The Turkish-backed Syrian National Army (SNA) has launched its “Operation Dawn of Freedom”, targeting the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and causing fierce fighting to erupt across northern Syria. The offensive coincides with advances against Syrian government forces by jihadist groups led by Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), formerly al-Qaeda’s Syrian affiliate.
According to Turkey’s state-run Anadolu Agency, the SNA aims to prevent the SDF from establishing a corridor linking its territories in northeast Syria with Tal Rifaat near Aleppo. Turkish security sources claim the operation disrupts the SDF’s alleged “terror corridor” plan.
The recent clashes follow significant HTS gains in the countryside east of Aleppo, where its forces have ousted Syrian government troops from key areas. In response, forces of the Syrian regime reportedly sought support from the SDF, with Kurdish units establishing control points in previously government-held positions near Hama.
The situation escalated on Friday when SDF units briefly seized control of Aleppo International Airport amid HTS advances toward the city from the west. The SDF later withdrew, after evacuating the area. Simultaneously, HTS-linked fighters reportedly attempted to infiltrate Kurdish neighbourhoods in Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiyeh but were captured by local forces.
Overnight, intense clashes broke out between SNA and SDF forces south of Afrin (Efrîn), a region under Turkey’s control since its 2018 invasion. An SDF spokesperson stated, “We stand ready to protect our people and our land.”
The conflict has created a volatile situation in Syria, where multiple factions, including Turkish-backed groups, Kurdish-led forces and Syrian government troops, all vie for territorial control. The gains HTS has made have destabilised the fragile balance, forcing rival factions to reassess their positions.
Observers fear that renewed hostilities could further complicate peace efforts in the war-torn region, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis and displacing thousands of civilians. The escalation highlights Syria’s deep-seated fragmentation and the struggle for dominance among rival groups.
