Illustrative Image
The situation in Northern Syria is gradually escalating. Amid reports that Turkey is preparing to launch a new military operation in northwestern and northeastern Syria, all the forces deployed in the region are actively preparing to the upcoming hostilities.
The Syrian Arab Army (SAA) is sending its military reinforcements to the region. On November 2, another SAA military convoy was spotted moving towards the area of al-Bab.
Click to see full-size image
At the same time, the US-led international coalition sent large military and logistic reinforcements to north-eastern Syria. A large convoy of the International Coalition consisting of about 40 trucks arrived in Qamishli from Iraq on November 1.
The next day, on November 2, the second convoy of the International Coalition crossed the Syrian-Iraqi border. It was spotted heading towards the US bases in the territories controlled by the Kurdish forces in the Syrian Hasakah province.
Meanwhile, US forces are carrying out military patrols on the road between Tel-Tamr and Hasakah.
Click to see full-size image
Click to see full-size image
#Qamişlo: The US-led International coalition sent large military and logistic reinforcements to NES. This comes a day after the Turkish regime called on US President Biden to cease support to the SDF.#Turkey #SDF #Rojava #Syria #G20 pic.twitter.com/2ZQeftcDGT
— Rojava Network (@RojavaNetwork) November 1, 2021
In their turn, Russian forces continuesly demonstrate their readiness to deter Turkish militery in Northern Syria.
The SDF have recently conducted military exercises in the area of the town of Ain Issa, located in the north of Raqqa. According to several reports, the units of the SAA and the aircrafts of the Russian Aerospace Forces (VKS) also took part in the trainings.
The Russian flag was raised over an unidentified facility in the town of Ain Issa, which has been recently targeted by the Turkish Armed Forces and Turkish-backed militants.
Increased activity of Russian military was noted in the area of the town of al-Qamishli.
On November 2, eyewitnesses filmed a Russian military column consisting of armored vehicles, tankers and engineering equipment, heading towards the al-Qamishli airfield, where VKS aircraft were reportedly deployed a few days ago.
Despite the comments of the spokesperson for the Turkish Defense Ministry that the deployment of the Russian Su-35S fighter at the air field was not a dislocation but a one-day event, the satellite imagery is circulating on social media, allegedly proving the presence of various Syrian and Russian military aircraft at the al-Qamishli air field, including Su-35S fighter.
Click to see full-size image
Following the 2019 Turkish invasion of northeastern Syria, Russia deployed several helicopters, radars and at least one air-defense system in the airport. Russian forces were dispatched to the region back then to monitor a ceasefire between Turkish forces and the SDF.
However, the growing tensions do not prevent Russian and Turkish forces from conducting the joint patrols in Northern Syria, despite the rumors that the joint patrols were stopped.
On November 1, the 77th joint Russian-Turkish patrol took place in the northeast of Aleppo province. It consisted of 8 vehicles and was accompanied by 2 Russian helicopters proceeded through the eastern neighborhood of the town of Kobani.
Click to see full-size image
On November 2, MI-8 and KA-52 helicopters in the VKS were spotted over al-Bab and the village of Tatev, located in the north-east of Aleppo province. According to the statements of the Turkish Air Force, helicopters were taking part in another joint patrol.
Turkey is preparing to launch a new military operation against the SDF in northwestern and northeastern Syria. However, any Turkish-led operation against the SDF will likely be met with resistance from the SAA and its allies. However, it remains unclear if Russia and the U.S. would in fact step in clashes, if Turkey decide to go on with its military plans.
Click to see full-size image
