The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have launched a counter-attack south of the border town of Tell Abyad in northern Raqqa, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) reported on October 16.
“The SDF managed to advance and regain control of two positions it had lost to [Turkish-backed] factions in the past few hours,” the SOHR’s report read.
According to the London-based monitoring group, heavy clashes are currently taking place south of Tell Abyad. The two sides are also exchanging shelling.
Local sources said that the SDF has recaptured the town of Jadla, located less than 3km to the south of Tell Abyad’s town center.
Militants of the Turkish-backed National Syrian Army (NSA) captured Tell Abyad on October 13 in the framework of Operation Peace Spring. The capture of the town is one of their biggest achievements, so far.
The SDF’s counter-attack was likely facilitated by the deployment of the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) in the town of Ain Issa, south of Tell Abyad. The army presence secured the Kurdish-led group supply lines.