The Russian General Staff's Sergey Rudosky as well as the United States Department of Defense confirmed on 3 March that the SDF had agreed to hand over villages to the west of Manbij to the Syrian government.[250] Russia and the Syrian government also sent a humanitarian convoy following the deal, which the United States Department of Defense stated also contained military equipment.[251] Rudosky later stated that Syrian Army units had been deployed in the villages under agreement.[252] On 4 March, United States special operations forces were also deployed in Manbij in response to the clashes. The United States military stated that it was done to deter hostile acts, enhance governance and ensure there's no persistent YPG presence.[253][254]

    On 6 March, Manbij Military Council spokesman Sharfan Darwish said that the U.S.-led anti-ISIL coalition had boosted its presence in Manbij in response to the clashes between SDF and Turkish-backed forces. He stated that they hadn't requested any reinforcements from SDF or YPG and also added that the implementation of the deal regarding the villages near Manbij had been delayed but it remained in place.[255] He later stated that Syrian Army had taken over positions on one part of the frontline with the Turkish-backed rebels.[256] According to Wladimir van Wilgenburg, Prime Minister Yıldırım meanwhile said that Turkey might abandon its offensive on Manbij since there was no Russian or American support.[257][258] Clashes were again reported with pro-rebel media stating that the rebels had captured a village to the west of Manbij, pro-Kurdish media however rejected this, saying the attack was repelled.[259][260] United States Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Joseph Dunford, Russia's Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov, and Turkey's Chief of the General Staff Hulusi Akar held a joint meeting on 7 March to defuse escalations around Manbij and discussed joint issues relating to regional security.[261] Turkish Defense Minister Fikri Işik stated on 16 March that finding a diplomatic solution with the United States and Russia on Manbij was necessary and a military approach would only be considered if diplomacy failed.[262]

    On 25 March, the SAA reported that the Turkish-backed rebels had not taken Tadef, stating that they still controlled the town, though the rebel forces had advanced on the town's northern edges and clashes erupted.[263]

    International reactions

    This section contains too many or overly lengthy quotations. Please help summarize the quotations. Consider transferring direct quotations to Wikiquote or excerpts to Wikisource. (February 2020)

    Belligerent sides

    UN-member states

    Supranational organizations

    Other regional actors

    Kurdistan Region The Kurdish National Council in Syria condemned the "indiscriminate" Turkish bombings on populated towns such as Jindires and other towns in the northern Aleppo Government. The council stated that "the Turkish Army and allied Islamist rebels have been killing civilians, carrying out indiscriminate shelling and airstrikes on populated areas." and demanded the Turkish Armed Forces to withdraw its forces. A KNC member also denounced the Turkish focus on attacking the SDF.[307]

