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{{Short description|2016–17 battle of the Syrian Civil War}} |
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{{Infobox military conflict |
{{Infobox military conflict |
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| conflict = Battle of al-Bab |
| conflict = Battle of al-Bab |
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| width = 400px |
| width = 400px |
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| partof = the [[Operation Euphrates Shield]] and the [[Syrian Civil War]] |
| partof = the [[Operation Euphrates Shield]] and the [[Syrian Civil War]] |
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| image = [[File:Western al-Bab offensive (2016) (within Northern Syria).svg|300px]]<br>Map of the wider Turkish-led operations and the wider campaigns in northern Aleppo |
| image = [[File:Western al-Bab offensive (2016) (within Northern Syria).svg|300px]]<br />Map of the wider Turkish-led operations and the wider campaigns in northern Aleppo |
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| caption = <div style="text-align: left;"> {{legend|#ebc0b3|[[ |
| caption = <div style="text-align: left;"> {{legend|#ebc0b3|[[Syrian Armed Forces]] and allied groups}} |
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{{legend|#e2d974|[[ |
{{legend|#e2d974|[[Syrian Democratic Forces]]}} |
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{{legend|#b4b2ae|[[ |
{{legend|#b4b2ae|[[Islamic State of Iraq and Syria|Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant]]}} |
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{{legend|#cdecc9|[[ |
{{legend|#cdecc9|[[Turkish Free Syrian Army|FSA groups and Turkish troops in Northern Syria]]}}</div> |
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| date = 6 November 2016 – 23 February 2017<br>({{Age in months, weeks and days|month1=11|day1=6|year1=2016|month2=2|day2=23|year2=2017}}) |
| date = 6 November 2016 – 23 February 2017<br />({{Age in months, weeks and days|month1=11|day1=6|year1=2016|month2=2|day2=23|year2=2017}}) |
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| place = [[Al-Bab District]], [[Aleppo Governorate]], [[Syria]] |
| place = [[Al-Bab District]], [[Aleppo Governorate]], [[Syria]] |
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| result = *Turkish and SNA victory |
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| territory = |
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*[[International coalition air intervention]] [[Turkish Armed Forces]] and [[Turkish Free Syrian Army]] victory |
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| result = Major Turkish Army and rebel victory, significant advances for both the Syrian Army and SDF |
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*[[Turkish Armed Forces]] and [[Turkish Free Syrian Army]]/allied Syrian rebels capture the city of [[al-Bab]], the towns of [[Bizaah]] and [[Qabasin]] and 37 villages from ISIL and 4 villages from SDF<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.haberyirmi.net/2016/12/el-babta-son-durum-harita-11-aralk.html|title=El Bab son durum harita (11 Aralık)}}</ref><ref name=29villages>{{Cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=54672|title=After reaching the edges of al-Bab |
*[[Turkish Armed Forces]] and [[Turkish Free Syrian Army]]/allied Syrian rebels capture the city of [[al-Bab]], the towns of [[Bizaah]] and [[Qabasin]] and 37 villages from ISIL and 4 villages from SDF<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.haberyirmi.net/2016/12/el-babta-son-durum-harita-11-aralk.html|title=El Bab son durum harita (11 Aralık)}}</ref><ref name=29villages>{{Cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=54672|title=After reaching the edges of al-Bab city... the 'Euphrates Shield' factions expand their controlled areas in the vicinity of the city and its countryside|date=14 November 2016}}</ref><ref name=seven>{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-rebels-seize-seven-villages-major-advance-towards-isis-stronghold-al-bab/|title=Syrian rebels seize seven villages in major advance towards ISIS stronghold of al-Bab|first=Chris|last=Tomson|date=7 November 2016|publisher=[[Al-Masdar News]]|access-date=8 November 2016|archive-date=24 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181224221111/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-rebels-seize-seven-villages-major-advance-towards-isis-stronghold-al-bab/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="auto">{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/turkish-backed-rebels-overrun-another-isis-held-town-near-al-bab/|title=Turkish-backed rebels overrun another ISIS-held town near al-Bab|first=Chris|last=Tomson|date=15 November 2016|access-date=16 November 2016|archive-date=22 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171222052503/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/turkish-backed-rebels-overrun-another-isis-held-town-near-al-bab/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://smartnews-agency.com/ar/breakingNews/218497/%D9%81%D8%B5%D8%A7%D8%A6%D9%84-%D8%AF%D8%B1%D8%B9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%81%D8%B1%D8%A7%D8%AA-%D8%AA%D8%B3%D9%8A%D8%B7%D8%B1-%D8%B9%D9%84%D9%89-%D8%AA%D9%84%D8%A9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%80500--%D9%88%D9%82%D8%B1%D9%89-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%BA%D8%AC%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%86?soicalmedia=pg|title=فصائل『درع الفرات』تسيطر على تلة الـ500 وقرى الغجران والعواصي واللواحجة والحساني بريف حلب الشرقي}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/reports-isis-surrenders-al-bab-turkish-led-forces/|title=Reports: ISIS surrenders Al-Bab to Turkish-led forces|first=Paul|last=Antonopoulos|date=23 February 2017|publisher=[[Al-Masdar News]]|access-date=24 February 2017|archive-date=24 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181224220822/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/reports-isis-surrenders-al-bab-turkish-led-forces/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/isis-full-scale-retreat-turkish-army-seizes-two-large-towns-neighbouring-al-bab/|title=ISIS in full-scale retreat as the Turkish Army seizes two large towns neighboring Al-Bab|first=Chris|last=Tomson|date=23 February 2017|access-date=24 February 2017|archive-date=24 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181224221108/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/isis-full-scale-retreat-turkish-army-seizes-two-large-towns-neighbouring-al-bab/|url-status=dead}}</ref> |
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*The [[Syrian Democratic Forces|SDF]] captures 17 villages and towns, including [[Arima, Syria|Arima]], from ISIL<ref name=arima>{{Cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=54574|title=The Syria Democratic Forces are trying to besiege al-Arima and factions of |
*The [[Syrian Democratic Forces|SDF]] captures 17 villages and towns, including [[Arima, Syria|Arima]], from ISIL<ref name=arima>{{Cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=54574|title=The Syria Democratic Forces are trying to besiege al-Arima and factions of 'Euphrates Shield' advance in the vicinity of al-Bab with clashes on its frontiers|date=13 November 2016}}</ref><ref name=four/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/us-backed-kurds-seize-9-villages-isis-turkish-backed-rebels-attack/|title=US-backed Kurds seize 9 villages from ISIS while Turkish-backed rebels attack both|first=Chris|last=Tomson|date=16 November 2016|access-date=16 November 2016|archive-date=4 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190204065210/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/us-backed-kurds-seize-9-villages-isis-turkish-backed-rebels-attack/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name=arimahr/> |
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*The [[Syrian Army]] captures 25+ villages and towns including [[Tadef]] and several hills from ISIL<br><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=59961|title=More advancement by the regime forces put the |
*The [[Syrian Army]] captures 25+ villages and towns including [[Tadef]] and several hills from ISIL<br /><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=59961|title=More advancement by the regime forces put the 'Islamic State' organization at al-Bab between the jaws of pliers of the regime and Turks|date=29 January 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/race-al-bab-continues-syrian-government-forces-liberate-new-village/|title=Race for Al-Bab continues as Syrian government forces liberate new village|first=Leith|last=Fadel|date=8 February 2017|publisher=[[Al-Masdar News]]|access-date=8 February 2017|archive-date=24 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181224220926/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/race-al-bab-continues-syrian-government-forces-liberate-new-village/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=60597|title=The regime forces advance in the southwest of al-Bab city and violent attack by the Turkish forces and the 'Euphrates Shield' in the north of the city}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-al-bab-battle-heat-syrian-army-reaches-southern-gates/|title=Al-Bab battle heat up as the Syrian Army reaches its southern gates|first=Paul|last=Antonopoulos|date=10 February 2017|publisher=[[Al-Masdar News]]|access-date=10 February 2017|archive-date=24 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181224221110/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-al-bab-battle-heat-syrian-army-reaches-southern-gates/|url-status=dead}}</ref> |
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| status = |
| status = |
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| combatants_header = |
| combatants_header = |
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| combatant1 = {{flag|Turkey}}<br>{{flagicon|Syrian opposition}} [[Free Syrian Army]]<br>'''Support:'''<br>{{flagicon image|Flag of Russia.svg}} [[Russia]] <small>(against ISIL only; since 29 Dec. 2016)</small><ref name=MEERussia/><br>{{Flag|United States}} {{small|(against ISIL only, since 17 Jan. 2017)}}<ref name=USstrikes/> |
| combatant1 = {{flag|Turkey}}<br />{{flagicon|Syrian opposition}} [[Free Syrian Army]]<br />'''Support:'''<br />{{flagicon image|Flag of Russia.svg}} [[Russia]] <small>(against ISIL only; since 29 Dec. 2016)</small><ref name=MEERussia/><br />{{Flag|United States}} {{small|(against ISIL only, since 17 Jan. 2017)}}<ref name=USstrikes/> |
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| combatant2 = {{flag|Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant}} |
| combatant2 = {{flag|Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant}} |
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| combatant3 = {{flagicon image|Flag of Syrian Democratic Forces.svg}} [[Syrian Democratic Forces]] <small>{{nowrap|(until 27 November 2016)}}</small> |
| combatant3 = {{flagicon image|Flag of Syrian Democratic Forces.svg}} [[Syrian Democratic Forces]] <small>{{nowrap|(until 27 November 2016)}}</small> |
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*{{flagicon image|Infobox al-Bab Military Council.png}} [[Syrian Democratic Forces military councils#Al-Bab|Al-Bab Military Council]] |
*{{flagicon image|Infobox al-Bab Military Council.png}} [[Syrian Democratic Forces military councils#Al-Bab|Al-Bab Military Council]] |
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*{{flagicon image|Infobox Manbij Military Council flag.png}} [[Syrian Democratic Forces military councils#Manbij|Manbij Military Council]]<ref>{{cite tweet |user= Syria_Rebel_Obs|number= 799372530473570304|date= 17 November 2016|title= RARE PIC | #Jarablus Military Council fighters (most of them turkmens) proudly celebrated after they took part to east-#Bab advances}}</ref> |
*{{flagicon image|Infobox Manbij Military Council flag.png}} [[Syrian Democratic Forces military councils#Manbij|Manbij Military Council]]<ref>{{cite tweet |user= Syria_Rebel_Obs|number= 799372530473570304|date= 17 November 2016|title= RARE PIC | #Jarablus Military Council fighters (most of them turkmens) proudly celebrated after they took part to east-#Bab advances}}</ref> |
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{{flagicon image|Flag_of_Syria.svg}} [[Syria|Syrian Arab Republic]]<ref name="SNR">{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-captures-first-village-turkish-backed-rebels-outskirts-al-bab/|title=Syrian Army captures first village from Turkish-backed rebels on the outskirts of al-Bab|work=al-Masdar News|author=Chris Tomson|date=29 November 2016|access-date=29 November 2016}}</ref> |
{{flagicon image|Flag_of_Syria.svg}} [[Syria|Syrian Arab Republic]]<ref name="SNR">{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-captures-first-village-turkish-backed-rebels-outskirts-al-bab/|title=Syrian Army captures first village from Turkish-backed rebels on the outskirts of al-Bab|work=al-Masdar News|author=Chris Tomson|date=29 November 2016|access-date=29 November 2016|archive-date=24 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181224220900/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-captures-first-village-turkish-backed-rebels-outskirts-al-bab/|url-status=dead}}</ref> |
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*{{flagicon image|Flag of the Syrian Arab Armed Forces.svg}} [[Syrian Armed Forces]] |
*{{flagicon image|Flag of the Syrian Arab Armed Forces.svg}} [[Syrian Armed Forces]] |
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{{flagicon image|InfoboxHez.PNG}} [[Hezbollah]]<ref name="Tiger groups"/><ref name="After new"/> |
{{flagicon image|InfoboxHez.PNG}} [[Hezbollah]]<ref name="Tiger groups"/><ref name="After new"/> |
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{{flagicon image|Bandera de Cochabamba.svg}} [[Syrian National Resistance]]<ref name="SNR" /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.al-akhbar.com/node/268820|title="المقاومة السورية" إلى جانب |
{{flagicon image|Bandera de Cochabamba.svg}} [[Syrian National Resistance]]<ref name="SNR" /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.al-akhbar.com/node/268820|title="المقاومة السورية" إلى جانب الجيش:『الباب』أقرب}}</ref><br />{{flagicon image|Syrian Resistance Flag.svg}} [[Syrian Resistance]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/IvanSidorenko1/status/832734160242429956|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170222183853/https://twitter.com/IvanSidorenko1/status/832734160242429956|url-status=dead|archive-date=22 February 2017|title=Ivan Sidorenko on Twitter|access-date=24 February 2017}}</ref> |
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'''Support:'''<br>{{flagicon image|Flag of Russia.svg}} [[Russia]] <small>(against ISIL only)</small><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-closes-isis-stronghold-east-aleppo-map/|title=Syrian Army closes-on ISIS stronghold in east Aleppo: map|first=Leith|last=Fadel|date=23 January 2017|publisher=[[Al-Masdar News]]}}</ref> |
'''Support:'''<br />{{flagicon image|Flag of Russia.svg}} [[Russia]] <small>(against ISIL only)</small><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-closes-isis-stronghold-east-aleppo-map/|title=Syrian Army closes-on ISIS stronghold in east Aleppo: map|first=Leith|last=Fadel|date=23 January 2017|publisher=[[Al-Masdar News]]|access-date=26 January 2017|archive-date=24 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181224221105/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-closes-isis-stronghold-east-aleppo-map/|url-status=dead}}</ref> |
