FILE IMAGE: T-155 Firtina howitzers of the Turkish Army
Tensions increased between Turkey-led forces and Kurdish militias that compose a core of the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). Turkish artillery units have shelled Tell Rifat, Sheikh Issa, Harbul, Maranaz, Minaq and Ayn Daqnah in northern Aleppo.
According to multiple pro-Kurdish media outlets, Turkey and pro-Turkish militant groups are preparing for a large advance against Kurdish militias in the area of Afrin.
The Kurdish news agency ANHA argue that Turkish reconnaissance jets are flying over the village of Sheikh Issa.
However, no large attack has taken place so far.
The SDF media wing has not reacted to the recent shelling, but some unofficial Kurdish sources indicated that the SDF is not going to halt the Raqqah advance even if Ankara launches the expected operation in the Afrin area.
At the same time, other sources threatened that the SDF may halt the Raqqah advance if Turkey attacks Afrin.
