Is Syrian government withdrawing from Tal Rifaat in favor of Turkey?

FSA forces are carrying out military maneuvers in preparation for the battle against Kurdish forces in Tal Rifaat, while Turkey is bringing in more reinforcements.
Turkish-backed Syrian rebel fighters are pictured in the border town of Azaz in the rebel-held northern part of Aleppo province.
Turkish-backed Syrian rebel fighters are pictured in the border town of Azaz in the rebel-held northern part of Aleppo province, as they head toward an area facing the Kurdish-controlled town of Tal Rifaat, on June 9, 2022. Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on June 1 renewed threats of a military offensive in northern Syria, which he said would target Kurdish "terrorists." - BAKR ALKASEM/AFP via Getty Images
sultanalkanj.jpg
Sultan al-Kanj
@AlkanjSultan
Read in 

The Tal Rifaat Military Council affiliated with the Turkish-backed Free Syrian Army (FSA) factions has recently been carrying out military drills, using military vehicles and heavy machine guns in preparation for a Turkish military operation in the city that is controlled by Kurdish forces.

Although the Turkish incursion into northern Syria seemed to take a backseat in recent days, movements on the ground point otherwise. 

Access the Middle East news and analysis you can trust

Join our community of Middle East readers to experience all of Al-Monitor, including 24/7 news, analyses, memos, reports and newsletters.

Subscribe

Only $100 per year.

Videos

See more