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| commander1 = {{flagicon|Turkey}} Lt. Gen. [[Zekai Aksakallı]]<ref name=specforc> |
| commander1 = {{flagicon|Turkey}} Lt. Gen. [[Zekai Aksakallı]]<ref name=specforc>{{Cite web |title=Turkish Special Forces: From stopping a coup to the frontline of the ISIL fight |url=https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/turkish-special-forces-from-stopping-a-coup-to-the-frontline-of-the-isil-fight-103178 |date=24 August 2016 |access-date=2021-12-15 |website=[[Hürriyet Daily News]] – World News |language=en}}</ref><br />({{small|Operations chief commander}})<br />{{flagicon|Turkey}} Lt. Gen. [[İsmail Metin Temel]]<ref name="signals">{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-turkey-idUSKCN1111F1|title=Turkey signals no quick end to Syria incursion as truck bomb kills police|author=Nick Tattersall; Humeyra Pamuk|work=Reuters|date=26 August 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hurriyet.com.tr/korgeneral-ismail-metin-temel-cerablusta-40208457|title=Korgeneral İsmail Metin Temel Cerablus'ta|publisher=Hürriyet Daily News|date=26 August 2016}}</ref><br />({{small|[[Second Army (Turkey)|Second Army]] commander}})<br />{{Flagicon|Syrian opposition}}{{flagicon image|Flag of the Sultan Murad Brigade.png}} Col. Ahmed Othman<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.voanews.com/a/turkey-targets-islamic-state-in-syrian-border-town/3478539.html|title=Turkish Forces and Rebels Storm Into Syria, Taking IS Stronghold of Jarablus|publisher=VOA|date=24 August 2016}}</ref><br />({{small|Sultan Murad Division commander}})<br />{{Flagicon|Syrian opposition}}{{flagicon image|Flag of the Sultan Murad Brigade.png}} Fehim İsa <small>(Sultan Murad Division commander)</small><ref name="Sultan Murat">{{cite web|url=http://sultanmurattumeni.com/entry/slug-d8krvl|title=SULTAN MURAT TÜMENİ KOMUTANI FEHİM İSA TATHAMUS TÜRKMEN KÖYÜNÜN DEAŞ TERÖR ÖRGÜTÜNDEN TEMİZLENDİĞİNİ AÇIKLADI|date=24 August 2016}}</ref><br />{{flagicon image|Liwa Ahfad Saladin variant opposition flag.svg}} Mahmoud Abu Hamza<ref name=direct>{{cite web|url=http://syriadirect.org/news/turkish-backed-fsa-rebels-set-their-sights-on-last-is-aleppo-stronghold%C2%A0after-border-victory/|title=Turkish-backed FSA rebels set their sights on last IS Aleppo stronghold after border victory|work=Syria:direct|date=5 September 2016|access-date=13 November 2016|archive-date=24 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181224220950/https://syriadirect.org/news/turkish-backed-fsa-rebels-set-their-sights-on-last-is-aleppo-stronghold%C2%A0after-border-victory/|url-status=dead}}</ref> <small>(Descendants of Saladin Brigade commander)</small><br />{{flagicon|Syrian opposition}} Capt. Yussuf Shibli<ref>{{cite web|url= https://yallasouriya.wordpress.com/2016/11/13/syrialcc-qabasin-rejects-qabasin-mc/|title=LCC Qabasin rejects Qabasin MC|work=Yallasouriya|date=13 November 2016}}</ref> <small>(Qabasin Military Council commander)</small><br />{{flagicon image|Al-Liwaa.svg}} Capt. Abdel Salam Abdel Razaq<ref name=direct/> <small>(Nour al-Din al-Zenki Movement commander)</small><br />{{flagicon image|Flag of the Sham Legion.svg}} Capt. Mohammed Abu Mustafa<ref name="yenisafak.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.yenisafak.com/dunya/oso-komutanlarindan-turkiyeye-tesekkur-2516873|title=ÖSO komutanlarından Türkiye'ye teşekkür|date=25 August 2016}}</ref><br />({{small|Sham Legion commander}})<br />{{flagicon image|Al-Liwaa.svg}} Abu Jafer<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.yenisafak.com/en/world/41k-turkish-soldiers-ready-to-support-operation-al-bab-2535329|title=41K Turkish soldiers ready to support operation Al Bab|publisher=Yeni Şafak|date=22 September 2016|access-date=22 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160923002133/http://www.yenisafak.com/en/world/41k-turkish-soldiers-ready-to-support-operation-al-bab-2535329|archive-date=23 September 2016|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref> ({{small|Brigade of Conquest commander}})<br /> |
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{{Flagicon|Syrian opposition}}{{flagicon image|Flag of Syrian Turkmens (variant 2).svg}} Zakariya Wali<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/loaasltanfateh?lang=nl|title=السلطان محمدالفاتح (@loaasltanfateh) |
{{Flagicon|Syrian opposition}}{{flagicon image|Flag of Syrian Turkmens (variant 2).svg}} Zakariya Wali<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/loaasltanfateh?lang=nl|title=السلطان محمدالفاتح (@loaasltanfateh) |via=Twitter}}</ref>{{WIA}}<br />({{small|Mehmed the Conqueror Brigade military commander}}) |
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| commander2 = {{flagicon|Islamic State}} Abu Khalid al-Urduni{{KIA}} <small>(ISIL Governor of al-Bab)</small><ref name="33 terrorists killed" /><br> |
| commander2 = {{flagicon|Islamic State}} Abu Khalid al-Urduni{{KIA}} <small>(ISIL Governor of al-Bab)</small><ref name="33 terrorists killed" /><br /> |
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{{flagicon|Islamic State}} Abu Husen Tunisi{{KIA}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/Default.aspx?pageID=238&nid=107929&NewsCatID=352|title=ISIL |
{{flagicon|Islamic State}} Abu Husen Tunisi{{KIA}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/Default.aspx?pageID=238&nid=107929&NewsCatID=352|title=ISIL 'emir' killed in Turkish air strike in Syria: Sources - MIDEAST|access-date=13 January 2017}}</ref><br /><small>(ISIL emir)</small><br /> |
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{{flagicon|Islamic State}} Abu Ansari{{KIA}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dha.com.tr/deas-teror-orgutunun-sozde-emirlerinden-olan-ebu-ensari-olduruldu_1426517.html|title=TSK açıkladı! DAEŞ'ın kritik ismi öldürüldü|access-date=13 January 2017}}</ref><br><small>(ISIL emir)</small> |
{{flagicon|Islamic State}} Abu Ansari{{KIA}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dha.com.tr/deas-teror-orgutunun-sozde-emirlerinden-olan-ebu-ensari-olduruldu_1426517.html|title=TSK açıkladı! DAEŞ'ın kritik ismi öldürüldü|access-date=13 January 2017|archive-date=10 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170510121312/http://www.dha.com.tr/deas-teror-orgutunun-sozde-emirlerinden-olan-ebu-ensari-olduruldu_1426517.html|url-status=dead}}</ref><br /><small>(ISIL emir)</small> |
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{{flagicon|Islamic State}} Jonathan Jeffrey (a.k.a. Abu Ibrahim Al-Francy) {{POW}}<ref name=AAJeffrey/><ref name=AMNJeffrey/><br>({{small|French ISIL leader in al-Bab}}) |
{{flagicon|Islamic State}} Jonathan Jeffrey (a.k.a. Abu Ibrahim Al-Francy) {{POW}}<ref name=AAJeffrey/><ref name=AMNJeffrey/><br />({{small|French ISIL leader in al-Bab}}) |
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| commander3 = {{flagicon image|Flag of Syrian Democratic Forces.svg}}{{flagicon image|Infobox Manbij Military Council flag.png}} [[Adnan Abu Amjad]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.heraldnet.com/news/turkey-calls-on-us-allies-to-reconsider-syria-no-fly-zone/|title= Turkey calls on US, allies to reconsider Syria no-fly zone|work=AP|date=21 November 2016}}</ref> <small>(Manbij Military Council & Northern Sun Battalion commander)</small><br>{{flagicon image|Flag of Syrian Democratic Forces.svg}}{{flagicon image|Infobox Manbij Military Council flag.png}} Anwar Khabat<ref>{{cite tweet|user=sayed_ridha|author=Hassan Ridha|number=782488421063274496|date=2 October 2016|title=250 fighters graduated from Abu Leyla academy in Manbij forming Liwa Tahrir al-Furat led by Anwar Khabat, they |
| commander3 = {{flagicon image|Flag of Syrian Democratic Forces.svg}}{{flagicon image|Infobox Manbij Military Council flag.png}} [[Adnan Abu Amjad]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.heraldnet.com/news/turkey-calls-on-us-allies-to-reconsider-syria-no-fly-zone/|title= Turkey calls on US, allies to reconsider Syria no-fly zone|work=AP|date=21 November 2016}}</ref> <small>(Manbij Military Council & Northern Sun Battalion commander)</small><br />{{flagicon image|Flag of Syrian Democratic Forces.svg}}{{flagicon image|Infobox Manbij Military Council flag.png}} Anwar Khabat<ref>{{cite tweet|user=sayed_ridha|author=Hassan Ridha|number=782488421063274496|date=2 October 2016|title=250 fighters graduated from Abu Leyla academy in Manbij forming Liwa Tahrir al-Furat led by Anwar Khabat, they have...}}</ref> <small>(Euphrates Liberation Brigade commander)</small> |
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| units1 = {{flagicon|Turkey}} [[Turkish Armed Forces]] |
| units1 = {{flagicon|Turkey}} [[Turkish Armed Forces]] |
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*{{flagicon image|Flag of Turkish Land Forces Command.svg}} [[Turkish Land Forces]] |
*{{flagicon image|Flag of Turkish Land Forces Command.svg}} [[Turkish Land Forces]] |
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*{{flagicon image|Flag of Turkish Air Force Command.svg}} [[Turkish Air Force]] |
*{{flagicon image|Flag of Turkish Air Force Command.svg}} [[Turkish Air Force]] |
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''Other Syrian rebels'': |
''Other Syrian rebels'': |
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*{{flagicon image|Flag of Ahrar ash-Sham.svg}} [[Ahrar al-Sham]]<ref name="Military Times">{{cite web|url=http://www.militarytimes.com/articles/turkish-tanks-and-spec-ops-attack-islamic-state-forces-in-syria|title=U.S. warplanes support Turkish tanks attacking Islamic State forces in Syria|author=Susan Fraser; Philip Issa|work=Military Times|date=24 August 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite tweet|user=el_sarkis|author=fouad sarkis|number=778286244371566592|date=20 September 2016|title=Ahrar al sham entered officially #EuphratesShield battle #Aleppo|access-date=26 September 2016}}</ref> |
*{{flagicon image|Flag of Ahrar ash-Sham.svg}} [[Ahrar al-Sham]]<ref name="Military Times">{{cite web|url=http://www.militarytimes.com/articles/turkish-tanks-and-spec-ops-attack-islamic-state-forces-in-syria|title=U.S. warplanes support Turkish tanks attacking Islamic State forces in Syria|author=Susan Fraser; Philip Issa|work=Military Times|date=24 August 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite tweet|user=el_sarkis|author=fouad sarkis|number=778286244371566592|date=20 September 2016|title=Ahrar al sham entered officially #EuphratesShield battle #Aleppo|access-date=26 September 2016}}</ref> |
||
*Muntasir Billah Brigade<ref>{{cite tweet|user=MuntasrBillahTR|author=MuntasırBillahTümeni|number=805874397676503040|date=5 December 2016|title=#Türkmen #Muntasır_Billah Fırat Kalkanında Türk Ordusu ile birlikte, Işid ve PYD'ye kan kusturan |
*Muntasir Billah Brigade<ref>{{cite tweet|user=MuntasrBillahTR|author=MuntasırBillahTümeni|number=805874397676503040|date=5 December 2016|title=#Türkmen #Muntasır_Billah Fırat Kalkanında Türk Ordusu ile birlikte, Işid ve PYD'ye kan kusturan yiğitlerimizi...|access-date=13 January 2017}}</ref> |
||
* Ahrar al Sharqiyah |
* Ahrar al Sharqiyah |
||
* [[Jaysh al-Sunna]] (Northern [[Aleppo Governorate]] branch) |
* [[Jaysh al-Sunna]] (Northern [[Aleppo Governorate]] branch) |
||
* [[Victory Brigades (Syrian rebel group)|Victory Brigades]] |
* [[Victory Brigades (Syrian rebel group)|Victory Brigades]] |
||
*Tell Rifaat Military Council<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/syriancivilwar/comments/5tra1z/the_tel_rifaat_military_council_shells_tel_rifaat/|title=The Tel Rifaat Military Council shells Tel Rifaat with a mortar • r/syriancivilwar|access-date=24 February 2017}}</ref> |
*Tell Rifaat Military Council<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/syriancivilwar/comments/5tra1z/the_tel_rifaat_military_council_shells_tel_rifaat/|title=The Tel Rifaat Military Council shells Tel Rifaat with a mortar • r/syriancivilwar|date=13 February 2017|access-date=24 February 2017}}</ref> |
||
* [[Mountain Hawks Brigade]] |
* [[Mountain Hawks Brigade]] |
||
* 1st Regiment (Northern [[Aleppo Governorate]] branch)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zx2MMpGebHg|title=أشتباكات عنيفة تخوضها قوات الجيش السوري الحر ضد تنظيم داعش داخل مدينة الباب بريف حلب الشرقي|last=الفوج الأول|date=14 February 2017|access-date=24 February 2017|via=YouTube}}</ref> |
* 1st Regiment (Northern [[Aleppo Governorate]] branch)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zx2MMpGebHg|title=أشتباكات عنيفة تخوضها قوات الجيش السوري الحر ضد تنظيم داعش داخل مدينة الباب بريف حلب الشرقي|last=الفوج الأول|date=14 February 2017|access-date=24 February 2017|via=YouTube}}</ref> |
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Line 97: | Line 98: | ||
*Mare' Military Council |
*Mare' Military Council |
||
*10th Brigade |
*10th Brigade |
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| units2 = [[Military of ISIL]] |
| units2 = [[Military of ISIL]] |
||
* [[ISIL territorial claims|ISIL Aleppo branch]] |
* [[ISIL territorial claims|ISIL Aleppo branch]] |
||
* Sharia police |
* Sharia police |
||
| units3 = {{flagicon image|Flag of Syrian Democratic Forces.svg}} Syrian Democratic Forces |
| units3 = {{flagicon image|Flag of Syrian Democratic Forces.svg}} Syrian Democratic Forces |
||
* {{flagicon image|Flag of Jaysh al-Thuwar.svg}} [[Army of Revolutionaries]] |
* {{flagicon image|Flag of Jaysh al-Thuwar.svg}} [[Army of Revolutionaries]] |
||
** Tribal |
** Tribal forces |
||
** [[Seljuk Brigade]]<ref name="MMC">{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/turkish-backed-rebels-syrian-army-kurdish-forces-advance-race-al-bab/|title=Turkish-backed rebels, Syrian Army and Kurdish forces all advance in race to al-Bab|work=al-Masdar News|author=Chris Tomson|date=26 November 2016|access-date=29 November 2016}}</ref> |
** [[Seljuk Brigade]]<ref name="MMC">{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/turkish-backed-rebels-syrian-army-kurdish-forces-advance-race-al-bab/|title=Turkish-backed rebels, Syrian Army and Kurdish forces all advance in race to al-Bab|work=al-Masdar News|author=Chris Tomson|date=26 November 2016|access-date=29 November 2016|archive-date=24 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181224220856/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/turkish-backed-rebels-syrian-army-kurdish-forces-advance-race-al-bab/|url-status=dead}}</ref> |
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* [[Northern Sun Battalion]] |
* [[Northern Sun Battalion]] |
||
* Qabasin Martyrs Brigade<ref name="MMC" /> |
* Qabasin Martyrs Brigade<ref name="MMC" /> |
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Line 115: | Line 116: | ||
* {{flagicon image|YPJ Flag.svg|border=}} [[Women's Protection Units|YPJ]]<ref name="MMC" /> |
* {{flagicon image|YPJ Flag.svg|border=}} [[Women's Protection Units|YPJ]]<ref name="MMC" /> |
||
* Shahba Forces<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hX078qIGIcs|title=Shahba forces|work=RUMAF|date=1 December 2016}}</ref> |
* Shahba Forces<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hX078qIGIcs|title=Shahba forces|work=RUMAF|date=1 December 2016}}</ref> |
||
* {{Flagicon|Syrian opposition}} [[Northern Democratic Brigade]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://cantonafrin.com/ar/news/view/2269.%D8%B9%D9%81%D8%B1%D9%8A%D9%86-%D8%AA%D9%88%D8%AF%D8%B9-%D9%85%D9%86%D8%A7%D8%B6%D9%84%D8%A7%D9%8B-%D9%85%D9%86-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85%D9%83%D9%88%D9%86-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B9%D8%B1%D8%A8%D9%8A.html|title=Afrin buries a fighter from the Arab component|work=[[Afrin Canton]]|language=ar|date=29 December 2016|access-date=28 June 2017}}</ref> |