    See also

    Notes

    ^ a: Only against ISIL
    ^ b: Part of Syrian Turkmen Brigades as well

    References

    1. ^ "Operation 'Euphrates Shield' ends ISIL rule in Jarablus". Al Jazeera. 25 August 2016.
    2. ^ a b Leith Fadel (24 August 2016). "US to provide air cover for Turkish, Syrian forces in Jarabulus". al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 15 August 2018. Retrieved 24 August 2016.
    3. ^ a b "US warns over Turkish-Kurdish violence". BBC. 29 August 2016.
    4. ^ [1] U.S. halts military support for Turkey's fight in key Islamic State town
    5. ^ [2] Russian jets strike Daesh targets in Syria's al-Bab for first time
    6. ^ [3] Turkish military says Russian aircraft carried out air strikes in Syria's al-Bab area
    7. ^ [4] Turkey, Russia continue joint airstrikes against ISIL near al-Bab
    8. ^ "RAF air strikes in Iraq and Syria: January 2017". GOV.UK.
    9. ^ "British jets strike ISIL in northern Syria in coordination with Turkey: Turkish military". 19 January 2017.
    10. ^ "YPG: We will not withdraw from west of the Euphrates". Rudaw. 24 August 2016.
    11. ^ "British YPG fighters 'head to Manbij to face Turkish forces'". Middle East Eye. 2 September 2016.
    12. ^ a b c "US backing ensures Arab-Kurd alliance in Syria will survive". Al-Monitor. 9 September 2016. Archived from the original on 9 September 2016. Retrieved 9 September 2016.
    13. ^ a b "Turkey's Euphrates Shield Operation in Syria 'successfully completed'". Hürriyet Daily News. 29 March 2017.
    14. ^ "Turkey ends 'Euphrates Shield' operation in Syria". 29 March 2017.
    15. ^ a b Izat Charkatli (26 August 2016). "YPG withdraws from Menbeij amid Turkish pressure". al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 9 October 2018. Retrieved 26 August 2016.
    16. ^ a b Paul Antonopoulos (28 August 2016). "Photos: FSA & Islamists near Jarabulus find YPG ID cards, weapons". al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 9 October 2018. Retrieved 28 August 2016.
    17. ^ "Çavuşoğlu:Rakka'yı Rakkalılara teslim edebiliriz". Al Jazeera Türk. 24 February 2017. Retrieved 25 February 2017.
    18. ^ "Fırat Kalkanı bölgesi, harekatın 2. yılında Suriye'nin 'yeni yüzü'". Anadolu Agency. 22 August 2019.
    19. ^ Tomson, Chris (19 November 2016). "ISIS retakes town near al-Bab during deadly ambush on Turkish-backed rebels". Archived from the original on 9 October 2018. Retrieved 19 November 2016.
    20. ^ "El Bab kontrol altına alınmıştır". Al Jazeera Türk. 24 February 2017. Retrieved 25 February 2017.
    21. ^ a b IS is losing connection with the international world and being besieged inside the Syrian lands SOHR (4 September 2016)
    22. ^ "TSK: 32 Köy Terörist Unsurlardan Temizlendi". Yeni Asır. 31 August 2016.
    23. ^ Antonopoulos, Paul (23 February 2017). "Reports: ISIS surrenders Al-Bab to Turkish-led forces". Archived from the original on 24 December 2018. Retrieved 23 February 2017.
    24. ^ Agencies, Daily Sabah with (7 March 2017). "Defence Minister Işık: Turkey will prevent unification of PYD cantons at all costs". Daily Sabah.
    25. ^ Andrew Illingworth (2 March 2017). "BREAKING: Kurdish-led SDF to handover huge section of territory to SAA". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 3 February 2019. Retrieved 2 March 2017.
    26. ^ Adra, Zen (3 March 2017). "Kurdish forces to hand over villages in west Manbij to Syrian Army". Archived from the original on 9 October 2018. Retrieved 30 March 2017.
    27. ^ Turkish Special Forces: From stopping a coup to the frontline of the ISIL fight Hürriyet Daily News, 24 August 2016.
    28. ^ a b Nick Tattersall; Humeyra Pamuk (26 August 2016). "Turkey signals no quick end to Syria incursion as truck bomb kills police". Reuters.((cite web)): CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
    29. ^ "Korgeneral İsmail Metin Temel Cerablus'ta". Hürriyet Daily News. 26 August 2016.
    30. ^ "Turkish Forces and Rebels Storm into Syria, Taking IS Stronghold of Jarablus". VOA. 24 August 2016.
    31. ^ "SULTAN MURAT TÜMENİ KOMUTANI FEHİM İSA TATHAMUS TÜRKMEN KÖYÜNÜN DEAŞ TERÖR ÖRGÜTÜNDEN TEMİZLENDİĞİNİ AÇIKLADI". 24 August 2016.
    32. ^ "Hamza Brigade's Leader: Few Hours Later We Will Raise The Victory Signs In Bab City (Video)". Qasioun News. 14 November 2016. Retrieved 3 October 2020.[permanent dead link]
    33. ^ a b [5] Türkmen Tugayı, Türkmenlere Fırat Kalkanı'na katılın çağrısında bulundu
    34. ^ a b c Albin Szakola (25 August 2016). "Turkey-backed rebels aim for key ISIS-held town". NOW. Archived from the original on 16 October 2016. Retrieved 25 August 2016.
    35. ^ a b "Turkish-backed FSA rebels set their sights on last IS Aleppo stronghold after border victory". Syria:direct. 5 September 2016.
    36. ^ a b "ÖSO komutanlarından Türkiye'ye teşekkür". 25 August 2016.
    37. ^ "41K Turkish soldiers ready to support operation Al Bab". Yeni Şafak. 22 September 2016. Archived from the original on 23 September 2016. Retrieved 22 September 2016.
    38. ^ [6] Hundreds of police trained by Turkey start work in northern Syria
    39. ^ "Sultan Murat Tugayları: Önce Çobanbey ardından Menbiç'e ilerleyeceğiz". 25 August 2016. Archived from the original on 26 August 2016. Retrieved 26 August 2016.
    40. ^ "TÜRKMEN KOMUTANIMIZ ALİ SALİH ŞEHİT DÜŞTÜ". 4 October 2016. Archived from the original on 6 October 2016. Retrieved 5 October 2016.
    41. ^ "(PLA) chooses a new leader created for Gabi". All4Syria. 11 November 2016.
    42. ^ [7] El Bab'da son dakika: DEAŞ'ın sözde emiri Ebu Ensari öldürüldü
    43. ^ [8] ISIS Leader Dead? Islamic State Emirs Killed By Turkish Warplanes in Syria
    44. ^ [9] Turkey 'neutralizes' ISIL's political leader in al-Bab
    45. ^ a b c "Kurdish-backed council says Turkey's intervention to make Syrian town "grave for Erdoğan troops"". ARA News. 26 August 2016. Archived from the original on 26 August 2016.
    46. ^ "Turkey calls on US, allies to reconsider Syria no-fly zone". Associated Press. 21 November 2016.
    47. ^ "Asker sayısı 8.000'e çıkacak". Yeni Şafak. 5 January 2017. Retrieved 5 January 2017.
    48. ^ "US Assistant Secretary of Defense tells Turkey only ISIS is a target, not Kurds – ARA News". 16 January 2017. Archived from the original on 16 January 2017. Retrieved 16 January 2017.
    49. ^ a b "Turkey bogged down in Syria as it realigns with Russia". AP News. 11 January 2017. Retrieved 13 January 2017.
    50. ^ a b "AS IT HAPPENED: Turkish military, coalition forces launch 'Euphrates Shield' operation in Jarablus". Hürriyet Daily News. 24 August 2016.
