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The Turkish military and the Syrian National Army (NSA) have imposed control of the key border town of Ras al-Ayn in the northern al-Hasakah countryside, the Turkish Ministry of National Defence announced on October 12.
“As part of the successful operations being conducted in the framework of Operation Peace Spring, the town of Rasulayn, located east of the Euphrates, has been brought under control,” the ministry wrote on Twitter.
In the early hours of the morning, NSA militants captured the border crossing north of Ras al-Ayn and stormed the town’s northern district. Turkish-backed militants also advanced in the silos, west of the town.
Sources affiliated with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) denied that Ras al-Ayn was captured by Turkish forces, claiming that clashes are still ongoing in the town’s center. This is yet to be verified.
By capturing Ras al-Ayn, Turkish forces have established a strong foothold in northeast Syria. Earlier, the forces advanced west of the town, capturing 18 villages and blocking the strategic M4 highway.