* {{Flagicon|Syrian opposition}} [[Northern Democratic Brigade]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://cantonafrin.com/ar/news/view/2269.%D8%B9%D9%81%D8%B1%D9%8A%D9%86-%D8%AA%D9%88%D8%AF%D8%B9-%D9%85%D9%86%D8%A7%D8%B6%D9%84%D8%A7%D9%8B-%D9%85%D9%86-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85%D9%83%D9%88%D9%86-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B9%D8%B1%D8%A8%D9%8A.html|title=Afrin buries a fighter from the Arab component|work=[[Afrin Canton]]|language=ar|date=29 December 2016|access-date=28 June 2017|archive-date=15 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180215023508/http://cantonafrin.com/ar/news/view/2269.%D8%B9%D9%81%D8%B1%D9%8A%D9%86-%D8%AA%D9%88%D8%AF%D8%B9-%D9%85%D9%86%D8%A7%D8%B6%D9%84%D8%A7%D9%8B-%D9%85%D9%86-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85%D9%83%D9%88%D9%86-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B9%D8%B1%D8%A8%D9%8A.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> |
||
---- |
---- |
||
{{flagicon image|Flag of the Syrian Arab Armed Forces.svg}} [[Syrian Armed Forces]] |
{{flagicon image|Flag of the Syrian Arab Armed Forces.svg}} [[Syrian Armed Forces]] |
||
Line 123: | Line 124: | ||
* {{flagicon image|Syrian Air Force Flag.svg}} [[Syrian Arab Air Force]] |
* {{flagicon image|Syrian Air Force Flag.svg}} [[Syrian Arab Air Force]] |
||
[[File:Emblem of Liwa Shuhada Kafr Saghir.svg|17px]] [[Syrian National Resistance|Kafr Saghir Martyrs Brigade]]<ref name="SNR" /><ref>{{cite tweet |user= SY_newsagency|number= 802486200430919680|date= 26 November 2016|title= HUGE GAINS for the newly formed Protection unit !}}</ref> |
[[File:Emblem of Liwa Shuhada Kafr Saghir.svg|17px]] [[Syrian National Resistance|Kafr Saghir Martyrs Brigade]]<ref name="SNR" /><ref>{{cite tweet |user= SY_newsagency|number= 802486200430919680|date= 26 November 2016|title= HUGE GAINS for the newly formed Protection unit !}}</ref> |
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| strength1 = {{flagicon|Turkey}} 1,300–4,000 soldiers<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.yenisafak.com/dunya/8-bin-asker-emir-bekliyor-2591721|title=8 bin asker emir bekliyor|first=Yeni|last=Şafak|date=5 January 2017|access-date=13 January 2017}}</ref><ref name=TSKFSAreinfocrements/><ref>{{cite tweet |user= RudawEnglish|number= 813000360541454336|date= 25 December 2016|title= 500 Turkish special forces have joined Al-Bab operation — Turkish media outlets report}}</ref><ref name="bogged"/><br>40 tanks originally, 10 reinforcements<ref>{{cite web|url=http://aranews.net/2016/12/turkey-sends-military-reinforcements-to-syria-as-fight-for-al-bab-rages/|title=Turkey sends military reinforcements to Syria as fight for al-Bab rages|publisher=ARA News|date=26 December 2016|access-date=26 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161226154745/http://aranews.net/2016/12/turkey-sends-military-reinforcements-to-syria-as-fight-for-al-bab-rages/|archive-date=26 December 2016|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref><br> 15+ [[Armoured personnel carrier|APC]]s<ref name=close/><br>{{flagicon|Syrian opposition}} 2,000–3,000 rebel fighters<ref name="bogged">{{cite web|url=https://apnews.com/4b50b17b41fb4ba5a6c70fd1d746f753/Turkey-bogged-down-in-Syria-as-it-realigns-with-Russia|title=Turkey bogged down in Syria as it realigns with Russia|agency=AP|access-date=13 January 2017}}</ref><ref name="so long"> |
| strength1 = {{flagicon|Turkey}} 1,300–4,000 soldiers<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.yenisafak.com/dunya/8-bin-asker-emir-bekliyor-2591721|title=8 bin asker emir bekliyor|first=Yeni|last=Şafak|date=5 January 2017|access-date=13 January 2017}}</ref><ref name=TSKFSAreinfocrements/><ref>{{cite tweet |user= RudawEnglish|number= 813000360541454336|date= 25 December 2016|title= 500 Turkish special forces have joined Al-Bab operation — Turkish media outlets report}}</ref><ref name="bogged"/><br />40 tanks originally, 10 reinforcements<ref>{{cite web|url=http://aranews.net/2016/12/turkey-sends-military-reinforcements-to-syria-as-fight-for-al-bab-rages/|title=Turkey sends military reinforcements to Syria as fight for al-Bab rages|publisher=ARA News|date=26 December 2016|access-date=26 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161226154745/http://aranews.net/2016/12/turkey-sends-military-reinforcements-to-syria-as-fight-for-al-bab-rages/|archive-date=26 December 2016|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref><br /> 15+ [[Armoured personnel carrier|APC]]s<ref name=close/><br />{{flagicon|Syrian opposition}} 2,000–3,000 rebel fighters<ref name="bogged">{{cite web|url=https://apnews.com/4b50b17b41fb4ba5a6c70fd1d746f753/Turkey-bogged-down-in-Syria-as-it-realigns-with-Russia|title=Turkey bogged down in Syria as it realigns with Russia|website=[[Associated Press]]|date=11 January 2017|agency=AP|access-date=13 January 2017}}</ref><ref name="so long">{{Cite web |url=http://www.rudaw.net/english/analysis/14022017 |title=Why Turkey has been taking so long to capture al-Bab |access-date=2021-12-15 |website=www.rudaw.net}}</ref> |
||
| strength2 = 3,000–5,000 militants<ref name="bogged"/><ref name="surrounds 5,000" /> |
| strength2 = 3,000–5,000 militants<ref name="bogged"/><ref name="surrounds 5,000" /> |
||
| strength3 = {{flagicon image|Flag of Syrian Democratic Forces.svg}} Unknown |
| strength3 = {{flagicon image|Flag of Syrian Democratic Forces.svg}} Unknown |
||
---- |
---- |
||
{{flagicon|Syria}} 10,000 soldiers{{ |
{{flagicon|Syria}} 10,000 soldiers{{citation needed|date=November 2020}} |
||
| casualties1 = {{flagicon|Turkey}} 59 killed<ref>71 soldiers reported killed since the start of the intervention |
| casualties1 = {{flagicon|Turkey}} 59 killed<ref>71 soldiers reported killed since the start of the intervention {{Cite web |title=El Bab'da 2 asker şehit oldu - POLİTİKA haberleri |url=https://www.dha.com.tr/el-babda-2-asker-sehit-oldu_1463735.html |language=Turkish |trans-title=2 soldiers killed in El-Bab |access-date=2021-12-15 |website=www.dha.com.tr |archive-date=2021-12-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211215202925/https://www.dha.com.tr/el-babda-2-asker-sehit-oldu_1463735.html |url-status=dead }}<br /> of which 12 died up until the Battle of al-Bab,[https://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2016/Nov-04/379791-turkish-soldier-killed-in-is-rocket-attack-in-syria-army.ashx] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170607154614/http://www.dha.com.tr/el-babda-2-asker-sehit-oldu_1463735.html |date=2017-06-07 }} leaving 59 to have died during the battle</ref><br />8-10 [[Leopard 2]] tanks destroyed<ref>{{cite web|url=https://nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/turkeys-leopard-2-tanks-are-getting-crushed-syria-95396?amp|title=Turkey's Leopard 2 Tanks Are Getting Crushed in Syria|work=The National Interest|date=9 November 2019}}</ref><br />{{flagicon|Syrian opposition}} 500+ killed<ref>[https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/free-syrian-army-leader-says-will-fight-syrian-army-kurdish-ypg-rural-aleppo/ Free Syrian Army leader says they will fight Syrian Army, Kurdish YPG in rural Aleppo] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190617101833/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/free-syrian-army-leader-says-will-fight-syrian-army-kurdish-ypg-rural-aleppo/ |date=2019-06-17 }}, [[Al-Masdar News]]</ref> |
||
| casualties2 = 1,348+ killed <small>(Turkish and SAA claims)</small><ref>{{Cite web|title=El Bab'da 'temizlik' son aşamada|url=https://www.aa.com.tr/tr/dunya/el-babda-temizlik-son-asamada/715728|access-date=2021-12-15|website=www.aa.com.tr}}</ref> |
|||
| casualties2 = 1,348+ killed <small>(Turkish and SAA claims)</small><ref>391 killed (13 Nov.–28 Dec.),[http://aa.com.tr/tr/dunya/el-babda-temizlik-son-asamada/715728] 14 killed (4 Jan.),[http://aa.com.tr/tr/dunya/firat-kalkani-harekatinda-14-terorist-etkisiz-hale-getirildi/720375] 32 killed (8 Jan.),[http://aa.com.tr/tr/dunya/firat-kalkani-harekatinda-deas-uyesi-32-terorist-etkisiz-hale-getirildi/722518] 19 killed (10 Jan.),[http://aa.com.tr/tr/dunya/firat-kalkaninda-367-deas-hedefi-vuruldu/723763] 41 killed (13 Jan.),[http://www.dailysabah.com/war-on-terror/2017/01/13/41-daesh-terrorists-killed-in-airstrikes-shelling] 9 killed (15 Jan.),[http://aa.com.tr/tr/dunya/suriyenin-kuzeyinde-198-deas-hedefi-vuruldu/727480] 65 killed (23 Jan.),[http://www.ntv.com.tr/turkiye/tsk-65-daesli-etkisiz-hale-getirildi,q2j2IAtKZkGFjWAOc7ewgQ] 13 killed (24 Jan.),[http://www.ahaber.com.tr/gundem/2017/01/24/tskdan-firat-kalkani-aciklamasi-13-terorist-olduruldu] 17 killed (25 Jan.), [http://www.haber7.com/guncel/haber/2249810-tsk-180-hedefi-vurdu-17-terorist-olduruldu] 23 killed (26 Jan.),[http://www.milliyet.com.tr/tsk-206-hedef-imha-edildi-23-gundem-2385185] 22 killed (27 Jan.),[http://www.hurriyet.com.tr/tsk-22-deasli-olduruldu-4-bombali-arac-da-imha-edildi-40347733] 42 killed (13 Februari), [http://aa.com.tr/tr/gunun-basliklari/firat-kalkani-harekatinda-173-gun-deasa-207-hedef-vuruldu/748525] total of 688 reported killed by Turkey; 650 reported killed by the SAA [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-government-forces-killed-650-militants-east-aleppo-russian-mod/], [[Al-Masdar News]]</ref> |
|||
| casualties3 = {{flagicon image|Flag of Syrian Democratic Forces.svg}} 46 killed<ref>26 killed (against rebels & Turkey; 13 Nov.–28 Dec.), |
| casualties3 = {{flagicon image|Flag of Syrian Democratic Forces.svg}} 46 killed<ref>26 killed (against rebels & Turkey; 13 Nov.–28 Dec.),{{Cite web|title=El Bab'da 'temizlik' son aşamada|url=https://www.aa.com.tr/tr/dunya/el-babda-temizlik-son-asamada/715728|access-date=2021-12-15|website=www.aa.com.tr}} 19 killed (against ISIL; 21–29 Nov.),[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=55353]{{cite web |url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=55427 |title=A large number of injuries in the continued "Turkish Shelling" on the control areas of Manbij Military Council {{pipe}} Syrian Observatory for Human Rights |access-date=2016-11-30 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161202210405/http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=55427 |archive-date=2016-12-02 }}{{cite web |url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=55945 |title=In 48 hours... the Syria Democratic Forces held funerals for 20 of their fighters who were killed in fronts of Raqqah and Aleppo {{pipe}} Syrian Observatory for Human Rights |access-date=2017-02-13 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220215040/http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=55945 |archive-date=2016-12-20 }} total of 45 reported killed</ref> |
||
---- |
---- |
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{{flagicon|Syria}} 13+ killed<ref>{{cite tweet|user=InsideSourceInt|author=The Inside Source|number=828714812066500608|date=6 February 2017|title=#Syria // #Aleppo // 13 SAA confirmed KIA in clashes near Al-Bab in past 48 hours.|access-date=24 February 2017}}</ref> |
{{flagicon|Syria}} 13+ killed<ref>{{cite tweet|user=InsideSourceInt|author=The Inside Source|number=828714812066500608|date=6 February 2017|title=#Syria // #Aleppo // 13 SAA confirmed KIA in clashes near Al-Bab in past 48 hours.|access-date=24 February 2017}}</ref> |
||
| campaignbox = {{Campaignbox Syrian uprising}} {{Campaignbox Turkey–ISIL conflict}} {{Campaignbox Operation Euphrates Shield}} |
| campaignbox = {{Campaignbox Syrian uprising}} {{Campaignbox Turkey–ISIL conflict}} {{Campaignbox Operation Euphrates Shield}} |
||
| casualties4 = |
| casualties4 = 444 civilians killed<ref>{{Cite web|date=2017-02-24|title=Turkey ends the Federal in Syria after 6 months of entering the Syrian lands and leaving 3700 casualties between civilians • The Syrian Observatory For Human Rights|url=https://www.syriahr.com/en/61502/|access-date=2021-12-15|website=The Syrian Observatory For Human Rights|language=en-US}}</ref><br /> 30,000+ civilians fled{{citation needed|date=November 2020}} |
||
}} |
}} |
||
The '''Battle of al-Bab''' was a battle for the city of [[al-Bab]] in the [[Aleppo Governorate]] that included a military offensive launched by [[Syrian rebel]] groups (including groups affiliated with the [[Free Syrian Army]]) and the [[Turkish Armed Forces]] north of al-Bab, a separate [[Syrian Democratic Forces]] (SDF) offensive east and west of the city, and another [[Syrian Army]] offensive from the south of the city. The northern Turkish-led forces intended to capture al-Bab from the [[Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant]] (ISIL), as part of the [[Turkish military intervention in Syria (August 2016 – March 2017)|Turkish military intervention in Syria]]. By the end of the battle, the Turkish-led forces had captured al-Bab, [[Qabasin]], and [[Bizaah]], while the Syrian Army captured [[Tadef]] and other areas further south, with the SDF making gains further to the east and the west. |
The '''Battle of al-Bab''' was a battle for the city of [[al-Bab]] in the [[Aleppo Governorate]] that included a military offensive launched by [[Syrian rebel]] groups (including groups affiliated with the [[Free Syrian Army]]) and the [[Turkish Armed Forces]] north of al-Bab, a separate [[Syrian Democratic Forces]] (SDF) offensive east and west of the city, and another [[Syrian Army]] offensive from the south of the city. The northern Turkish-led forces intended to capture al-Bab from the [[Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant]] (ISIL), as part of the [[Turkish military intervention in Syria (August 2016 – March 2017)|Turkish military intervention in Syria]]. By the end of the battle, the Turkish-led forces had captured al-Bab, [[Qabasin]], and [[Bizaah]], while the Syrian Army captured [[Tadef]] and other areas further south, with the SDF making gains further to the east and the west. |
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The battle was concurrent with the other anti-ISIL operations, including the [[Raqqa campaign (2016–2017)|Raqqa campaign]] launched by the SDF, the [[Battle of Mosul (2016–17)|Battle of Mosul]] launched by the Iraqi forces, and the [[Palmyra offensive (December 2016)|Palmyra offensive]], which was successfully conducted by ISIL against Syrian government forces. It was also claimed by Kurds to be the result of an "Aleppo for al-Bab" agreement between the Syrian government and Turkey, with Turkey withdrawing its support to rebels in Aleppo in exchange to laisser-faire up to al-Bab, thus cutting short the possibility of an East-West Kurdish corridor.<ref>{{citation|title= |
The battle was concurrent with the other anti-ISIL operations, including the [[Raqqa campaign (2016–2017)|Raqqa campaign]] launched by the SDF, the [[Battle of Mosul (2016–17)|Battle of Mosul]] launched by the Iraqi forces, and the [[Palmyra offensive (December 2016)|Palmyra offensive]], which was successfully conducted by ISIL against Syrian government forces. It was also claimed by Kurds to be the result of an "Aleppo for al-Bab" agreement between the Syrian government and Turkey, with Turkey withdrawing its support to rebels in Aleppo in exchange to laisser-faire up to al-Bab, thus cutting short the possibility of an East-West Kurdish corridor.<ref>{{citation|title=Turkey's entanglement in Syria sparks violence, assassination at home|url=http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2016/12/turkey-syria-spillover-effects-violence-assasination.html|publisher=Al Monitor|year=2016|first=Cengiz|last=Çandar}}</ref> |
