Battle of Ras al-Ayn (2019)
The Second Battle of Ras al-Ayn occurred during the 2019 Turkish offensive into north-eastern Syria, as part of the Rojava conflict of the Syrian Civil War. The battle was fought between Turkish Armed Forces and the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army (SNA) against the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). The battle resulted in the capture of Ras al-Ayn/Serê Kaniyê by Turkish/SNA forces on 20 October, and the incorporation of the town under the Turkish occupation of northern Syria.
An abandoned SDF checkpoint outside of Ras al-Ayn, 11 October
The Syrian National Army, previously the Free Syrian Army (FSA) and also known as the Turkish-backed Free Syrian Army (TFSA), is a coalition of armed Syrian opposition groups in the Syrian Civil War. Comprising various rebel factions that emerged at the onset of the war in July 2011, it was officially established in 2017 under the auspices of Turkey, which provides funding, training, and military support.
Rebel fighter opening fire with a machine gun during the Battle of al-Bab, December 14, 2016.
Syrian National Army fighters near Jandiris district northern Aleppo's countryside, 11 February 2018
Syrian National Army fighters on 12 October 2019
Turkish-supplied FNSS ACV-15, manned by a SNA crew, during operations against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant.