Syria: Syrian and Russian forces enter Ain al-Arab October 16 /update 11

Syrian and Russian forces enter Ain al-Arab October 16; Turkey advances into Ras al-Ayn
Read all related news alert(s):
Syria: Car bomb blast leaves 17 dead in Tel Halaf November 26 /update 21
Syria: At least three people killed in Tal Abyad missile attack November 19 /update 20
Syria: Car bombing reported in Al-Bab November 16 /update 19
Syria: Turkish forces open fire on protesters in Kobane November 12 /update 18
Syria: Bomb attack leaves at least eight dead in northeast Syria November 10 /update 17
Syria: At least 13 killed in Tal Abyad bomb blast November 2 /update 16
Syria: Car bombing reported in Tal Abyad October 24 /update 15
Syria: Turkey, Russia agree to establish “safe zone” in northern Syria October 22 /update 14
Syria: Kurds tentatively agree to ceasefire October 17 /update 13
Syria: Turkey agrees to temporary ceasefire in northeastern Syria October 17 /update 12
Syria: Russian forces approach Ain al-Arab October 16 /update 10
Syria: Syrian troops approach border with Turkey October 14 /update 9
Syria: Islamic State (IS) supporters escape holding camp in Tell Abiad October 13 /update 8
Syria: Turkey claims capture of border town of Ras al-Ain October 12 /update 7
Syria: Islamic State (IS) claims VBIED attack in Al-Hasakah province October 11 /update 6
Syria: VBIED attack reported in Al-Hasakah province October 11 /update 5
Syria: Ground fighting reported in northeastern Syria October 11 /update 4
Syria: 15 killed in Turkey’s northeastern Syria operation as of October 10 /update 3
Syria: Turkey launches military operation, airstrikes in northeastern Syria October 9 /update 2
Syria: Airstrikes reported in Al-Hasakah province October 7 /update 1
Event
Reports indicate that as of Wednesday, October 16, Syrian troops loyal to President Bachar al-Assad and Russian forces have entered the city of Ain al-Arab. Syrian troops also continue their deployment in Tall Tamr, with the aim to reach Raqqa.
As of Thursday, October 17, the Turkish army has reportedly made significant advances into the border town of Ras al-Ayn while controlling the city of Tal Abyad. Intensive airstrikes and ground fighting have been reported in both cities.
Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan has announced Turkey's aim to expel SDF combatants from Manbij, held by Syrian and Russian forces since Tuesday, October 15, and has excluded any cease-fire agreement with the Kurdish-led forces as of Wednesday. Diplomatic talks are expected to be held between US Vice President Mike Pence and Erdogan in Ankara on Thursday. Erdogan is also set to make an official visit to Russia to meet President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday, October 22.
According to local NGOs, at least 300,000 people have been displaced since the start of Turkey's offensive on October 9.
A heightened security presence and violent clashes between opposing security forces are to be expected throughout northeastern Syria over the coming days and weeks.
Context
On October 14, an agreement was made between the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the Syrian government to deploy along the border with Turkey amid an ongoing Turkish offensive in northeastern Syria.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan announced on October 5, that Turkey will launch a military operation in northeastern Syria in an attempt to expel Syrian Kurdish (People's Protection Units; YPG) forces from the Turkish border. Erdoğan stated that the air and ground operations will extend 30 km (19 mi) into Syria's northeastern border. Turkey considers the YPG to be a terrorist organization linked to the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) group in Turkey.
The offensive comes days after US President Donald Trump announced a US military pullback in the region.
Advice
Due to extremely poor security conditions, Western governments generally advise against all travel to Syria, with some banning travel to the country. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to any travel to Syria.
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