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==Background== |
==Background== |
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{{main|Northern al-Bab offensive (September 2016)|Western al-Bab offensive (September 2016)|2016 Dabiq offensive|Western al-Bab offensive (October–November 2016)}} |
{{main|Northern al-Bab offensive (September 2016)|Western al-Bab offensive (September 2016)|2016 Dabiq offensive|Western al-Bab offensive (October–November 2016)}} |
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After the western al-Bab offensive during the previous month, the rebels moved their focus from the western countryside of al-Bab so to avoid confrontation with the [[Syrian Democratic Forces]], and launched an assault against the Islamic State north of al-Bab.<ref>{{cite tweet|user=JulianRoepcke|author=Julian Röpcke|number=795966110336221184|date=8 November 2016|title=#NewsMap Seemingly in a move to avoid #YPG troops, #EuphratesShield forces advance on #ISIS-held al-Bab from the |
After the western al-Bab offensive during the previous month, the rebels moved their focus from the western countryside of al-Bab so to avoid confrontation with the [[Syrian Democratic Forces]], and launched an assault against the Islamic State north of al-Bab.<ref>{{cite tweet|user=JulianRoepcke|author=Julian Röpcke|number=795966110336221184|date=8 November 2016|title=#NewsMap Seemingly in a move to avoid #YPG troops, #EuphratesShield forces advance on #ISIS-held al-Bab from the no...|access-date=8 November 2016}}</ref> |
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==The offensive== |
==The offensive== |
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===Northern rebel attack repelled=== |
===Northern rebel attack repelled=== |
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[[File:Walbab3.png|thumb|left|Map of the battle up to December 1]] |
[[File:Walbab3.png|thumb|left|Map of the battle up to December 1]] |
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Between 6 and 14 November 2016, the rebels captured 36 villages,<ref name=29villages/><ref name=seven/> putting them within two kilometers of al-Bab.<ref name=twokilometres>{{cite web|url=https://www.alaraby.co.uk/english/news/2016/11/13/turkey-backed-syria-rebels-just-two-kilometres-from-is-bastion|title=Turkey-backed Syria rebels 'just two kilometres' from IS bastion|work=The New Arab|date=13 November 2016}}</ref> Meanwhile, the Syrian Democratic Forces captured seven villages east of al-Bab in an attempt to besiege the town of [[Arima, Syria|Arima]].<ref name=seven/><ref name=arima/><ref name=four>{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-rebels-storm-isis-stronghold-al-bab-northern-aleppo-map/|title=Syrian rebels storm ISIS stronghold of al-Bab in northern Aleppo - Map|first=Chris|last=Tomson|date=15 November 2016|publisher=[[Al-Masdar News]]|access-date=16 November 2016}}</ref> |
Between 6 and 14 November 2016, the rebels captured 36 villages,<ref name=29villages/><ref name=seven/> putting them within two kilometers of al-Bab.<ref name=twokilometres>{{cite web|url=https://www.alaraby.co.uk/english/news/2016/11/13/turkey-backed-syria-rebels-just-two-kilometres-from-is-bastion|title=Turkey-backed Syria rebels 'just two kilometres' from IS bastion|work=The New Arab|date=13 November 2016}}</ref> Meanwhile, the Syrian Democratic Forces captured seven villages east of al-Bab in an attempt to besiege the town of [[Arima, Syria|Arima]].<ref name=seven/><ref name=arima/><ref name=four>{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-rebels-storm-isis-stronghold-al-bab-northern-aleppo-map/|title=Syrian rebels storm ISIS stronghold of al-Bab in northern Aleppo - Map|first=Chris|last=Tomson|date=15 November 2016|publisher=[[Al-Masdar News]]|access-date=16 November 2016|archive-date=22 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171222120629/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-rebels-storm-isis-stronghold-al-bab-northern-aleppo-map/|url-status=dead}}</ref> |
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On 14 November, rebel forces managed to enter the northern outskirts of al-Bab, but were facing stiff resistance, with fighting raging at a livestock market two kilometers north of the town.<ref name=game>{{Cite web|url=https://syriadirect.org/|title=Syria Direct|website=Syria Direct}}</ref> By this point, al-Bab was surrounded from the north and northwest, with the only retreat route remaining for ISIL to the southeast towards [[Raqqa]], through the ISIL-held town of [[Dayr Hafir]].<ref name=twokilometres/> In the evening, the rebels established fire control over the Jafirah Roundabout and seized several adjacent buildings in the northern part of al-Bab, leaving them in control of less than 5 percent of the city.<ref name=four/> However, the next day, the rebels were forced to withdraw one kilometer to the north of al-Bab. Meanwhile, the rebels took control of the town of [[Qabasin]], northeast of al-Bab.<ref name="auto"/> |
On 14 November, rebel forces managed to enter the northern outskirts of al-Bab, but were facing stiff resistance, with fighting raging at a livestock market two kilometers north of the town.<ref name=game>{{Cite web|url=https://syriadirect.org/|title=Syria Direct|website=Syria Direct}}</ref> By this point, al-Bab was surrounded from the north and northwest, with the only retreat route remaining for ISIL to the southeast towards [[Raqqa]], through the ISIL-held town of [[Dayr Hafir]].<ref name=twokilometres/> In the evening, the rebels established fire control over the Jafirah Roundabout and seized several adjacent buildings in the northern part of al-Bab, leaving them in control of less than 5 percent of the city.<ref name=four/> However, the next day, the rebels were forced to withdraw one kilometer to the north of al-Bab. Meanwhile, the rebels took control of the town of [[Qabasin]], northeast of al-Bab.<ref name="auto"/> |
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The [[Turkish military]] stated on 18 November that the FSA had captured five villages in the Karadağ area of al-Rai district.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dailysabah.com/syrian-crisis/2016/11/18/pkks-syrian-wing-ypg-attacking-fsa-to-disrupt-anti-daesh-al-bab-offensive|title=PKK's Syrian wing YPG attacking FSA to disrupt anti-Daesh al-Bab offensive|first=Yunus|last=Paksoy|date=18 November 2016|publisher=Daily Sabah|access-date=18 November 2016}}</ref> |
The [[Turkish military]] stated on 18 November that the FSA had captured five villages in the Karadağ area of al-Rai district.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dailysabah.com/syrian-crisis/2016/11/18/pkks-syrian-wing-ypg-attacking-fsa-to-disrupt-anti-daesh-al-bab-offensive|title=PKK's Syrian wing YPG attacking FSA to disrupt anti-Daesh al-Bab offensive|first=Yunus|last=Paksoy|date=18 November 2016|publisher=Daily Sabah|access-date=18 November 2016}}</ref> |
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On 19 November, ISIL recaptured Qabasin, as well as one nearby village. This marked the fourth time the town had changed hands in the previous four days.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/isis-retakes-town-near-al-bab-deadly-ambush-turkish-backed-rebels/|title=ISIS retakes town near al-Bab during deadly ambush on Turkish-backed rebels|first=Chris|last=Tomson|date=19 November 2016|publisher=[[Al-Masdar News]]}}</ref> On 20 November, the rebels launched two counter-attacks against Qabasin, with both being repelled. The next day, the rebels redirected their assault from al-Bab to the Kurdish-held village of Sheikh Nassir, managing to seize the village in the early morning hours, but losing it in an SDF counter-attack in the afternoon.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/turkish-backed-rebels-pause-battle-al-bab-launch-huge-attack-kurdish-forces/|title=Turkish-backed rebels pause battle for al-Bab to launch huge attack on Kurdish forces|first=Chris|last=Tomson|date=21 November 2016|publisher=[[Al-Masdar News]]}}</ref> Between 22 and 23 November, Qabasin changed hands two more times, ultimately remaining under ISIL control.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=55311|title=Rebels backed by Turkish forces advance over IS in Aleppo countryside}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/turkish-backed-rebels-recapture-qabasin-town-northern-aleppo/|title=Turkish-backed rebels recapture Qabasin town in northern Aleppo|first=Chris|last=Tomson|date=22 November 2016|publisher=[[Al-Masdar News]]}}</ref><ref name=three>{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/huge-three-way-battle-unfolds-near-al-bab-parties-seize-territory-day/|title=Huge three-way battle unfolds near al-Bab as all parties seize territory in the same day|first=Chris|last=Tomson|date=23 November 2016|publisher=[[Al-Masdar News]]}}</ref> |
On 19 November, ISIL recaptured Qabasin, as well as one nearby village. This marked the fourth time the town had changed hands in the previous four days.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/isis-retakes-town-near-al-bab-deadly-ambush-turkish-backed-rebels/|title=ISIS retakes town near al-Bab during deadly ambush on Turkish-backed rebels|first=Chris|last=Tomson|date=19 November 2016|publisher=[[Al-Masdar News]]|access-date=19 November 2016|archive-date=9 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181009020205/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/isis-retakes-town-near-al-bab-deadly-ambush-turkish-backed-rebels/|url-status=dead}}</ref> On 20 November, the rebels launched two counter-attacks against Qabasin, with both being repelled. The next day, the rebels redirected their assault from al-Bab to the Kurdish-held village of Sheikh Nassir, managing to seize the village in the early morning hours, but losing it in an SDF counter-attack in the afternoon.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/turkish-backed-rebels-pause-battle-al-bab-launch-huge-attack-kurdish-forces/|title=Turkish-backed rebels pause battle for al-Bab to launch huge attack on Kurdish forces|first=Chris|last=Tomson|date=21 November 2016|publisher=[[Al-Masdar News]]|access-date=21 November 2016|archive-date=22 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161122165138/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/turkish-backed-rebels-pause-battle-al-bab-launch-huge-attack-kurdish-forces/|url-status=dead}}</ref> Between 22 and 23 November, Qabasin changed hands two more times, ultimately remaining under ISIL control.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=55311|title=Rebels backed by Turkish forces advance over IS in Aleppo countryside|date=22 November 2016 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/turkish-backed-rebels-recapture-qabasin-town-northern-aleppo/|title=Turkish-backed rebels recapture Qabasin town in northern Aleppo|first=Chris|last=Tomson|date=22 November 2016|publisher=[[Al-Masdar News]]|access-date=22 November 2016|archive-date=22 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171222052553/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/turkish-backed-rebels-recapture-qabasin-town-northern-aleppo/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name=three>{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/huge-three-way-battle-unfolds-near-al-bab-parties-seize-territory-day/|title=Huge three-way battle unfolds near al-Bab as all parties seize territory in the same day|first=Chris|last=Tomson|date=23 November 2016|publisher=[[Al-Masdar News]]|access-date=24 November 2016|archive-date=22 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171222051257/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/huge-three-way-battle-unfolds-near-al-bab-parties-seize-territory-day/|url-status=dead}}</ref> |
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===Western and eastern encirclement of al-Bab=== |
===Western and eastern encirclement of al-Bab=== |
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On 23 November, the SDF captured Arima. In response, Turkish artillery shelled the SDF-held villages in the area.<ref name=arimahr>{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=55427|title=A large number of injuries in the continued "Turkish Shelling" on the control areas of Manbij Military Council|work=Syria HR|date=23 November 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161202210405/http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=55427|archive-date=2 December 2016}}</ref><ref name=three/><ref name=arimahr2>{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=55445|title=Human losses in Turkish forces and in aerial bombardment on al-Arima|work=Syrian Observatory of Human Rights|date=24 November 2016}}</ref> |
On 23 November, the SDF captured Arima. In response, Turkish artillery shelled the SDF-held villages in the area.<ref name=arimahr>{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=55427|title=A large number of injuries in the continued "Turkish Shelling" on the control areas of Manbij Military Council|work=Syria HR|date=23 November 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161202210405/http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=55427|archive-date=2 December 2016}}</ref><ref name=three/><ref name=arimahr2>{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=55445|title=Human losses in Turkish forces and in aerial bombardment on al-Arima|work=Syrian Observatory of Human Rights|date=24 November 2016}}</ref> |
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On 24 November, according to the Turkish military, the [[Syrian Arab Air Force]] conducted an airstrike against [[Special Forces (Turkish Armed Forces)|Turkish Special Forces]] and [[Turkish Free Syrian Army]](TFSA) aligned Turkish-backed rebels north of al-Bab, killing three Turkish soldiers and injuring ten.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/three-turkish-soldiers-killed-in-regime-attack-in-syria-military.aspx?pageID=238&nID=106496&NewsCatID=352|title=Three Turkish soldiers killed in regime attack in Syria: Military|work=Hurriyet Daily News|date=24 November 2016}}</ref><ref name=broadcast/> Turkish officials initially stated the casualties were due to an ISIL attack, before blaming the Syrian Air Force. However, the pro-opposition activist group the [[Syrian Observatory for Human Rights]] (SOHR) disputed it was an air strike and stated it was in fact an ISIL [[suicide attack]]. ISIL confirmed it conducted a suicide attack in the area.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thenational.ae/world/europe/turkish-army-blames-syrian-government-for-killing-its-soldiers|title=Turkish army blames Syrian government for killing its soldiers - The National}}</ref><ref>{{cite |