    51. ^ Leith Fadel (24 August 2016). "[Breaking] Turkish tanks enter northern Aleppo". al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 3 February 2019. Retrieved 24 August 2016.
    52. ^ "What we know about 'army unit' Turkey is setting up in northern Syria?". 26 May 2017. Retrieved 26 June 2017.
    53. ^ "Mehmetçiğin Silah Arkadaşları! – TÜRKMEN AJANS". Archived from the original on 18 February 2017. Retrieved 17 February 2017.
    54. ^ Luck, Taylor (14 December 2016). "Fall of Aleppo could tip Syria from civil war to insurgency". The Christian Science Monitor. Retrieved 30 March 2017.
    55. ^ "MINA Breaking News – Syrian Army surrounds 5,000 ISIS fighters in Al Bab". Archived from the original on 9 October 2017. Retrieved 24 February 2017.
    56. ^ "Isis is preparing for an 'apocalyptic' battle to defend the village at the heart of its propaganda". Independent.co.uk. 3 October 2016. Archived from the original on 24 May 2022. Retrieved 9 October 2016.
    57. ^ "More than 1000 fighters of Jaysh al-Osra reach Dabiq; sheikhs at mosques declare "Dabiq epic is approaching"". 14 October 2016.
    58. ^ "Fırat Kalkanı Operasyonu sona erdi". Sözcü Gazetesi. 30 March 2017.
    59. ^ "Erdogan says 3,747 terrorists 'neutralized' in Afrin op". Anadolu Agency. 25 March 2018.
    60. ^ "What kind of success did Turkey achieve in Syria?". Hürriyet Daily News. 30 March 2017. Retrieved 31 March 2017.
    61. ^ a b "FIRAT KALKANI HAREKATI'NDA 3522 TERÖRİST ETKİSİZ HALE GETİRİLDİ" [3522 terrorists have been neutralized in Euphrates Shield] (in Turkish). Archived from the original on 12 March 2017.
    62. ^ 4 killed (28 August),[10] 6 killed (7 September),[11] 22 killed (20–23 October),[12] 6 killed (25 October),[13] Archived 28 October 2016 at the Wayback Machine 9 killed (27 October),[14] Archived 16 November 2016 at the Wayback Machine 3 killed (8 November),[15] Archived 13 November 2016 at the Wayback Machine 1 killed (10 November),[16] Archived 17 November 2016 at the Wayback Machine 1 killed (11 November),[17] Archived 26 November 2016 at the Wayback Machine 6 killed (12–19 November),[18] Archived 23 November 2016 at the Wayback Machine 1 killed (20 November),[19] Archived 21 November 2016 at the Wayback Machine 8 killed (21 November),[20] Archived 21 November 2016 at the Wayback Machine 2 killed (22 November),[21] Archived 24 November 2016 at the Wayback Machine 6 killed (23 November),[22] 7 killed (27 November),[23] Archived 29 November 2016 at the Wayback Machine 4 killed (29 November),[24] Archived 30 November 2016 at the Wayback Machine 2 killed (1 December),[25] Archived 4 December 2016 at the Wayback Machine 3 killed (2 December),[26] Archived 2 December 2016 at the Wayback Machine 1 killed (7 December),[27] Archived 20 December 2016 at the Wayback Machine 2 killed (9 December),[28] Archived 20 December 2016 at the Wayback Machine 2 killed (14 December),[29] Archived 20 December 2016 at the Wayback Machine 1 killed (10 February),[30] Archived 11 February 2017 at the Wayback Machine 2 killed (11 February),[31] 1 killed (16 February),[32] Archived 18 February 2017 at the Wayback Machine 1 killed (19 February), [33] Archived 21 February 2017 at the Wayback Machine 3 killed (21 February), [34] Archived 22 February 2017 at the Wayback Machine 4 killed (1 March), [35] Archived 3 March 2017 at the Wayback Machine 5 killed (3 March), [36] Archived 4 March 2017 at the Wayback Machine 5 killed (9 March), [37] Archived 12 March 2017 at the Wayback Machine 3 killed (11 March), [38] Archived 12 March 2017 at the Wayback Machine 2 killed (14 March), [39] Archived 15 March 2017 at the Wayback Machine 1 killed (16 March), [40] Archived 17 March 2017 at the Wayback Machine 1 killed (18 March), [41] Archived 20 March 2017 at the Wayback Machine 2 killed (23 March), [42] Archived 24 March 2017 at the Wayback Machine total of 131+ reported killed
    63. ^ Tomson, Chris (27 February 2017). "Syrian Army neutralizes Turkish-backed troops near Al-Bab". Archived from the original on 9 October 2018. Retrieved 3 March 2017.
    64. ^ Fadel, Leith (9 March 2017). "Breaking: Turkish forces attack Syrian Army units west of Menbeij, 8 killed". Archived from the original on 4 October 2018. Retrieved 30 March 2017.
    65. ^ Tomson, Chris (9 March 2017). "Syrian Army, Kurdish forces team up against Turkish troops in Aleppo province". Archived from the original on 27 June 2018. Retrieved 10 March 2017.
    66. ^ "Nearly 100 civilians dead in Turkey-backed Syria op: monitor". 24 October 2016.
    67. ^ Loveluck, Louisa; Sly, Liz (23 February 2017). "Turkey-backed rebels seize Islamic State's al-Bab stronghold in Syria" – via www.washingtonpost.com.
    68. ^ Erdogan says Syria operation aimed at IS jihadists, Kurdish PYD 24 August 2016.
    69. ^ a b "Manbij is Turkey's next step in Syria operation, Erdogan says". Reuters. 1 March 2017. Retrieved 1 March 2017.
    70. ^ "Erdoğan says Syria operation aimed at IS jihadists, Kurdish PYD". 24 August 2016. Archived from the original on 25 August 2016.
    71. ^ "Turkish army-backed rebels advance inside Syria on ISIL - World News". Hürriyet Daily News. 25 August 2016.
    72. ^ "Turkey could be overplaying its hand with Syria ground offensive as civil war reaches crucial point". Independent. Archived from the original on 24 May 2022.
    73. ^ "Turkey deploys more tanks in Syria, warns Kurdish YPG". Al Jazeera.
    74. ^ "Turkey sends tanks into Syria in operation aimed at Isis and Kurds". TheGuardian.com. 24 August 2016.
    75. ^ "Turkish tanks enter Syria to open new front against Islamic State". The Telegraph. Agence France-Presse. 3 September 2016. Archived from the original on 12 January 2022.
    76. ^ "Turkish forces open second front against DAESH in Syria".
    77. ^ a b c "Turkey's Syria offensive aimed at Kurdish YPG". 24 August 2016. Retrieved 24 August 2016.
    78. ^ a b c d e "Turkish tanks, special forces launch first major push into Syria to battle IS". Reuters. 24 August 2016.
    79. ^ "Turkish army thrusts deeper into Syria, monitor says 35 villagers killed". Reuters. 29 August 2016.
    80. ^ Phillips, David L. (29 August 2016). "Erdoğan's Waterloo: Turkey Invades And Occupies Syria". Huffington Post. Retrieved 9 September 2016.
    81. ^ Idiz, Semih (8 September 2016). "ISIL is a transient phenomenon, the Kurds are not". Hürriyet Daily News. Retrieved 9 September 2016.
