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BEIRUT, LEBANON (9:30 P.M.) – The Turkish Army and their allies from the Free Syrian Army (TFSA) began an operation on Saturday to push the Kurdish-led People’s Protection Units (YPG) further south of their stronghold, Azaz, in northern Aleppo.
According to preliminary reports from northern Aleppo, the Turkish Army and their rebel allies are attempting to seize and secure two towns from the YPG forces near the key town of Tal Rifa’at.
It appears the Turkish Army and their allies want to capture the towns of Maraanaz and Malkiyah from the YPG and if they’re successful, they will be able to secure Azaz and avoid the constant bombardment of the city.
The YPG’s presence in Maraanaz and Malkiyah has been a constant issue for the Turkish Army, who has a base located directly west of Azaz.
While pro-opposition activists claimed that the YPG has withdrawn from both towns, there has been no proof to corroborate these reports.
The Turkish Army and their allies are also avoiding any confrontation with the Syrian Armed Forces, who are currently positioned around the town of Tal Rifa’at.
SOURCE: AL MASDAR NEWS
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