On 24 November, according to the Turkish military, the [[Syrian Arab Air Force]] conducted an airstrike against [[Special Forces (Turkish Armed Forces)|Turkish Special Forces]] and [[Turkish Free Syrian Army]] (TFSA) aligned Turkish-backed rebels north of al-Bab, killing three Turkish soldiers and injuring ten.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/three-turkish-soldiers-killed-in-regime-attack-in-syria-military.aspx?pageID=238&nID=106496&NewsCatID=352|title=Three Turkish soldiers killed in regime attack in Syria: Military|work=Hurriyet Daily News|date=24 November 2016}}</ref><ref name=broadcast/> Turkish officials initially stated the casualties were due to an ISIL attack, before blaming the Syrian Air Force. However, the pro-opposition activist group the [[Syrian Observatory for Human Rights]] (SOHR) disputed it was an air strike and stated it was in fact an ISIL [[suicide attack]]. ISIL confirmed it conducted a suicide attack in the area.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thenational.ae/world/europe/turkish-army-blames-syrian-government-for-killing-its-soldiers|title=Turkish army blames Syrian government for killing its soldiers - The National|date=24 November 2016 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-38090224|title=IS conflict: Turkish soldiers killed in Syria attack|work=BBC News |date=24 November 2016}}</ref> Later, the Turkish Prime Minister's office issued a gag order on reporting about the airstrike,<ref name=broadcast>{{cite web|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/11/turkish-soldiers-killed-syrian-air-strikes-military-161124083930040.html|title=Turkish soldiers killed by Syrian air strike: Military|work=Al Jazeera|date=24 November 2016}}</ref><ref name=ban/> while the main Turkish opposition [[Republican People's Party]] (CHP) leader [[Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu]] called on the Turkish government to "act with common sense".<ref name=ban>{{cite web|url=http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/chp-warns-of-perilous-process-after-syrian-regime-air-strike-hits-turkish-troops.aspx?pageID=238&nID=106504&NewsCatID=338|title=CHP warns of 'perilous process' after Syrian regime air strike hits Turkish troops|work=Hurriyet Daily News|date=24 November 2016}}</ref> In the evening, the Syrian Air Force officially denied it or the Russian Air Force had conducted an air strike against Turkish forces.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-air-force-denies-bombing-turkish-army-east-aleppo/|title=Syrian Air Force denies bombing Turkish Army in east Aleppo|first=Leith|last=Fadel|date=25 November 2016|publisher=[[Al-Masdar News]]|access-date=25 November 2016|archive-date=22 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180122135848/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-air-force-denies-bombing-turkish-army-east-aleppo/|url-status=dead}}</ref> The same day, the SDF, with support from government forces, captured three villages from ISIL west of al-Bab, coming within 10 kilometers of the city.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=55497|title=The Syria Democratic Forces approaching from the west of al-Bab city and control several villages|date=24 November 2016 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-kurdish-forces-liberate-several-villages-east-aleppo-map/|title=Syrian Army, Kurdish forces liberate several villages in east Aleppo: map|first=Leith|last=Fadel|date=24 November 2016|access-date=24 November 2016|archive-date=22 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171222054155/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-kurdish-forces-liberate-several-villages-east-aleppo-map/|url-status=dead}}</ref> The rebels also took two villages east of al-Bab, reaching the main road between al-Bab and [[Manbij]] for the first time.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/turkish-backed-rebels-seize-two-villages-east-al-bab-outflanking-manuever/|title=Turkish-backed rebels seize two villages east of al-Bab during outflanking manuever|first=Chris|last=Tomson|date=24 November 2016|publisher=[[Al-Masdar News]]|access-date=24 November 2016|archive-date=22 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171222051405/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/turkish-backed-rebels-seize-two-villages-east-al-bab-outflanking-manuever/|url-status=dead}}</ref> |
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Between 25 and 27 November, the SDF captured two villages from ISIL west of al-Bab, while the rebels took three to the east. Additionally, the rebels launched an attack on two SDF-held villages east of the city, with unclear results. At the same time, pro-government forces also advanced, taking control of four villages from ISIL to the west of al-Bab.<ref name="Alleyes">{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/syria-civil-war-al-bab-turkey-kurds-free-syrian-army-assad-raqqa-a7443411.html|title=Inside the final push against Isis|date=28 November 2016|publisher=Independent}}</ref> |
Between 25 and 27 November, the SDF captured two villages from ISIL west of al-Bab, while the rebels took three to the east. Additionally, the rebels launched an attack on two SDF-held villages east of the city, with unclear results. At the same time, pro-government forces also advanced, taking control of four villages from ISIL to the west of al-Bab.<ref name="Alleyes">{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/syria-civil-war-al-bab-turkey-kurds-free-syrian-army-assad-raqqa-a7443411.html|title=Inside the final push against Isis|date=28 November 2016|publisher=Independent}}</ref> |
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On 28 November, the Syrian Army captured a village from the Turkish-backed rebels west of al-Bab, coming within 5 kilometers of the city.<ref name="FirstFSA">{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-captures-first-village-turkish-backed-rebels-outskirts-al-bab/|title=Syrian Army captures first village from Turkish-backed rebels on the outskirts of al-Bab|first=Chris|last=Tomson|date=29 November 2016|publisher=[[Al-Masdar News]]}}</ref> On 29 November, ISIL claimed it had captured two Turkish soldiers and their [[Syrian Turkmen|Turkmen]] translator near al-Dana village, west of al-Bab. The Turkish military confirmed it had lost contact with two soldiers, but didn't confirm that ISIL had captured them.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-turkey-soldiers-idUSKBN13O2KR?il=0|title=Turkish military says contact lost with 2 soldiers in northern Syria|author1=Ece Toksabay |author2= Ali Abdelaty |author3= Orhan Coskun|date=29 November 2016|publisher=Reuters}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2016/12/turkey-syria-increasing-risk-for-turkish-soldiers-al-bab.html|title=As risk rises, will Turkey persist in quest for al-Bab?|first=Metin|last=Gurcan|date=2 December 2016|publisher=Reuters}}</ref> |
On 28 November, the Syrian Army captured a village from the Turkish-backed rebels west of al-Bab, coming within 5 kilometers of the city.<ref name="FirstFSA">{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-captures-first-village-turkish-backed-rebels-outskirts-al-bab/|title=Syrian Army captures first village from Turkish-backed rebels on the outskirts of al-Bab|first=Chris|last=Tomson|date=29 November 2016|publisher=[[Al-Masdar News]]|access-date=29 November 2016|archive-date=24 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181224220900/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-captures-first-village-turkish-backed-rebels-outskirts-al-bab/|url-status=dead}}</ref> On 29 November, ISIL claimed it had captured two Turkish soldiers and their [[Syrian Turkmen|Turkmen]] translator near al-Dana village, west of al-Bab. The Turkish military confirmed it had lost contact with two soldiers, but didn't confirm that ISIL had captured them.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-turkey-soldiers-idUSKBN13O2KR?il=0|title=Turkish military says contact lost with 2 soldiers in northern Syria|author1=Ece Toksabay |author2= Ali Abdelaty |author3= Orhan Coskun|date=29 November 2016|publisher=Reuters}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2016/12/turkey-syria-increasing-risk-for-turkish-soldiers-al-bab.html|title=As risk rises, will Turkey persist in quest for al-Bab?|first=Metin|last=Gurcan|date=2 December 2016|publisher=Reuters}}</ref> |
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===Offensive slows=== |
===Offensive slows=== |
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===Turkish-led attack from the west repelled=== |
===Turkish-led attack from the west repelled=== |
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On 21 December, the rebels gained control of a part of the highway between Al-Bab and [[Aleppo]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-turkey-idUSKBN14A0B5|title=Turkish military says Syria's al-Bab to Aleppo highway under full control|date=21 December 2016|access-date=21 December 2016}}</ref> Nonetheless, the day soon became the deadliest thus far for Turkish forces in Syria.<ref>{{cite |
On 21 December, the rebels gained control of a part of the highway between Al-Bab and [[Aleppo]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-turkey-idUSKBN14A0B5|title=Turkish military says Syria's al-Bab to Aleppo highway under full control|website=[[Reuters]]|date=21 December 2016|access-date=21 December 2016}}</ref> Nonetheless, the day soon became the deadliest thus far for Turkish forces in Syria.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-12-21/clashes-kill-14-troops-in-turkey-s-deadliest-day-so-far-in-syria|title=Jihadists Kill 16 Troops in Turkey's Deadliest Day in Syria|newspaper=Bloomberg |date=21 December 2016|access-date=13 January 2017|via=www.bloomberg.com}}</ref> According to the Turkish government, 16 Turkish soldiers were killed in suicide bomb attacks and clashes, while 33 were wounded. It also claimed 138 ISIL fighters were killed in Turkish airstrikes on 67 ISIL targets. ISIL meanwhile claimed to have killed more than 70 Turkish soldiers, while capturing two [[Leopard 2]] tanks.<ref name=Foursoldiers>{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-turkey-clashes-idUSKBN14A0QY|title=Battle for Syria's al-Bab intensifies, 14 Turkish soldiers killed: army|website=[[Reuters]]|date=21 December 2016|access-date=21 December 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/12/turkish-troops-killed-clashes-isil-syria-161221204418681.html|title=Turkish troops killed in clashes with ISIL in Syria|date=22 December 2016|access-date=24 December 2016}}</ref> The fighting started when rebels and Turkish forces captured the hospital area of the town, as well as the Aqil Mountains. However, an ISIL counterattack recaptured both the hospital and the mountains,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=57431|title=al-Furat Shield factions advance over IS in al-Bab city}}</ref> repelling the Turkish-led attack.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=57513|title=Turkish warplanes commit a massacre in al-Bab city after 24 hours of losing a battle in the area|date=22 December 2016 }}</ref> Another attack was launched by the rebels on 22 December.<ref name=busy>{{Cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=57528|title=With the international community being busy in the displacement process in Aleppo... 120 were killed and tens were wounded within 48 hours of military operations in al-Bab city and its vicinity|date=22 December 2016 }}</ref> SOHR reported that 72 civilians were killed in Turkish airstrikes during the day, with another 23 killed on the next day.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.euronews.com/2016/12/23/dozens-of-civilians-killed-by-turkish-airstrikes-in-syria|title='Dozens of civilians killed' by Turkish airstrikes in Syria|date=23 December 2016|publisher=[[Euronews]]|access-date=23 December 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2016-12-24|title=At least 95 persons were killed including about 40 children and citizen women in al-Bab massacres which were carried out by Turkish warplanes within 24 hours • The Syrian Observatory For Human Rights|url=https://www.syriahr.com/en/57617/|access-date=2021-12-15|website=The Syrian Observatory For Human Rights|language=en-US}}</ref> |
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Despite the losses, [[President of Turkey]] [[Recep Tayyip Erdoğan]] stated on 23 December that the operation to capture al-Bab was almost complete and that the FSA would capture the city soon.<ref>{{cite |
Despite the losses, [[President of Turkey]] [[Recep Tayyip Erdoğan]] stated on 23 December that the operation to capture al-Bab was almost complete and that the FSA would capture the city soon.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4897539,00.html|title=Turkey's Erdogan says operation to capture Syria's al-Bab almost complete|newspaper=Ynetnews|date=23 December 2016|access-date=23 December 2016}}</ref> The same day, the [[Ministry of National Defence (Turkey)|Turkish Defence Minister]] [[Fikri Işık]] stated that the Aqil Mountains had been cleared of ISIL.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dailysabah.com/war-on-terror/2016/12/23/strategic-area-around-al-bab-hospital-cleared-of-daesh-terrorists-defense-minister-says|title=Strategic area around al-Bab hospital cleared of Daesh terrorists, defense minister says|publisher=Daily Sabah|date=23 December 2016|access-date=23 December 2016}}</ref> The Turkish-backed rebels also later captured the Al-Farouq hospital. However, an ISIL counterattack in the early hours of 25 December, once again recaptured the hospital and Aqil Mountains.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/isis-pushes-back-turkish-army-reclaim-territory-aleppos-al-bab/|title=ISIS pushes back against Turkish Army to reclaim territory in Aleppo's Al-Bab|publisher=Al-Masdar News|date=25 December 2016|access-date=26 December 2016|archive-date=10 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200810224909/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/isis-pushes-back-turkish-army-reclaim-territory-aleppos-al-bab/|url-status=dead}}</ref> Meanwhile, 30 civilians trying to flee the city were reportedly killed by explosives planted by ISIL.<ref name=AA30>{{cite web|url=http://aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/daesh-kills-30-civilians-fleeing-al-bab-turkish-army/714285|title=Daesh kills 30 civilians fleeing Al-Bab: Turkish army|publisher=Anadolu Agency|date=26 December 2016|access-date=26 December 2016}}</ref> |
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===Russian air support for Turkey=== |
===Russian air support for Turkey=== |
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On 26 December, pro-Syrian government sources reported that the [[Russian Air Force]] directly backed the Turkish Army for the first time since the start of the [[Russian intervention in Syria]]. However, despite [[Su-24]] and [[Su-34]] bombers carrying out airstrikes against ISIL fighters, Turkish-backed rebel forces were unable to maintain control over newly captured areas.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/russian-jets-carry-airstrikes-aid-turkish-army-aleppos-al-bab/|title=Russian jets carry out airstrikes to aid Turkish Army in Aleppo's Al-Bab|publisher=Al-Masdar News|date=26 December 2016|access-date=26 December 2016}}</ref> Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Kurtulmuş denied the reports that the Russian Air Force was assisting the Turks in the battle,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dailysabah.com/war-on-terror/2016/12/28/fsa-fighters-evacuated-from-aleppo-to-boost-fight-in-al-bab|title=FSA fighters evacuated from Aleppo to boost fight in al-Bab|publisher=Daily Sabah|date=27 December 2016|access-date=27 December 2016}}</ref> while an additional 1,000 Turkish commandos and 2,000 rebel reinforcements arrived on 27 December.<ref name=TSKFSAreinfocrements>{{cite web|url=http://www.yenisafak.com/en/news/turkish-commandos-enter-al-bab-2587222|title=Turkish commandos enter al-Bab|publisher=Yeni Şafak|date=27 December 2016|access-date=27 December 2016}}</ref> |