    82. ^ "Turkey Launches Fresh Incursion into Syria". The Wall Street Journal. 3 September 2016. Retrieved 3 September 2016.
    83. ^ "Proposed 'Northern Army' in Syria alienates Kurds". The Arab Weekly. 22 May 2016. Archived from the original on 19 October 2017. Retrieved 26 March 2017.
    84. ^ "Putin mends broken relations with Turkey′s Erdoğan". BBC. 9 August 2016. Retrieved 4 September 2016.
    85. ^ "Opposition groups are preparing to break into Jarabulus, northern Aleppo, from Turkey". ARA News. 20 August 2016. Archived from the original on 1 September 2016.
    86. ^ "Turkey Strikes Islamic State And Kurds in Syria". Sky News. 23 August 2016.
    87. ^ "Turks Shell Isis But Keep Sights on Jarabulus". Morning Star Online. 24 August 2016. Archived from the original on 24 August 2016. Retrieved 24 August 2016.
    88. ^ "Turkey Shells Islamic State in Syria". The Wall Street Journal. 23 August 2016.
    89. ^ a b "Fırat Kalkanı Operasyonu'nda Cerablus'tan ilk kareler". Habertürk. 24 August 2016. Retrieved 25 August 2016.
    90. ^ "Cerablus Harekatı'nda TSK'ya ÖSO ve Türkmenler Destek Veriyor". T24. 24 August 2016. Retrieved 25 August 2016.
    91. ^ "İşte Kırmızı ve Mavi Bantların Sırrı". Hürriyet Daily News. 24 August 2016. Retrieved 25 August 2016.
    92. ^ "Cerablus Operasyonu'nda 'renk' ayrıntısı". Sözcü. 24 August 2016. Retrieved 25 August 2016.
    93. ^ "Turkish jets bomb Daesh targets in Jarabulus". Trend News Agency. 24 August 2016. Archived from the original on 1 November 2016. Retrieved 24 August 2016.
    94. ^ a b c d "Turkey sends tanks into northern Syria". BBC. 24 August 2016.
    95. ^ "Turkey, US-led coalition launch major operation in northern Syria". Reuters. 24 August 2016.
    96. ^ "Turkish-led forces capture first village in northern Syria". al-Masdar News. 24 August 2016. Archived from the original on 5 October 2018. Retrieved 24 August 2016.
    97. ^ "Turkish military, US-led coalition launch operation to sweep Islamic State from Syrian town". ABC News. 24 August 2016. Retrieved 24 August 2016.
    98. ^ "Operation Euphrates Shield: Timeline". Yeni Şafak. 25 August 2016. Archived from the original on 25 August 2016. Retrieved 25 August 2016.
    99. ^ "Turkey-backed opposition forces enter Daesh's stronghold". Yeni Şafak. 24 August 2016. Archived from the original on 25 August 2016. Retrieved 25 August 2016.
    100. ^ "Turkish and US-backed Syrian rebels have captured a key ISIS border crossing". Business Insider. 24 August 2016.
    101. ^ a b "Turkey sends tanks into Syria to battle ISIS". CNN. 24 August 2016.
    102. ^ "IS conflict: Turkey-backed Syrian rebels 'take Jarablus'". BBC. 24 August 2016.
    103. ^ "Syria: Turkish-backed rebels 'seize' Jarablus from ISIL". Al Jazeera. 25 August 2016.
    104. ^ "What Turkey stands to lose in its hunt for Syrian Kurds". Al-Monitor. 1 September 2016. Retrieved 9 September 2016.
    105. ^ Phillips, David L. (1 September 2016). "Erdoğan's Waterloo: Turkey Invades And Occupies Syria". HuffPost.
    106. ^ "Isis fighter reveals group's plan to spread even after defeat in Iraq and Syria and claims collusion with Turkey". The Independent. 9 September 2016. Archived from the original on 24 May 2022. Retrieved 9 September 2016.
    107. ^ a b "Remarks by Vice President Joe Biden and Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim at a Press Availability". whitehouse.gov. 25 August 2016. Retrieved 4 September 2016 – via National Archives.
    108. ^ "YPG: We will not retreat from west of Euphrates". ANF News. 24 August 2016. Retrieved 24 August 2016.
    109. ^ Izat Charkatli (24 August 2016). "Turkish-backed rebels fight US-backed rebels in Aleppo". al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 25 August 2016. Retrieved 24 August 2016.
    110. ^ "Clashes break out between Turkish-backed rebels and Syrian Democratic Forces". ARA News. 25 August 2016. Archived from the original on 26 August 2016. Retrieved 25 August 2016.
    111. ^ "The countryside of Jarablos witnesses the first clash between the fighters of the faction that controlled Jarablos city against Syria Democratic Forces". SOHR. 24 August 2016.
    112. ^ Albin Szakola (25 August 2016). "Turkey, US-backed forces clash in north Syria". NOW. Archived from the original on 20 December 2016. Retrieved 25 August 2016.
    113. ^ Lizzie Dearden (25 August 2016). "Syria war: More than 20 Turkish tanks cross border as Jarablus in the second day of an offensive against Isis and Kurds". The Independent. Archived from the original on 24 May 2022. Retrieved 25 August 2016.
    114. ^ Emine Kart (25 August 2016). "Kerry to Çavuşoğlu: PYD/YPG withdrawing to east of Euphrates". Hürriyet Daily News. Retrieved 25 August 2016.
    115. ^ "U.S.-led alliance says Syrian force withdraws to prepare for Raqqa campaign". Reuters. 25 August 2016. Retrieved 25 August 2016.
    116. ^ "Syrian Kurdish YPG says it returned to base after Manbij's capture". Reuters. 25 August 2016. Retrieved 25 August 2016.
    117. ^ "Turkey fires on U.S.-backed Kurdish militia in Syria offensive". Reuters. 25 August 2016.
    118. ^ "Turkey shells Kurdish fighters in Syria after warning". al-Masdar News. 26 August 2016. Archived from the original on 20 December 2016. Retrieved 26 August 2016.
    119. ^ "Social media blocked in Turkey". Turkey Blocks. 25 August 2016. Retrieved 18 October 2016.
    120. ^ "Social media throttling in Turkey points to wartime censorship efforts". The Daily Dot. 27 August 2016. Retrieved 18 October 2016.
    121. ^ "SDF and rebels advance over IS in Menbej and Jarablis". SOHR. 25 August 2016. Retrieved 25 August 2016.
    122. ^ "Clashes between mercenaries in Jarablos city". Hawar News Agency. 25 August 2016. Archived from the original on 9 January 2017. Retrieved 25 August 2016.
    123. ^ "Turkish-backed FSA 'cleansing' Syrian town of Daesh: Turkish minister". Yeni Şafak. 25 August 2016. Archived from the original on 25 August 2016. Retrieved 25 August 2016.
    124. ^ "Turkey risks all-out war with Kurds in Syria after air strike kills 35". The Telegraph. 28 August 2016. Archived from the original on 12 January 2022.
    125. ^ "Syrian group says Turkey mounts air strike south of border". Reuters. 27 August 2016.
    126. ^ "Devrimci Güçler Komutanlığı: Savunma konumundan saldırı pozisyonuna geçtik" (in Turkish). Hawar News Agency. 22 October 2016. Archived from the original on 23 October 2016. Retrieved 22 October 2016.
    127. ^ "Turkish-backed rebels advance against US-backed rebels". al-Masdar News. 27 August 2016. Archived from the original on 20 December 2016. Retrieved 27 August 2016.
