SUMMARY

In 2016, the Turkish-backed Hawar Kilis Operations Room launched operation Euphrate's Shield to fight IS and SDF in northern Syria, and was the start of a direct Turkish involvement in the country. Clashes between the groups broke out in northern Aleppo and Raqqah governorates close to the Turkish border areas. With the help of Turkish airstrikes and shelling, Hawar Kilis Operations Room gained control over an area in stretching between Azaz, Jarabulus and Al Bab towns in northern Aleppo governorate, forcing SDF to retreat.

In 2018, Hawar Kilis Operations Room joined SNA and the conflict with the SDF continued through the SDF-SNA dyad.