On 26 December, pro-Syrian government sources reported that the [[Russian Air Force]] directly backed the Turkish Army for the first time since the start of the [[Russian intervention in Syria]]. However, despite [[Su-24]] and [[Su-34]] bombers carrying out airstrikes against ISIL fighters, Turkish-backed rebel forces were unable to maintain control over newly captured areas.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/russian-jets-carry-airstrikes-aid-turkish-army-aleppos-al-bab/|title=Russian jets carry out airstrikes to aid Turkish Army in Aleppo's Al-Bab|publisher=Al-Masdar News|date=26 December 2016|access-date=26 December 2016|archive-date=10 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171010121909/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/russian-jets-carry-airstrikes-aid-turkish-army-aleppos-al-bab/|url-status=dead}}</ref> Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Kurtulmuş denied the reports that the Russian Air Force was assisting the Turks in the battle,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dailysabah.com/war-on-terror/2016/12/28/fsa-fighters-evacuated-from-aleppo-to-boost-fight-in-al-bab|title=FSA fighters evacuated from Aleppo to boost fight in al-Bab|publisher=Daily Sabah|date=27 December 2016|access-date=27 December 2016}}</ref> while an additional 1,000 Turkish commandos and 2,000 rebel reinforcements arrived on 27 December.<ref name=TSKFSAreinfocrements>{{cite web|url=http://www.yenisafak.com/en/news/turkish-commandos-enter-al-bab-2587222|title=Turkish commandos enter al-Bab|publisher=Yeni Şafak|date=27 December 2016|access-date=27 December 2016}}</ref> |
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A Turkish official stated on 29 December, that the Russian Air Force had hit ISIL in al-Bab for the first time, carrying out airstrikes against it in the southern part of the city. He also added that Turkish forces were assaulting the northern and western parts of the city.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dailysabah.com/syrian-crisis/2016/12/29/russian-jets-strike-daesh-targets-in-syrias-al-bab-for-first-time|title=Russian jets strike Daesh targets in Syria's al-Bab for first time|publisher=Daily Sabah|date=29 December 2016|access-date=29 December 2016}}</ref> [[Minister of Foreign Affairs (Turkey)|Turkish Foreign Minister]] [[Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu]] confirmed the airstrikes but stated that there was no joint operation between Russia and Turkey.<ref name=MEERussia>{{cite web|url=http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/russia-bombs-islamic-state-held-town-syria-aids-turkish-advance-1956435883|title=Russia bombs IS-held town in Syria, aids Turkish advance|publisher=Middle East Eye|date=29 December 2016|access-date=29 December 2016}}</ref> On 31 December, the Turkish-backed rebels managed to capture another village to the west of al-Bab, while Syrian Democratic Forces entered the villages of Mura'naz and Kuljabreen, clashing with the Turkish-backed rebels there.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/kurdish-led-forces-advance-northern-aleppo-2/|title=Kurdish-led forces advance in northern Aleppo|last=Fadel|first=Leith|date=2016-12-31|newspaper=AMN - Al-Masdar News {{!}} المصدر نيوز|language=en|access-date=2017-01-01}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=58118|title="Euphrates Shield" forces advance west of al-Bab city after heavy shelling and clashes against the "Islamic State"}}</ref> |
A Turkish official stated on 29 December, that the Russian Air Force had hit ISIL in al-Bab for the first time, carrying out airstrikes against it in the southern part of the city. He also added that Turkish forces were assaulting the northern and western parts of the city.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dailysabah.com/syrian-crisis/2016/12/29/russian-jets-strike-daesh-targets-in-syrias-al-bab-for-first-time|title=Russian jets strike Daesh targets in Syria's al-Bab for first time|publisher=Daily Sabah|date=29 December 2016|access-date=29 December 2016}}</ref> [[Minister of Foreign Affairs (Turkey)|Turkish Foreign Minister]] [[Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu]] confirmed the airstrikes but stated that there was no joint operation between Russia and Turkey.<ref name=MEERussia>{{cite web|url=http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/russia-bombs-islamic-state-held-town-syria-aids-turkish-advance-1956435883|title=Russia bombs IS-held town in Syria, aids Turkish advance|publisher=Middle East Eye|date=29 December 2016|access-date=29 December 2016}}</ref> On 31 December, the Turkish-backed rebels managed to capture another village to the west of al-Bab, while Syrian Democratic Forces entered the villages of Mura'naz and Kuljabreen, clashing with the Turkish-backed rebels there.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/kurdish-led-forces-advance-northern-aleppo-2/|title=Kurdish-led forces advance in northern Aleppo|last=Fadel|first=Leith|date=2016-12-31|newspaper=AMN - Al-Masdar News {{!}} المصدر نيوز|language=en|access-date=2017-01-01|archive-date=2017-01-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170101142205/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/kurdish-led-forces-advance-northern-aleppo-2/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=58118|title="Euphrates Shield" forces advance west of al-Bab city after heavy shelling and clashes against the "Islamic State"|date=31 December 2016}}</ref> |
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Between 2 and 3 January, both Turkish and Russian airstrikes hit ISIL targets in the al-Bab area.<ref name="auto2">{{cite web|url=http://www.dailysabah.com/war-on-terror/2017/01/02/turkey-russia-airstrikes-destroy-daesh-targets-in-al-bab-22-terrorists-killed|title=Turkey, Russia airstrikes destroy Daesh targets in al-Bab, 22 terrorists killed|work=Anadolu Agency|publisher=Daily Sabah|date=2 January 2016|access-date=2 January 2016}}</ref><ref name="auto3">{{cite web|url=http://www.dailysabah.com/war-on-terror/2017/01/03/no-letup-in-turkish-russian-fight-against-daesh-in-al-bab-18-terrorists-killed|title=No letup in Turkish-Russian fight against Daesh in al-Bab, 18 terrorists killed|publisher=Daily Sabah|date=3 January 2016|access-date=3 January 2016}}</ref> [[United States Department of Defense]] spokesman [[Peter Cook (press secretary)|Peter Cook]] meanwhile stated that it had assisted Turkish forces by providing it with air cover a week earlier, but did not carry out any airstrikes.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-usa-syria-idUSKBN14N1M8|title=U.S.-led coalition carried out flights to support Turkish forces in Syria|publisher=Reuters|date=3 January 2016|access-date=4 January 2016}}</ref> On 4 January, ISIL was reported to have withdrawn its senior fighters to defend Raqqa and Mosul, leaving less experienced members to defend al-Bab.<ref name=TGtakesfight>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/jan/04/syria-turkey-takes-fight-to-isis-in-assault-on-western-base-of-al-bab|title=Syria: Turkey takes fight to Isis in assault on western base of al-Bab| |
Between 2 and 3 January, both Turkish and Russian airstrikes hit ISIL targets in the al-Bab area.<ref name="auto2">{{cite web|url=http://www.dailysabah.com/war-on-terror/2017/01/02/turkey-russia-airstrikes-destroy-daesh-targets-in-al-bab-22-terrorists-killed|title=Turkey, Russia airstrikes destroy Daesh targets in al-Bab, 22 terrorists killed|work=Anadolu Agency|publisher=Daily Sabah|date=2 January 2016|access-date=2 January 2016}}</ref><ref name="auto3">{{cite web|url=http://www.dailysabah.com/war-on-terror/2017/01/03/no-letup-in-turkish-russian-fight-against-daesh-in-al-bab-18-terrorists-killed|title=No letup in Turkish-Russian fight against Daesh in al-Bab, 18 terrorists killed|publisher=Daily Sabah|date=3 January 2016|access-date=3 January 2016}}</ref> [[United States Department of Defense]] spokesman [[Peter Cook (press secretary)|Peter Cook]] meanwhile stated that it had assisted Turkish forces by providing it with air cover a week earlier, but did not carry out any airstrikes.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-usa-syria-idUSKBN14N1M8|title=U.S.-led coalition carried out flights to support Turkish forces in Syria|publisher=Reuters|date=3 January 2016|access-date=4 January 2016}}</ref> On 4 January, ISIL was reported to have withdrawn its senior fighters to defend Raqqa and Mosul, leaving less experienced members to defend al-Bab.<ref name=TGtakesfight>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/jan/04/syria-turkey-takes-fight-to-isis-in-assault-on-western-base-of-al-bab|title=Syria: Turkey takes fight to Isis in assault on western base of al-Bab|work=The Guardian|date=4 January 2016|access-date=5 January 2016}}</ref> Both Turkish President Erdoğan and the rebels stated that the offensive to capture the town would be finished soon.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-turkey-idUSKBN14O0ZT|title=Turkey's Erdogan says offensive on Syria's al-Bab to be finished soon|publisher=Reuters|date=4 January 2016|access-date=5 January 2016}}</ref><ref name=TGtakesfight/> However, two days later, Turkish Defence Minister Işık stated that the Turkish-backed rebels were fighting street battles against ISIL in al-Bab but had slowed down their advance in order to avoid civilian casualties.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-turkey-idUSKBN14Q0WN|title=Turkish-backed forces fighting street battles in Syria's al-Bab: defence minister|publisher=Reuters|date=6 January 2016|access-date=6 January 2016}}</ref> |
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===Turkish-backed rebel assault from the east and Syrian Army assault from the south=== |
===Turkish-backed rebel assault from the east and Syrian Army assault from the south=== |
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[[File:Albab3.png|thumb|left|Map of the battle up to February 1]] |
[[File:Albab3.png|thumb|left|Map of the battle up to February 1]] |
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After failing to penetrate al-Bab from the north or west, rebel and Turkish forces started assaults from the east.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2017/01/syrian-al-bab-fsa-turkey-islamic-state-battles.html|title=IS reinforces positions in Syria's al-Bab|date=23 January 2017}}</ref> On 8 January, Turkish-backed rebels captured Um Adasa and Makri Hill near [[Bizaah]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.star.com.tr/guncel/firat-kalkani-harekatinda-kritik-iki-bolge-ele-gecirildi-haber-1174401/|title=Fırat Kalkanı Harekatı'nda kritik iki bölge ele geçirildi|work=[[Star (Turkish newspaper)|Star]]|date=8 January 2017|access-date=12 January 2017|language=tr}}</ref> The next day, the rebels once again advanced near Bizaah, capturing Zammar and Asfar Tepe.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.star.com.tr/guncel/firat-kalkani-harekatinda-zammar-ve-asfar-tepesi-ele-gecirildi-haber-1174706/|title=Fırat Kalkanı Harekatı'nda Zammar ve Asfar Tepe'si ele geçirildi|work=[[Star (Turkish newspaper)|Star]]|date=9 January 2017|access-date=12 January 2017|language=tr}}</ref> With these advances, the rebels were attempting to flank al-Bab from the east.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/turkish-forces-inch-closer-isis-stronghold-east-aleppo-map/|title=Turkish forces inch closer to ISIS stronghold in east Aleppo: map|first=News|last=Desk|date=9 January 2017|publisher=[[Al-Masdar News]]}}</ref> Still, in the period between 1 and 14 January, the rebels made eight attempts to capture the nearby village of Al-Suflaniyah, with all of them being repelled.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/battle-northern-aleppo-heats-turkish-forces-make-another-push-al-bab-map/|title=Battle for northern Aleppo heats up as Turkish forces make another push at Al-Bab: map|first=Leith|last=Fadel|date=10 January 2017|publisher=[[Al-Masdar News]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/isis-stops-turkish-army-advance-key-east-aleppo-city/|title=ISIS stops Turkish Army advance into key east Aleppo city|first=Leith|last=Fadel|date=15 January 2017|publisher=[[Al-Masdar News]]}}</ref> At one point, on 13 January, the rebels managed to capture Suflaniyah temporarily,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.takvim.com.tr/guncel/2017/01/13/suflaniyah-koyu-deastan-temizlendi|title=Suflaniyah köyü DEAŞ'tan temizlendi|work=[[Takvim]]|date=13 January 2017|access-date=14 January 2017|language=tr}}</ref> but had to retreat from it after an ISIL counter-attack.{{ |
After failing to penetrate al-Bab from the north or west, rebel and Turkish forces started assaults from the east.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2017/01/syrian-al-bab-fsa-turkey-islamic-state-battles.html|title=IS reinforces positions in Syria's al-Bab|date=23 January 2017}}</ref> On 8 January, Turkish-backed rebels captured Um Adasa and Makri Hill near [[Bizaah]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.star.com.tr/guncel/firat-kalkani-harekatinda-kritik-iki-bolge-ele-gecirildi-haber-1174401/|title=Fırat Kalkanı Harekatı'nda kritik iki bölge ele geçirildi|work=[[Star (Turkish newspaper)|Star]]|date=8 January 2017|access-date=12 January 2017|language=tr}}</ref> The next day, the rebels once again advanced near Bizaah, capturing Zammar and Asfar Tepe.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.star.com.tr/guncel/firat-kalkani-harekatinda-zammar-ve-asfar-tepesi-ele-gecirildi-haber-1174706/|title=Fırat Kalkanı Harekatı'nda Zammar ve Asfar Tepe'si ele geçirildi|work=[[Star (Turkish newspaper)|Star]]|date=9 January 2017|access-date=12 January 2017|language=tr}}</ref> With these advances, the rebels were attempting to flank al-Bab from the east.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/turkish-forces-inch-closer-isis-stronghold-east-aleppo-map/|title=Turkish forces inch closer to ISIS stronghold in east Aleppo: map|first=News|last=Desk|date=9 January 2017|publisher=[[Al-Masdar News]]|access-date=15 January 2017|archive-date=30 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201030175316/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/turkish-forces-inch-closer-isis-stronghold-east-aleppo-map/|url-status=dead}}</ref> Still, in the period between 1 and 14 January, the rebels made eight attempts to capture the nearby village of Al-Suflaniyah, with all of them being repelled.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/battle-northern-aleppo-heats-turkish-forces-make-another-push-al-bab-map/|title=Battle for northern Aleppo heats up as Turkish forces make another push at Al-Bab: map|first=Leith|last=Fadel|date=10 January 2017|publisher=[[Al-Masdar News]]|access-date=15 January 2017|archive-date=17 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170117164825/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/battle-northern-aleppo-heats-turkish-forces-make-another-push-al-bab-map/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/isis-stops-turkish-army-advance-key-east-aleppo-city/|title=ISIS stops Turkish Army advance into key east Aleppo city|first=Leith|last=Fadel|date=15 January 2017|publisher=[[Al-Masdar News]]|access-date=15 January 2017|archive-date=29 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201029201000/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/isis-stops-turkish-army-advance-key-east-aleppo-city/|url-status=dead}}</ref> At one point, on 13 January, the rebels managed to capture Suflaniyah temporarily,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.takvim.com.tr/guncel/2017/01/13/suflaniyah-koyu-deastan-temizlendi|title=Suflaniyah köyü DEAŞ'tan temizlendi|work=[[Takvim]]|date=13 January 2017|access-date=14 January 2017|language=tr}}</ref> but had to retreat from it after an ISIL counter-attack.{{citation needed|date=April 2020}} |