    128. ^ "Kurdish-aligned group in north Syria says targeted by Turkish warplanes". Al-Masdar News. 27 August 2016. Archived from the original on 28 August 2016. Retrieved 27 August 2016.
    129. ^ "Turkey targets Kurdish forces south of Syria's Jarablus". Al Jazeera.
    130. ^ "The Latest: Turkish Soldier Killed in Syria by Rocket Attack". The New York Times.
    131. ^ a b "Turkish army says 25 PKK/PYD militants killed in airstrikes in Syria's Jarablus". 28 August 2016.
    132. ^ "Free Syrian Army fighters clearing mines in Jarablus". 27 August 2016.
    133. ^ "Türk Kızılayı Cerablus'ta yardım dağıttı". 27 August 2016.
    134. ^ Fiona Keating (27 August 2016). "Isis recaptures Syrian border town al-Rai after defeat in Jarablus by Turkish-backed rebels". International Business Times. Retrieved 28 August 2016.
    135. ^ Izat Chakratli (26 August 2016). "ISIS recaptures Al-Rai following massive attack". Al Masdar News. Archived from the original on 27 August 2016. Retrieved 28 August 2016.
    136. ^ a b "Fighting Escalates on Turkey-Syria Border, Endangering U.S. Forces". The Wall Street Journal. 28 August 2016.
    137. ^ Paul Antonopoulos (24 August 2016). "Reports: Further civilians killed near Jarabulus by Turkey". al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 29 August 2016. Retrieved 28 August 2016.
    138. ^ "Turkish bombardment kills 20 civilians in Syria". Agence France-Presse. 28 August 2016.
    139. ^ "40 dead as Turkish shelling, raids hit Syrian civilians". 28 August 2016. Archived from the original on 28 August 2016. Retrieved 4 September 2016.
    140. ^ Paul Antonopoulos (28 August 2016). "Free Syrian Army capture host of villages from SDF near Jarabulus". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 20 December 2016. Retrieved 28 August 2016.
    141. ^ Paul Antonopoulos (29 August 2016). "Fifth Day of Turkey's Syria intervention explained". al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 8 October 2016. Retrieved 29 August 2016.
    142. ^ "28 08 2016 Cerablus teqina tanka tirkan 1". ANF. 28 August 2016. Retrieved 28 August 2016.
    143. ^ Izat Charkatli (28 August 2016). "Video: Turkish-backed jihadists torture Kurdish POWs". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 20 December 2016. Retrieved 28 August 2016.
    144. ^ "Cerablus'a dönmek isteyenlere yardım vereceğiz". Al Jazeera Türk. 28 August 2016. Retrieved 28 August 2016.
    145. ^ "Çavuşoğlu YPG etnik temizlik yapıyor" (in Turkish). EN. 29 August 2016. Retrieved 29 August 2016.
    146. ^ "Syrian-Kurdish YPG fighters reinforcing Syria's Manbij: security sources". Reuters. 29 August 2016.
    147. ^ "Syria war: US warns over Turkish-Kurdish violence". BBC. 29 August 2016.
    148. ^ Paul Antonopoulos (29 August 2016). "Free Syrian Army engage with ISIS and YPG this morning in Jarablus". al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 30 August 2016. Retrieved 29 August 2016.
    149. ^ "Conitnued bombardment by Turkish forces on Jarablis countryside". SOHR. 29 August 2016.
    150. ^ a b "Turkey, Syrian Kurdish ceasefire in doubt only hours after US confirmation". Middle East Eye. 30 August 2016. Retrieved 31 August 2016.
    151. ^ "Kurdish-backed forces agree on ceasefire with Turkish army in northern Syria". Xinhua News Agency. 30 August 2016. Archived from the original on 31 August 2016. Retrieved 31 August 2016.
    152. ^ "US' comments about Turkey's targets in Syria unacceptable, says Turkish MFA". Daily Sabah. 30 August 2016. Retrieved 31 August 2016.
    153. ^ "No Turkish ceasefire with Syrian Kurdish fighters: Turkish military sources". The Daily Star. 30 August 2016. Archived from the original on 30 August 2016. Retrieved 31 August 2016.
    154. ^ "Kurdish official claims cease-fire with Turkey, Syrian rebels deny". Haaretz. 30 August 2016. Retrieved 31 August 2016.
    155. ^ "U.S. lauds fragile respite between Turkey, Kurdish fighters in Syria". Reutere. 30 August 2016. Retrieved 31 August 2016.
    156. ^ "Turkish tank hit by rocket, 3 soldiers injured in Syria's Jarablus". Daily Sabah. 30 August 2016. Retrieved 31 August 2016.
    157. ^ "Turkey: 'Operations will continue in northern Syria'". Al Jazeera. 30 August 2016. Retrieved 31 August 2016.
    158. ^ "Silence is taking over Jarablis countryside". SOHR. 30 August 2016. Retrieved 31 August 2016.
    159. ^ "Kurds East of Euphrates Now, Top US General Says". Voice of America. 30 August 2016. Retrieved 31 August 2016.
    160. ^ a b "Syria war: Turkey hits out at US over Kurds comments". BBC. 31 August 2016.
    161. ^ "Turkey rejects US claims of ceasefire with Syrian Kurds". Middle East Eye. 31 August 2016.
    162. ^ Izat Charkatli (31 August 2016). "ISIS recaptures villages from Turkish-backed militants". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 30 November 2020. Retrieved 1 September 2016.
    163. ^ "Turkish military clearing mines from Syrian border". 1 September 2016.
    164. ^ "British volunteers in Syrian Kurd forces are 'terrorists', Turkey says". Middle East Eye. 1 September 2016. Retrieved 2 September 2016.
    165. ^ "Turkey warns: we will treat Britons fighting with Kurds as terrorists". The Telegraph. 1 September 2016. Archived from the original on 12 January 2022. Retrieved 2 September 2016.
    166. ^ "Western members of YPG reject Turkish attacks on Rojava, but won't fight Turkey". ARA News. 2 September 2016. Archived from the original on 2 September 2016. Retrieved 3 September 2016.
    167. ^ "Turkey-backed FSA captures Syrian village of Qundarah from Daesh". Daily Sabah. 2 September 2016. Retrieved 3 September 2016.
    168. ^ "Turkish warplanes strike and destroy 3 Daesh sites in northern Syria". Daily Sabah. 2 September 2016. Retrieved 3 September 2016.
    169. ^ "Turkish tanks roll into Syria, opening a new line of attack". Reuters. 3 September 2016.
    170. ^ "US forces hit Isis targets in Syria with mobile rocket system, official says". The Guardian. 3 September 2016. Retrieved 3 September 2016.
    171. ^ "Turkish tanks open new line of attack in Syria's north". ABC News. 3 September 2016. Retrieved 3 September 2016.
    172. ^ "More Turkish tanks enter Syria in new front". Middle East Eye. 3 September 2016. Retrieved 3 September 2016.
    173. ^ Lizzie Dearden (3 September 2016). "Syrian war: More Turkish tanks cross border into al-Rai as operation against Isis and Kurds enters 'new phase'". The Independent. Archived from the original on 24 May 2022. Retrieved 3 September 2016.
