2019 Tell Rifaat clashes


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

Background

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

Timeline

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

Aftermath

On 18 May 2019, new fighting erupted in the Tell Rifaat area, with five rebels and one civilian being killed.
On 9 June 2019, fighters of the Syrian Democratic Forces attacked Turkish troops, killing 1 soldier and wounding 7. In response, the Turkish Armed Forces responded days later with shelling.