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A local media activist claimed the Syrian Army and its allies launched an offensive to take al-Bab on 15 January, using the [[Kuweires Military Airbase]] as a launch pad for attacks on [[Tedef|Tadef]] and Abu Jabaar to the south of the city.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://aranews.net/2017/01/syrian-regime-allied-militias-join-battle-for-al-bab-to-impede-turkish-progress/|title=Syrian regime, allied militias join battle for al-Bab to impede |
A local media activist claimed the Syrian Army and its allies launched an offensive to take al-Bab on 15 January, using the [[Kuweires Military Airbase]] as a launch pad for attacks on [[Tedef|Tadef]] and Abu Jabaar to the south of the city.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://aranews.net/2017/01/syrian-regime-allied-militias-join-battle-for-al-bab-to-impede-turkish-progress/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170117014953/http://aranews.net/2017/01/syrian-regime-allied-militias-join-battle-for-al-bab-to-impede-turkish-progress/|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 17, 2017|title=Syrian regime, allied militias join battle for al-Bab to impede Turkey's progress|work=ARA News|date=16 January 2017|access-date=17 January 2017}}</ref> However, a pro-government source reported preparations were still being made for the offensive.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/russian-syrian-jets-rain-airstrikes-east-aleppo/|title=Russian, Syrian jets rain airstrikes over east Aleppo|first=Leith|last=Fadel|date=16 January 2017|publisher=[[Al-Masdar News]]|access-date=17 January 2017|archive-date=30 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201030204902/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/russian-syrian-jets-rain-airstrikes-east-aleppo/|url-status=dead}}</ref> Meanwhile, the Turkish military had reportedly prepared a new plan to capture the city.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dailysabah.com/war-on-terror/2017/01/17/turkish-military-mulls-3-tier-plan-to-liberate-al-bab|title=Turkish military mulls 3-tier plan to liberate al-Bab|work=Daily Sabah|date=16 January 2017|access-date=17 January 2017}}</ref> |
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On 17 January, the Syrian Army launched an assault led by its [[Tiger Forces]] (capturing a village to the south of the city),{{ |
On 17 January, the Syrian Army launched an assault led by its [[Tiger Forces]] (capturing a village to the south of the city),{{citation needed|date=April 2020}} the [[United States Armed Forces]] stated that they had carried out airstrikes against ISIL near al-Bab,<ref name=USstrikes>{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSKBN151350|title=U.S. carries out strikes near Syria's al-Bab after Turkish criticism|work=Reuters|date=17 January 2017|access-date=17 January 2017}}</ref> and Russia and Turkey carried out their first joint airstrikes against ISIL, targeting it in the suburbs of al-Bab.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-38667895|title=Syria conflict: Russia and Turkey 'in first joint air strikes on IS'|work=BBC|date=18 January 2017|access-date=19 January 2017}}</ref> The SAA captured three more villages to the south of the city within the next two days.{{citation needed|date=April 2020}} The Syrian Army captured another village to the south of the city on 20 January.{{citation needed|date=April 2020}} The Turkish-backed rebels later recaptured Suflaniyah. Five Turkish soldiers were killed in an ISIL attack later on the village.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hurriyet.com.tr/son-dakika-el-babda-turk-askerinin-bulundugu-alana-saldirdilar-sehit-ve-yaralilar-var-40341752|title=Son dakika haberi: El Bab'da bomba yüklü araçla saldırı.. TSK'dan flaş açıklama|work=[[Hürriyet]]|date=20 January 2017|access-date=20 January 2017|language=tr}}</ref> |
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The Syrian Army and its allies captured seven villages to the southwest of al-Bab between 22 and 23 January.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSKBN1560CM|title=Syrian army nears Turkey-backed rebels in new advance|work=Reuters|date=22 January 2017|access-date=22 January 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=59682|date=23 January 2017|access-date=23 January 2017|title=The regime forces continue advancing and control more villages heading towards the southwest al-Bab and reconnaissance drone dropped in the countryside of Hama}}</ref> Suflaniyah changed hands twice, ultimately remaining under rebel control.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://syria.liveuamap.com/en/2017/22-january-isis-recaptured-seflaniye-village-east-to-al-bab|title=ISIS recaptured Seflaniye village, East to Al Bab|work=Liveuamap|date=20 January 2017|access-date=22 January 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://syria.liveuamap.com/en/2017/22-january-fsa-and-turkish-army-again-seized-suflaniye-after|title=FSA and Turkish army again seized Suflaniye after heavy artillery strikes on ISIS|work=Liveuamap|date=22 January 2017|access-date=22 January 2017}}</ref> However, some Turkish activists claimed the village was never recaptured by ISIL.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://isis.liveuamap.com/en/2017/22-january-turkish-activists-are-reporting-the-free-syrian|work=Liveuamap|date=22 January 2017|access-date=22 January 2017|title=Turkish activists are reporting the Free Syrian Army are still in control of the village of Seflaniye and that it was never regained by IS today, while some other sources report that Seflaniye was swiftly regained after heavy artillery shelling by Turkish forces on IS positions in the village forcing IS to retreat, northern Aleppo, Syria.}}</ref> On 23 January, Turkish-backed rebels were reported to have captured Tel Rehal and Kharabishah villages.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aksam.com.tr/guncel/oso-esed-guclerinin-sinirina-dayandi/haber-588905|title=ÖSO, Esed güçlerinin sınırına dayandı |work=Akşam|date=23 January 2017|access-date=24 January 2017|language=tr}}</ref> However, Tel Rehal was later reported to have been captured by the SAA, who also took three other villages.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=59735|title="Tiger Forces" lead the regime forces to further advancement towards the southwestern area of al-Bab city |work=SOHR|date=23 January 2017|access-date=24 January 2017}}</ref> On the same day, Turkish deputy prime minister Numan Kurtulmuş denied claims that Turkey would hand over al-Bab to the Syrian Army.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://af.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idAFKBN1580NE|date=24 January 2017|access-date=24 January 2017|work=Reuters|title=Turkey will not hand over al-Bab to Syrian government forces - deputy PM}}</ref> The Turkish-backed rebels recaptured Suflaniyah after having lost it earlier.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=59762|date=25 January 2017|access-date=25 January 2017|work=SOHR|title=The regime forces continue advancing and control more villages east of Aleppo}}</ref> |
The Syrian Army and its allies captured seven villages to the southwest of al-Bab between 22 and 23 January.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSKBN1560CM|title=Syrian army nears Turkey-backed rebels in new advance|work=Reuters|date=22 January 2017|access-date=22 January 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=59682|date=23 January 2017|access-date=23 January 2017|title=The regime forces continue advancing and control more villages heading towards the southwest al-Bab and reconnaissance drone dropped in the countryside of Hama}}</ref> Suflaniyah changed hands twice, ultimately remaining under rebel control.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://syria.liveuamap.com/en/2017/22-january-isis-recaptured-seflaniye-village-east-to-al-bab|title=ISIS recaptured Seflaniye village, East to Al Bab|work=Liveuamap|date=20 January 2017|access-date=22 January 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://syria.liveuamap.com/en/2017/22-january-fsa-and-turkish-army-again-seized-suflaniye-after|title=FSA and Turkish army again seized Suflaniye after heavy artillery strikes on ISIS|work=Liveuamap|date=22 January 2017|access-date=22 January 2017}}</ref> However, some Turkish activists claimed the village was never recaptured by ISIL.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://isis.liveuamap.com/en/2017/22-january-turkish-activists-are-reporting-the-free-syrian|work=Liveuamap|date=22 January 2017|access-date=22 January 2017|title=Turkish activists are reporting the Free Syrian Army are still in control of the village of Seflaniye and that it was never regained by IS today, while some other sources report that Seflaniye was swiftly regained after heavy artillery shelling by Turkish forces on IS positions in the village forcing IS to retreat, northern Aleppo, Syria.}}</ref> On 23 January, Turkish-backed rebels were reported to have captured Tel Rehal and Kharabishah villages.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aksam.com.tr/guncel/oso-esed-guclerinin-sinirina-dayandi/haber-588905|title=ÖSO, Esed güçlerinin sınırına dayandı |work=Akşam|date=23 January 2017|access-date=24 January 2017|language=tr}}</ref> However, Tel Rehal was later reported to have been captured by the SAA, who also took three other villages.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=59735|title="Tiger Forces" lead the regime forces to further advancement towards the southwestern area of al-Bab city |work=SOHR|date=23 January 2017|access-date=24 January 2017}}</ref> On the same day, Turkish deputy prime minister Numan Kurtulmuş denied claims that Turkey would hand over al-Bab to the Syrian Army.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://af.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idAFKBN1580NE|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170131191713/http://af.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idAFKBN1580NE|url-status=dead|archive-date=31 January 2017|date=24 January 2017|access-date=24 January 2017|work=Reuters|title=Turkey will not hand over al-Bab to Syrian government forces - deputy PM}}</ref> The Turkish-backed rebels recaptured Suflaniyah after having lost it earlier.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=59762|date=25 January 2017|access-date=25 January 2017|work=SOHR|title=The regime forces continue advancing and control more villages east of Aleppo}}</ref> |
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On 25 January, the Syrian Army captured Shaalah village, as well as the Shaalah radar base.{{ |
On 25 January, the Syrian Army captured Shaalah village, as well as the Shaalah radar base.{{citation needed|date=April 2020}} On the next day, the SDF repelled an ISIL attack on their positions east of al-Bab.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=59841|work=SOHR|date=26 January 2017|access-date=26 January 2017|title=The Syria Democratic Forces regain control of positions they lost in today's attack in the countryside of Manbij and injuries in explosion at the countryside of Al-Raqqah}}</ref> The Syrian Army captured three villages to the south during the same day as well as [[Mamoun University for Science and Technology|al-Mamoun University]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=59889|work=SOHR|date=27 January 2017|access-date=27 January 2017|title=The regime forces led by the "Tiger Groups" advance towards al-Bab city once again and control the 18th area in the operation's 9th da}}</ref> The SAA captured a strategic hill during a midnight assault.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=59904|work=SOHR|date=27 January 2017|access-date=27 January 2017|title=Rocket shelling targets the western and northern countryside of Aleppo and the regime forces control a hill in the eastern countryside of Aleppo}}</ref> On 28 January, the Syrian Army seized two more villages<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=59939|work=SOHR|date=28 January 2017|access-date=28 January 2017|title=Continued clashes in Homs and Aleppo countrysides}}</ref> and another two the next day,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=59961|work=SOHR|date=29 January 2017|access-date=29 January 2017|title=More advancement by the regime forces put the "Islamic State" organization at al-Bab between the jaws of pliers of the regime and Turks}}</ref> while the rebels captured two hills in the region.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/2017/01/30/%d8%aa%d9%82%d8%af%d9%85-%d9%84%d9%82%d9%88%d8%a7%d8%aa-%d8%a7%d9%84%d9%86%d8%b8%d8%a7%d9%85-%d9%88%d9%84%d9%82%d9%88%d8%a7%d8%aa-%d8%af%d8%b1%d8%b9-%d8%a7%d9%84%d9%81%d8%b1%d8%a7%d8%aa-%d9%86/|work=SOHR|date=29 January 2017|access-date=29 January 2017|title=تقدم لقوات النظام ولقوات『درع الفرات』نحو أكبر معاقل تنظيم『الدولة الإسلامية』بريف حلب|language=ar}}</ref> On 30 January, the Syrian Army seized two more villages, as well as a hill.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://en.hawarnews.com/the-regime-dominates-several-villages-in-al-bab/|date=30 January 2017|access-date=30 January 2017|work=ANHA|title=The regime dominates several villages in al-Bab|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170131191938/http://en.hawarnews.com/the-regime-dominates-several-villages-in-al-bab/|archive-date=31 January 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref> |
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On 1 February, the Turkish-backed rebels captured 2 villages to the southwest of al-Bab, cutting the main road between the city and [[Aleppo]] from another side in front of the recent advances by pro-Syrian government forces who had come with {{convert|7|km|mi}}. Meanwhile, SAA also captured a village to the south of Kuweires airbase.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=60179|work=SOHR|date=1 February 2017|access-date=4 February 2017|title=Turkish forces and the "Euphrates Shield" control villages southwest of al-Bab city to stop the regime |
On 1 February, the Turkish-backed rebels captured 2 villages to the southwest of al-Bab, cutting the main road between the city and [[Aleppo]] from another side in front of the recent advances by pro-Syrian government forces who had come with {{convert|7|km|mi}}. Meanwhile, SAA also captured a village to the south of Kuweires airbase.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=60179|work=SOHR|date=1 February 2017|access-date=4 February 2017|title=Turkish forces and the "Euphrates Shield" control villages southwest of al-Bab city to stop the regime forces' advancement in these areas}}</ref> The rebels captured a village, a hill, 2 farms and 4 settlements to the east of Bizaah.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=60245|work=SOHR|date=2 February 2017|access-date=4 February 2017|title=TAfter closing the road of advancement in the regime's face southwest of al-Bab, Turkish forces advance to complete the siege on the city, and control the largest strongholds of the "Islamic State" organization in Aleppo alone}}</ref> |