    174. ^ "Turkish tanks roll into Syria, opening a new line of attack". Reuters. 3 September 2016. Retrieved 3 September 2016.
    175. ^ The "Islamic state" almost lost the rest of its border with Turkey and the outside world SOHR (3 September 2016)
    176. ^ "Around 50 US soldiers arrive in Turkey to use newly-deployed HIMARS system". Hürriyet Daily News. Retrieved 21 September 2016.
    177. ^ Mroue, Bassem; Bilginsoy, Zeynep (4 September 2016). "Turkey Says ISIS Has Lost All Territory Along the Turkey-Syria Border". Time. Archived from the original on 4 September 2016. Retrieved 5 September 2016.
    178. ^ "Syria's war: ISIL 'driven out' from Turkey-Syria border". Al Jazeera. 4 September 2016. Retrieved 5 September 2016.
    179. ^ "Nine more Syrian villages cleared of Daesh terrorists by the FSA: Turkish army". Daily Sabah. 5 September 2016. Retrieved 6 September 2016.
    180. ^ "IS rocket attack kills Turkish soldiers in Syria". BBC. 6 September 2016. Retrieved 6 September 2016.
    181. ^ "Daesh attacks Turkish tanks in Northern Syria, leaving 3 soldiers dead, 4 wounded". Daily Sabah. 6 September 2016. Retrieved 7 September 2016.
    182. ^ "Turkish soldiers killed in ISIL rocket attack in Syria". Al Jazeera. 6 September 2016. Retrieved 7 September 2016.
    183. ^ "Syrians return to Jarablus from Turkey after DAESH ousted". TRT World. Archived from the original on 22 January 2018. Retrieved 8 September 2016.
    184. ^ "Syrian Kurdish fighters still not pulled back in north Syria: Turkey's Canikli". Reuters. 7 September 2016. Retrieved 7 September 2016.
    185. ^ "Islamic State evacuating headquarters in Syria's al-Bab". Archived from the original on 16 September 2016. Retrieved 9 September 2016.
    186. ^ "AIslamic State evacuating headquarters in Syria's al-Bab". ARA News. 8 September 2016. Archived from the original on 17 September 2016. Retrieved 8 September 2016.
    187. ^ "Turkey to continue military operation in northern Syria". Xinhua News Agency. Archived from the original on 10 September 2016. Retrieved 9 September 2016.
    188. ^ "Turkey Insists on No-Fly Zone in Syria, NATO Non-Committal". ABC News. Retrieved 9 September 2016.
    189. ^ "America opposes no-fly zone over Syria". Middle East Monitor. 8 September 2016. Retrieved 8 September 2016.
    190. ^ "3 Turkish soldiers martyred fighting Daesh in Syria". Daily Sabah. 9 September 2016. Archived from the original on 10 September 2016. Retrieved 10 September 2016.
    191. ^ "Turkish air strikes kill 20 ISIS militants in Syria". Al Arabiya. 11 September 2016. Retrieved 11 September 2016.
    192. ^ "Anti-ISIL coalition kills six militants in 'Euphrates Shield' in northern Syria". Hürriyet Daily News. 14 September 2016. Retrieved 14 September 2016.
    193. ^ "Bin 900 Suriyeli Cerablus'a döndü". Al Jazeera Türk. 15 September 2016. Retrieved 15 September 2016.
    194. ^ "Turkish Army Has Destroyed 26 Mines, 671 Ieds İn Syria". Haberler.com. 15 September 2016. Retrieved 16 September 2016.
    195. ^ "Ahrar Al-Sharqya Withdraw From Euphrates Shield As They Refuse The US Forces Interfere To Rai (Video)". Qasion News Agency. Archived from the original on 20 December 2016. Retrieved 16 September 2016.
    196. ^ "US troops 'forced to flee Syrian town' after FSA rebel threats". Middle East Eye. 16 September 2016.
    197. ^ "US Special Forces to back Turkish troops in Syria". France 24. 16 September 2016.
    198. ^ a b "5 FSA fighters killed in bomb attack in northern Syria". Daily Sabah. 16 September 2016. Retrieved 18 September 2016.
    199. ^ "Mountain Hawks Brigade withdraw from Euphrates Shield and head to Aleppo". ARA News. 17 September 2016. Archived from the original on 21 September 2016. Retrieved 17 September 2016.
    200. ^ "Turkey: Syria operations strike 67 Daesh targets". Daily Sabah. 17 September 2016. Retrieved 18 September 2016.
    201. ^ Leith Fadel (19 September 2016). "ISIS counters Turkish-backed rebels in northern Aleppo". Almasdar News. Archived from the original on 20 September 2016. Retrieved 20 September 2016.
    202. ^ "At Long Last, Turkey Secures U.S. Ground Support". Stratfor. Retrieved 21 September 2016.
    203. ^ "ÖSO 5 köyü daha IŞİD'den aldı". Al Jazeera Türk. 19 September 2016. Retrieved 19 September 2016.
    204. ^ Antonopoulos, Paul (20 September 2016). "Free Syrian Army factions capture villages from ISIS". Archived from the original on 28 August 2018. Retrieved 26 September 2016.
    205. ^ Antonopoulos, Paul (20 September 2016). "ISIS rapidly recapturing villages from Turkey-backed militants in northern Syria". Archived from the original on 28 August 2018. Retrieved 26 September 2016.
    206. ^ Leith Fadel (23 September 2016). "Turkish-backed rebels lose over 20 villages to ISIS in northeast Aleppo". al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 29 August 2018. Retrieved 23 September 2016.
    207. ^ Desk, News (22 September 2016). "ISIS recaptures several villages from Turkish-backed rebels". Archived from the original on 24 August 2018. Retrieved 26 September 2016. ((cite web)): |first= has generic name (help)
    208. ^ "Turkey faces decision over boots on the ground in Syria". Al-Monitor. 27 September 2016. Archived from the original on 27 September 2016. Retrieved 28 September 2016.
    209. ^ "Turkish Parliament extends military operation mandate for another year". Daily Sabah. 1 October 2016. Retrieved 1 October 2016.
    210. ^ "TSK: 960 kilometrekarede denetim sağlandı". Al Jazeera Türk. 2 October 2016. Retrieved 2 October 2016.
    211. ^ "Turkish Air Forces Pounds IS-held Akhtarin as Turkish Special Forces Enter the City". WN. 5 October 2016. Retrieved 5 October 2016.
    212. ^ Turkish-backed rebels capture important town from ISIS in northern Aleppo Archived 26 January 2018 at the Wayback Machine Al-Masdar News (6 October 2016)
    213. ^ "IŞİD'in Bab'la Dabık Arasındaki İkmal Yolu Kesildi". Haberler.com. 9 October 2016. Retrieved 9 October 2016.
    214. ^ "Fırat Harekatı'nın 48.günü". Sözcü. 10 October 2016. Retrieved 10 October 2016.
    215. ^ "Fırat Kalkanı Harekatı'nda Son Durum". Vatan. 10 October 2016. Retrieved 10 October 2016.
    216. ^ "Dabık IŞİD'den alındı". Al Jazeera Türk. 16 October 2016. Retrieved 16 October 2016.
    217. ^ "FSA poised for showdown with Kurdish forces in Aleppo". The New Arab. 19 October 2016.
    218. ^ "Havadan vurulan PYD artık karadan da vurulacak". 22 October 2016. Archived from the original on 22 October 2016. Retrieved 22 October 2016.
