Fighting has erupted in and around the NE Syrian town of Tal Tamr, where Turkish-backed rebel groups have been looking to move against Kurdish defenses. This is a particularly important site of conflict, as it is well south of the Turkish-claimed Syrian safe zone.



Turkish-backed groups made moves against the town and surrounding area last week, and are not backing away. The Kurdish SDF, according to Syrian officials, have launched counter-attacks in the area, backed by artillery fire.



The fall of Tal Tamr and neighboring villages would give Turkish forces an opportunity to push even deeper into eastern Syria, threatening the main cities in Hasakeh Province.



The SDF is reporting that a volunteer from the US-based Free Burma Rangers was killed over the weekend when Turkish forces attacked their car. The volunteer was named Zau Seng, and was documenting Turkish attacks in the area.





Author: Jason Ditz Jason Ditz is news editor of Antiwar.com. View all posts by Jason Ditz