Turkish Tanks Storm Northeastern Syrian Town To Stop Deadly Clashes Among Militants (Videos)

Turkish army tanks and military personal are stationed in Karkamis on the Turkish-Syrian border in the southeastern Gaziantep province, Turkey, August 25, 2016. © Umit Bektas / Reuters

On April 22, a large force of the Turkish military stormed the northeastern Syrian town of Ras al-Ain to put an end to clashes among tribesmen and militants there.

The clashes broke out when the Turkish-backed Sultan Murad Division arrested two members of Al Qur’an tribe for smuggling. The tribe’s members and militants from the 2^th Division, which is also backed by Turkey, responded by launching a full-fledged attack on Sultan Murad militants in Ras al-Ain. Both sides used heavy weapons.

According to the London-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, the clashes claimed the lives of eight people, including two civilians. At least ten others were wounded.

The clashes in Ras al-Ain came to an end only after the intervention of the Turkish force, which was backed by several M60 Patton battle tanks.

The governor of the southern Turkish city of Şanlıurfa was visiting Ras al-Ain when the clashes erupted. This was likely the reason behind the Turkish military intervention.

The situation in Ras al-Ain remains tense. According to Syrian opposition sources, Al Qur’an and the 20^th Division amassed a large force in the town on April 23, possibly to launch a new attack on the Sultan Murad Division which also brought in new reinforcements.

Confrontations between Turkish-backed factions are quite common in Turkish-occupied areas in northern and northeastern Syria. On April 23, a civilian was killed during an infighting between Turkish-backed militants in the northern area of Afrin.

The situation in Turkish-occupied areas in northern and northeastern Syria will not likely improve until the Turkish military leave these areas along with its proxies.

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