Turkey-backed FSA's march toward strategic al-Bab continues

Turkish tanks and howitzers crossed into al-Rai from the Elbeyli district border in Kilis province to support the opposition army. The distance between al-Rai and al-Bab is around 30 kilometers. With only a 10-kilometer area to the south under FSA control, the opposition has to cover a 20-kilometer area to reach al-Bab. Even though the FSA secured the Azaz-Jarablus line in less than two weeks, it remains unknown whether reaching al-Bab will be achieved as quickly.

The FSA is expanding operations to al-Bab due to its geostrategic position between the cities of Manbij and Aleppo.

If the PKK's Syrian offshoot, the Democratic Union Party (PYD), seizes al-Bab, it will be able to connect its cantons in the west and east, reaching the Mediterranean.

Seizing al-Bab is vital for Turkey as well. Despite having secured the northern border of Syria by pushing DAESH back towards the south, the Turkish-backed FSA controls a mere 10 kilometers in that direction. Capturing al-Bab is essential to ensure the establishment of a buffer zone on the Turkish-Syrian border and protect Turkey from DAESH shells and terrorist threats.

Meanwhile, the TSK disclosed information regarding the operation. In a written statement, the TSK said that 26 landmines and 671 handmade explosives have been destroyed since the beginning of Operation Euphrates Shield.