    219. ^ "US denies involvement in Tukey's campaign against the SDF, expresses concern". ARA News. 25 October 2016. Archived from the original on 26 October 2016. Retrieved 27 October 2016.
    220. ^ "Jabhit al-Shamiya and Turkish occupation head for Bab". Hawar News Agency. 24 October 2016. Archived from the original on 9 January 2017. Retrieved 25 October 2016.
    221. ^ "After many defeats, clashes break out between mercenaries". Hawar News Agency. 23 October 2016. Archived from the original on 18 January 2017. Retrieved 25 October 2016.
    222. ^ "مصدر: معركة تل مضيق شتت صفوف المرتزقة" (in Arabic). Hawar News Agency. 26 October 2016. Archived from the original on 26 October 2016. Retrieved 26 October 2016.
    223. ^ Leith Fadel (26 October 2016). "Kurdish forces expel Turkish-backed rebels from northern Aleppo village". al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 22 January 2018. Retrieved 27 October 2016.
    224. ^ "Coalition not backing Turkish move on Al-Bab: US". Agence France-Presse. 17 November 2016. Archived from the original on 30 November 2016.
    225. ^ "Our El Bab martyrs are buried today". www.sozcu.com.tr. 25 November 2016.
    226. ^ "Turkish soldiers killed by Syrian air strike: Military". Al Jazeera. 24 November 2016.
    227. ^ a b "CHP warns of 'perilous process' after Syrian regime air strike hits Turkish troops". Hürriyet Daily News. 24 November 2016.
    228. ^ "Ankara vows 'retaliation' against Syrian attack on Turkish troops". Hürriyet Daily News. 24 November 2016.
    229. ^ "Turkish army blames Syrian government for killing its soldiers". The National. 24 November 2016.
    230. ^ Fadel, Leith (25 November 2016). "Syrian Air Force denies bombing Turkish Army in east Aleppo". Archived from the original on 25 November 2016. Retrieved 25 November 2016.
    231. ^ "Airstrikes by Russia Buttress Turkey in Battle vs. ISIS". The New York Times. 9 January 2017.
    232. ^ "Turkish air raids kill 51 Islamic State militants in Syria". Sky News. 2 February 2017.
    233. ^ "Euphrates Shield Forces Defeat SDF Offensive in Azaz And Jarablus". Qasioun News Agency. 7 February 2017. Archived from the original on 14 February 2017. Retrieved 8 February 2017.
    234. ^ "Syria war: Russian 'friendly fire' kills Turkish soldiers". BBC. 9 February 2017.
    235. ^ "Turkey steps up attacks on SDF-held areas north Syria". ARA News. 16 February 2017. Archived from the original on 21 April 2017. Retrieved 16 February 2017.
    236. ^ Loveluck, Louisa; Sly, Liz (23 February 2017). "Turkey-backed rebels seize Islamic State's al-Bab stronghold in Syria". The Washington Post. Retrieved 23 February 2017.
    237. ^ Srivastava, Mehul; Solomon, Erika (23 February 2017). "Turkey recaptures strategic Syrian town of al-Bab from Isis". Financial Times. Retrieved 23 February 2017.
    238. ^ "The 'Islamic State' organization withdraws from Bzaah and Qabasin and inspection operations continue in al-Bab city and kill 7 fighters in mine explosion". SOHR. 23 February 2017. Retrieved 23 February 2017.
    239. ^ "The 'Islamic State' organization retreats its members from Tedef and breaks down in the southeastern countryside of al-Bab and great advancement for the regime forces supported by the Hezbollah's elite and Russian artillery". 25 February 2017.
    240. ^ "BREAKING: Syrian Army liberates ISIS-held town neighboring Al-Bab". Al-Masdar News. 26 February 2017. Archived from the original on 8 March 2021. Retrieved 26 February 2017.
    241. ^ "2,000 people leave regime-held Tadef in northern Syria". Daily Sabah. 26 February 2017. Retrieved 1 March 2017.
    242. ^ Carla Babb (6 March 2017). "US Troops in Manbij to 'Deter' Skirmishes Between Turks, Kurds". VOA News.
    243. ^ Antonopoulos, Paul (26 February 2017). "US confirms support for Manbij Military Council despite Turkish threats". Archived from the original on 27 February 2017. Retrieved 30 March 2017.
    244. ^ "Turkish and US-backed Kurdish forces clash near Syria's Manbij". Middle East Eye. 1 March 2017. Retrieved 1 March 2017.
    245. ^ Antonopoulos, Paul (28 February 2017). "Map Update: Syrian Army continues blitz against ISIS as Turkish forces battle with Kurds". Archived from the original on 10 February 2019. Retrieved 1 March 2017.
    246. ^ "Syria conflict: Manbij militia to hand villages to army". BBC. 2 March 2017. Retrieved 2 March 2017.
    247. ^ "Roundup: Kurdish-backed group to hand over areas in northern Syria to gov't army". Xinhua News Agency. 2 March 2017. Retrieved 2 March 2017.
    248. ^ "Turkey Asks U.S. to Force Kurd Fighters to Quit Syrian Town". Bloomberg.com. Bloomberg. 2 March 2017.
    249. ^ "In the first round of fight on Manbij front after controlling al-Bab… Manbij Military Council regains what it lost in the city's countryside hours after controlling them by factions of the "Euphrates Shield"". 2 March 2017.
    250. ^ "Russia confirms regime takeover in Syria's YPG-held Manbij". Daily Sabah. 3 March 2017. Retrieved 3 March 2017.
    251. ^ "Russian, Syrian regime convoys enter northern Syria city". Al-Monitor. 3 March 2017. Retrieved 3 March 2017.
    252. ^ "Syrian troops deployed to areas controlled by Kurds – General Staff". TASS. 3 March 2017. Retrieved 3 March 2017.
    253. ^ Chris Tomson (3 March 2017). "Standoff in eastern Aleppo as US troops face the Turkish Army across the battlefield". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 30 August 2017. Retrieved 5 March 2017.
    254. ^ Karen DeYoung; Liz Sly (4 March 2017). "Pentagon plan to seize Raqqa calls for significant increase in U.S. participation". The Washington Post.
    255. ^ Tom Perry (6 March 2017). "Syrian militia says Manbij under protection of U.S.-led alliance". Reuters.
    256. ^ Suleiman Al-Khalidi (6 March 2017). "Syrian govt forces take over positions from U.S.-backed militia in northern Syria- militia spokesman". Thomson Reuters Foundation. Archived from the original on 30 August 2017. Retrieved 6 March 2017.
    257. ^ Wladimir van Wilgenburg (7 March 2017). "Turkey may give up on Manbij after Russian and US intervention: Turkish PM". ARA News. Archived from the original on 9 March 2017. Retrieved 7 March 2017.
    258. ^ Wladimir van Wilgenburg (6 March 2017). "Başbakan Yıldırım: Avrupa'nın maksatlı çıkışlarına karşı güzel bir mesaj oldu" (in Turkish). Anadolu Agency.
