The Syrian Observatory For Human Rights

Infiltration attempt | Clashes erupts between Turkish-backed factions and SDF on west Ain Issa frontlines

SOHR sources have reported an infiltration attempt by Turkish-backed factions into SDF positions in Ain Issa countryside in the north of Al-Raqqah. Clashes erupted between the two sides near the M4 highway on the outskirts of Mu’allaq village in the west of Ain Issa, amid reports of casualties on both sides.

 

On March 12, SOHR sources reported that the area of Ain Issa in the northern countryside of Al-Raqqah was experiencing unprecedented movements by all military powers there, as SOHR activists monitored the arrival of new reinforcement by regime forces to their bases in the 93rd Brigade in Ain Issa for the third consecutive day, including military vehicles, soldiers, weapons and ammunition.

 

Russian forces, however, conducted reconnaissance tours and sent military vehicles and soldiers to a military base, nearly four kilometres to the south of Ain Issa district. It is worth noting that this base had belonged to the International Coalition during its military operations against ISIS, then it was turned into a military academy of the Internal Security Forces “Asayish”, then regime forces stationed in it, before the Russians brought in military vehicles and soldiers in the past few hours and days. It is expected that the Russians will be stationed in this base.

 

On the other hand, Turkish forces continued their movements in the surrounding areas of Ain Issa, including the boosting of their positions and erecting soil barriers on a daily basis, as well as bringing in vehicles and reinforcement to their positions nearby Ain Issa. The latest Turkish movements in the region included erecting of soil barriers and bringing in vehicles and soldiers to the western frontlines of Ain Issa. However, it was not known if Turkey prepares to establish a new military base or these movements came as a part of routine reinforcement.

 

It is worth noting that Ain Issa district has strategic importance with its important junction linking between Aleppo and Al-Hasakah.

 

SOHR sources in Ain Issa area in the northern countryside of Al-Raqqah reported earlier in the morning hectic movements by Turkish forces on the frontlines of a few kilometres away from Ain Issa town, as Turkish forces erected soil barriers and brought in military vehicles to the town’s western frontlines. It was not known if Turkey prepared to establish a new military base or these movements came as a part of routine reinforcement. It is worth noting that Turkey established three military bases previously:

 

  • The first one is located in front of Ain Issa town, near the camp.

 

  • The second is located in front of Jahbal village in eastern Ain Issa.

 

  • The third is located in front of the fuel station in the west of Ain Issa.