    259. ^ Leith Fad (6 March 2017). "Turkish-backed rebels seize village from Kurdish forces in northeast Aleppo". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 10 August 2018. Retrieved 7 March 2017.
    260. ^ "MMC fighters repel a Turkish attack". Hawar News. 6 March 2017. Archived from the original on 16 July 2017. Retrieved 7 March 2017.
    261. ^ Henry Meyer; Taylan Biglic (7 March 2017). "Russia, Turkey, U.S. Hold Military Talks Amid Syria Standoff". Bloomberg.com. Anadolu Agency.
    262. ^ Said Abdul Razzak; Tuvan Gumrukcu (16 March 2017). "Turkey wants diplomatic solution on Syria's Manbij, defense minister says". Reuters.
    263. ^ "Turkish forces dislodge Syrian troops from key town neighboring Al-Bab in rural Aleppo". 25 March 2017. Archived from the original on 25 March 2017. Retrieved 26 June 2017.
    264. ^ "Turkish tanks, special forces launch first major push into Syria to battle IS". Reuters. 24 August 2016.
    265. ^ "Turkey deploys more tanks in Syria, warns Kurdish YPG". Al Jazeera.
    266. ^ "Turkey sends tanks into Syria to battle ISIS". CNN. 24 August 2016.
    267. ^ "Turkish Parliamentary Parties React to 'Euphrates Shield' Operation". 25 August 2016. Retrieved 4 September 2016.
    268. ^ "Erdoğan says PYD not retreating to east of Euphrates". Daily Sabah. 2 September 2016. Retrieved 4 September 2016.
    269. ^ sitesi, milliyet.com.tr Türkiye'nin lider haber. "AZERBAYCAN MİLLETVEKİLİ PAŞAYEVA". MİLLİYET HABER – TÜRKİYE'NİN HABER SİTESİ. Retrieved 20 September 2016.
    270. ^ "Turkey prevented flow of 2 mln new migrants with operation: Bulgarian PM". 26 August 2016.
    271. ^ "Cyprus House condemns Turkey's invasion of Syria". Famagusta Gazette. 9 September 2016. Archived from the original on 10 September 2016. Retrieved 10 September 2016.
    272. ^ "France criticizes Turkish military operation in Syria". 30 August 2016. Retrieved 30 August 2016.
    273. ^ "Germany backs Turkey's drive against ISIS and Kurds". Associated Press. 24 August 2016.
    274. ^ "EU states support Turkey's Operation Euphrates Shield to liberate Jarablus". Daily Sabah. 24 August 2016. Retrieved 4 September 2016.
    275. ^ "Germany warns Turkey from attacking Kurds in Syria". Iraqi News. 28 August 2016.
    276. ^ "Iran urges Turkey to quickly end Syria intervention". France 24. 31 August 2016. Archived from the original on 31 August 2016. Retrieved 31 August 2016.
    277. ^ "İsrail'den Türkiye'ye destek". Retrieved 11 September 2016.
    278. ^ "Netherlands demanding Turkey to work with the Kurds in Syria". ARA News. 28 August 2016. Archived from the original on 28 August 2016.
    279. ^ "Syrian Kurds inaugurate representation office in the Netherlands". ARA News. 8 September 2016. Archived from the original on 19 October 2017. Retrieved 8 September 2016.
    280. ^ Foundation, Thomson Reuters. "Russia says deeply worried by Turkish operation in Syria". news.trust.org. Retrieved 24 August 2016. ((cite web)): |first= has generic name (help)
    281. ^ "Turkey's Syria operation 'not unexpected': Putin – World Bulletin". Retrieved 11 September 2016.
    282. ^ "Russian 'concern' over refusal of fighters to leave Aleppo". 22 October 2016. Retrieved 24 October 2016.
    283. ^ "Russia expresses 'concern' over Turkish airstrikes on Syrian Kurds". Retrieved 24 October 2016.
    284. ^ "Saudi Arabia backs Turkish action against Kurds in northern Syria". Retrieved 9 September 2016.
    285. ^ "Why Turkey sending tanks into Syria is significant". CNN. 25 August 2016.
    286. ^ "Syrian kids relish return to school in ex-IS bastion". ReliefWeb (AFP). Retrieved 28 September 2016.
    287. ^ "President al-Assad: Failure of Western states and Turkey in the battle in Aleppo means failure of outside project and the transformation of the course of the war in Syria". Syrian Arab News Agency. 8 December 2016. Archived from the original on 9 December 2016.
    288. ^ Joe Biden came, saw, but failed to conquer Turkey Archived 19 February 2020 at the Wayback Machine Asia Times Online, 26 August 2016.
    289. ^ "The Pentagon refuses commenting on Turkish targeting of SDF points". Hawar News Agency. 28 August 2016. Archived from the original on 28 August 2016. Retrieved 28 August 2016.
    290. ^ "US Will Continue to Back Kurdish Group Opposed by Turkey: Votel". Military.com. 31 August 2016. Retrieved 31 August 2016.
    291. ^ "Turkey continues to be a strong NATO ally, work with us to defeat Daesh, says Obama". Daily Sabah. 2 September 2016. Retrieved 4 September 2016.
    292. ^ U.S. Senator John McCain, Chairman of the United States Senate Armed Services Committee (27 October 2016). "STATEMENT BY SASC CHAIRMAN JOHN McCAIN ON TURKISH GOVERNMENT ATTACKS ON SYRIAN KURDS". Archived from the original on 13 October 2018. Retrieved 27 October 2016.
    293. ^ "PYD should stay on east of Euphrates, says EP member Brok". Daily Sabah. 28 August 2016.
    294. ^ "Wir sind froh, dass die Türkei aktiv gegen den IS eingreift". 13 September 2016.
    295. ^ "Stoltenberg visiting Turkey in show of solidarity". 9 September 2016.
    296. ^ "NATO chief says welcomes Turkey's efforts against Islamic State: NTV". Reuters. 9 September 2016. Retrieved 9 September 2016.
    297. ^ "NATO, EU officials visit Turkey for first time post-coup attempt". Deutsche Welle. 9 September 2016.
    298. ^ "In meeting with Turkey's President, UN chief stresses country's key role in fighting ISIL". 3 September 2016.
    299. ^ "Barzani in Ankara. Big changes coming to the region". 24 August 2016.
    300. ^ "Barzani genießt nicht die unterstützung anderer gruppen". Nachrichten Express. 15 September 2016. Retrieved 15 September 2016.
    301. ^ "Barzani accuses PYD policies". Ekurd.net. 15 September 2016. Retrieved 15 September 2015.
    302. ^ "Syrian Kurds, allies to approve federal plan despite Turkey". Reuters. 8 September 2016.
    303. ^ "Syrian Coalition Welcomes Turkish Support for FSA Offensive in Jarablos". 24 August 2016. Retrieved 4 September 2016.
    304. ^ "Syria, Kurds condemn Turkish incursion". AFP.
    305. ^ "Syrian Turkmen call on Turkey to expand military operations in Syria". Rudaw. Retrieved 21 September 2016.
    306. ^ "Syrien: Turkmenen fordern von Türkei Befreiung von el-Bab und Manbidsch". Eurasia News DE. 5 October 2016. Retrieved 5 October 2016.
    307. ^ "Kurdish National Council condemns Turkey's intervention in Syria". ARA News. 25 October 2016. Archived from the original on 26 October 2016. Retrieved 26 October 2016.

    Further reading

    36°49′08″N 38°00′40″E / 36.819°N 38.011°E / 36.819; 38.011

    Categories