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On 3 February, UN Secretary-General Stephane Dujjaric estimated that around 30,000 civilians had fled al-Bab, and that 10,000 still remained inside of the city.{{Citation needed|date=November 2020}} |
On 3 February, UN Secretary-General Stephane Dujjaric estimated that around 30,000 civilians had fled al-Bab, and that 10,000 still remained inside of the city.{{Citation needed|date=November 2020}} |
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On 4 February, the rebels captured Bizaah<ref>{{cite web|url=https://uk.finance.yahoo.com/video/turkish-backed-forces-capture-held-171020666.html|title=Turkish-Backed Forces Capture IS-Held Town Near Al-Bab|work=Storyful|publisher=Yahoo! Finance|date=4 February 2017|access-date=4 February 2017}}</ref> though ISIL recaptured it later.<ref name=SOHRBzaah>{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=60355|title=Continuous fight between the "Islamic State" organization, "Euphrates Shield" and the regime forces on various fronts in Aleppo province|publisher=SOHR|date=5 February 2017|access-date=5 February 2017}}</ref> Meanwhile, SAA captured a town to the south of al-Bab.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSKBN15J0CZ|title=U.S.-backed Syrian force in new phase of Raqqa assault|publisher=Reuters|date=4 February 2017|access-date=4 February 2017}}</ref> On the next day, the SAA, with support from [[Hezbollah]] and Russian artillery, captured a village to the south of Kuweires Airbase,<ref name=SOHRBzaah/> and another village to the south of al-Bab,<ref name="After new">{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=60368|title=After new advance in it |
On 4 February, the rebels captured Bizaah<ref>{{cite web|url=https://uk.finance.yahoo.com/video/turkish-backed-forces-capture-held-171020666.html|title=Turkish-Backed Forces Capture IS-Held Town Near Al-Bab|work=Storyful|publisher=Yahoo! Finance|date=4 February 2017|access-date=4 February 2017}}</ref> though ISIL recaptured it later.<ref name=SOHRBzaah>{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=60355|title=Continuous fight between the "Islamic State" organization, "Euphrates Shield" and the regime forces on various fronts in Aleppo province|publisher=SOHR|date=5 February 2017|access-date=5 February 2017}}</ref> Meanwhile, SAA captured a town to the south of al-Bab.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSKBN15J0CZ|title=U.S.-backed Syrian force in new phase of Raqqa assault|publisher=Reuters|date=4 February 2017|access-date=4 February 2017}}</ref> On the next day, the SAA, with support from [[Hezbollah]] and Russian artillery, captured a village to the south of Kuweires Airbase,<ref name=SOHRBzaah/> and another village to the south of al-Bab,<ref name="After new">{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=60368|title=After new advance in it countryside... hundreds of meters separates the regime forces from completing the siege on al-Bab city and its vicinity with support from Hezbollah and Russian artillery|publisher=SOHR|date=5 February 2017|access-date=5 February 2017}}</ref> as well as Tal Uwayshiya hill, which overlooks the main supply route to al-Bab. The SAA advance effectively cut off the last main supply route to the city, putting it under a siege.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-38882544|title=Syria conflict: Army cuts IS supply route into al-Bab|publisher=BBC|date=6 February 2017|access-date=6 February 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dw.com/en/syrian-troops-turkey-backed-forces-surround-is-stronghold-al-bab/a-37432108|title=Syrian troops, Turkey-backed forces surround 'IS' stronghold al-Bab|publisher=Deutsche-Welle|date=6 February 2017|access-date=6 February 2017}}</ref> Meanwhile, the Turkish military stated that Abu Khalid al-Urduni, ISIL's governor of al-Bab, was killed in clashes.<ref name="33 terrorists killed">{{cite web|url=http://www.dailysabah.com/war-on-terror/2017/02/05/33-daesh-terrorists-killed-4-injured-by-turkish-airstrikes-shelling-in-northern-syria|title=33 Daesh terrorists killed, 4 injured by Turkish airstrikes, shelling in northern Syria|publisher=Daily Sabah|date=5 February 2017|access-date=5 February 2017}}</ref> The rebels recaptured Bizaah on the next day.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.tgrthaber.com.tr/gundem/bzaa-tsk-ve-osonun-kontrolune-gecti-162645|title=Bza'a TSK ve ÖSO'nun kontrolüne geçti|date=2017-02-06|newspaper= TGRT Haber|access-date=2017-02-06|language=tr}}</ref> On 7 February, ISIL recaptured Bizaah.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=60431|title=The "Islamic State" organization re-advances in Bzaah and shelling targets the southern countryside of Idlib|publisher=SOHR|date=6 February 2017|access-date=6 February 2017}}</ref> The SAA and Hezbollah, meanwhile, captured 3 villages and a nearby hill to the south of Al-Bab.<ref name="Tiger groups">{{cite news|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=60469|title=Tiger groups and Hezbollah's elite reinforce their siege on al-Bab and reach a distance of less than 5 kilometers away in the southeastern area of the city|date=2017-02-07|access-date=2017-02-07|language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-two-villages-al-bab-swift-new-advance-map-update/|title=Syrian Army two villages from Al-Bab after swift new advance: Map Update|first=Izat|last=Charkatli|date=2017-02-07|access-date=2017-02-07|publisher=Al-Masdar|language=en-GB|archive-date=2017-02-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170208033205/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-two-villages-al-bab-swift-new-advance-map-update/|url-status=dead}}</ref> They later captured a hill and many other sites to the south of the Kuweires airbase, extending their control over [[Sabkhat al-Jabbul]] and fully securing the road near it.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.syriahr.com/2017/02/08/%d8%aa%d9%86%d8%b8%d9%8a%d9%85-%d8%a7%d9%84%d8%af%d9%88%d9%84%d8%a9-%d8%a7%d9%84%d8%a5%d8%b3%d9%84%d8%a7%d9%85%d9%8a%d8%a9-%d9%8a%d8%ae%d8%b3%d8%b1-%d8%a7%d9%84%d9%85%d8%b2%d9%8a%d8%af-%d9%85/|title=تنظيم『الدولة الإسلامية』يخسر المزيد من المناطق في ريف حلب وقوات النظام تتمكن من السيطرة على سبخة الجبول جنوب مطار كويرس العسكري|publisher=SOHR|date=2017-02-07|access-date=2017-02-07|language=ar}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-secures-main-road-along-jabbul-lake-isis-pulls-eastern-aleppo/|title=Syrian Army secures main road along Jabbul Lake as ISIS pulls out of eastern Aleppo|first=Chris|last=Tomson|date=2017-02-07|publisher=Al-Masdar|access-date=2017-02-07|language=en-GB|archive-date=2019-05-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190501235744/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-secures-main-road-along-jabbul-lake-isis-pulls-eastern-aleppo/|url-status=dead}}</ref> Later on the same day, it was reported that the rapid Syrian Army advances had nearly encircled 5,000 ISIL militants within Al-Bab and its environs.<ref name="surrounds 5,000">{{cite web|url=http://macedoniaonline.eu/content/view/31212/45/|title=MINA Breaking News - Syrian Army surrounds 5,000 ISIS fighters in Al Bab|publisher=[[Macedonia online]]|access-date=24 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171009193305/http://macedoniaonline.eu/content/view/31212/45/|archive-date=9 October 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref> |
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===Turkish-backed forces enter al-Bab, Syrian Army reaches southern outskirts=== |
===Turkish-backed forces enter al-Bab, Syrian Army reaches southern outskirts=== |
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[[File:Albab4.png|thumb|left|Map of the final advances, up to 23 February.]] |
[[File:Albab4.png|thumb|left|Map of the final advances, up to 23 February.]] |
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During the night of 7 February, Turkish forces and rebels launched an assault at Al-Bab, capturing several strategic hills and breaking into the city.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/idINKBN15N0UP|title=Turkish army and Syrian rebels close in on Islamic State town|first1=Humeyra|last1=Pamuk|first2=Tom|last2=Perry|date=2017-02-08|publisher=Reuters|access-date=2017-02-08}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://syriadirect.org/news/turkish-backed-forces-break-into-islamic-state’s-al-bab-from-the-west-in-overnight-assault/|title=Turkish-backed forces break into Islamic |
During the night of 7 February, Turkish forces and rebels launched an assault at Al-Bab, capturing several strategic hills and breaking into the city.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/idINKBN15N0UP|title=Turkish army and Syrian rebels close in on Islamic State town|first1=Humeyra|last1=Pamuk|first2=Tom|last2=Perry|date=2017-02-08|publisher=Reuters|access-date=2017-02-08}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://syriadirect.org/news/turkish-backed-forces-break-into-islamic-state’s-al-bab-from-the-west-in-overnight-assault/|title=Turkish-backed forces break into Islamic State's al-Bab from the west in overnight assault|publisher=Syria Direct|date=2017-02-08|access-date=2017-02-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171019092040/http://syriadirect.org/news/turkish-backed-forces-break-into-islamic-state%E2%80%99s-al-bab-from-the-west-in-overnight-assault/|archive-date=2017-10-19|url-status=dead}}</ref> The rebels captured several other sites including Aqil Mount, the nearby hospital, a youth housing area and a local roundabout in the west of the city.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=60541|title=Violent clashes continue on the western outskirts of al-Bab city and the news about the enter of Turkish forces and the "Euphrates Shield" into the center of the city are false|publisher=SOHR|date=2017-02-08|access-date=2017-02-08}}</ref> On 9 February, the Syrian Army captured two villages to the south of al-Bab, putting them within {{convert|3|km|mi}} of the city<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=60597|title=The regime forces advance in the southwest of al-Bab city and violent attack by the Turkish forces and the "Euphrates Shield" in the north of the city|publisher=SOHR|date=2017-02-09|access-date=2017-02-09}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.syriahr.com/2017/02/09/%d8%a8%d8%af%d8%b9%d9%85-%d9%85%d9%86-%d9%86%d8%ae%d8%a8%d8%a9-%d8%ad%d8%b2%d8%a8-%d8%a7%d9%84%d9%84%d9%87-%d9%88%d8%a7%d9%84%d9%85%d8%af%d9%81%d8%b9%d9%8a%d8%a9-%d8%a7%d9%84%d8%b1%d9%88%d8%b3%d9%8a/|title=بدعم من نخبة حزب الله والمدفعية الروسية..قوات النظام تتقدم في جنوب غرب الباب وتجبر تنظيم『الدولة الإسلامية』على الانكفاء إلى تادف والباب|publisher=SOHR|date=2017-02-09|access-date=2017-02-09|language=ar}}</ref> On the same day, three Turkish soldiers were killed while 11 others were injured in an [[2017 Russian Air Force Al-Bab incident|unintentional airstrike]] on a building near al-Bab by the [[Russian Air Force]], who said they believed it was occupied by ISIL fighters. [[President of Russia|Russian President]] [[Vladimir Putin]] offered condolences to Turkish President Erdoğan for the incident and blamed it on poor co-ordination between Turkish and Russian forces.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-38919426|title=Syria war: Russian 'friendly fire' kills Turkish soldiers|date=2017-02-09|newspaper=BBC News|access-date=2017-02-09|language=en-GB}}</ref> During the same day, Turkish-backed rebels assaulted ISIL positions inside the city after breaking through their defences.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/turkish-led-rebels-attack-posts-inside-al-bab-city-rebels-2087980291|title=Turkish-led rebels attack IS posts inside Syria's al-Bab|publisher=Middle East Eye|date=2017-02-09|access-date=2017-02-09}}</ref> The rebels also stated that they had clashed with the Syrian Army for the first time in the battle, in a village to the southwest of the city.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-albab-idUSKBN15O100|title=Russian bombing in Syria mistakenly kills three Turkish soldiers|publisher=Russia|date=2017-02-09|access-date=2017-02-09}}</ref> Turkish troops and rebels were also reported to have captured [[Qabasin]] and [[Bizaah]], by Turkish media as well as rebel groups. These advances haven't been independently verified.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://antiguaobserver.com/turkish-led-rebels-attack-is-posts-inside-al-bab-city-rebels/|title=Turkish-led rebels attack IS posts inside al-Bab city: rebels|date=2017-02-09|access-date=2017-02-09|language=en-GB}}</ref> The [[BBC]] stated that the towns were surrounded, with clashes ongoing.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-38939492|title=Syria conflict: What is at stake in the battle of al-Bab?|date=2017-02-11|access-date=2017-02-11|language=en-GB}}</ref> |
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[[File:Al-Bab military council.png|thumb|250px|left|The al-Bab military council declares on 10 February that it would soon capture al-Bab.]] |
[[File:Al-Bab military council.png|thumb|250px|left|The al-Bab military council declares on 10 February that it would soon capture al-Bab.]] |
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On 10 February, the Syrian Army captured Abu Taltal village to the south of the city, putting them within {{convert|1.5|km|mi}} of the city.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/02/kremlin-turkey-gave-target-mistaken-syria-strike-170210135054884.html|title=Kremlin: Turkey gave target for mistaken Syria strike|date=2017-02-10|access-date=2017-02-10|publisher=Al Jazeera}}</ref> On 11 February clashes were reported in the town of [[Tadef]], less than 2 kilometres from Al-Bab, between [[Tiger Forces]] together with [[National Defence Forces (Syria)|National Defense Forces]] fighting against ISIL.{{ |
On 10 February, the Syrian Army captured Abu Taltal village to the south of the city, putting them within {{convert|1.5|km|mi}} of the city.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/02/kremlin-turkey-gave-target-mistaken-syria-strike-170210135054884.html|title=Kremlin: Turkey gave target for mistaken Syria strike|date=2017-02-10|access-date=2017-02-10|publisher=Al Jazeera}}</ref> On 11 February clashes were reported in the town of [[Tadef]], less than 2 kilometres from Al-Bab, between [[Tiger Forces]] together with [[National Defence Forces (Syria)|National Defense Forces]] fighting against ISIL.{{citation needed|date=April 2020}} On the same day, Russian media reported that Tadef had been taken by the Syrian Army.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://ria.ru/syria/20170211/1487739239.html|title=Сирийские войска при поддержке ВКС России освободили населенный пункт Тадеф|date=11 February 2017|access-date=24 February 2017}}</ref> The rebels also managed to capture several important points in al-Bab after an assault on the city, according to SOHR as well as rebel sources. The advance put one-tenth of the city under their control.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://rdnewsnow.com/article/526512/marginal-progress-turkish-backed-forces-north-syria|title=Marginal progress for Turkish-backed forces in north Syria|date=2017-02-11|access-date=2017-02-11|language=en-CA|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170212091647/http://rdnewsnow.com/article/526512/marginal-progress-turkish-backed-forces-north-syria|archive-date=2017-02-12|url-status=dead}}</ref> They later recaptured Qabasin from ISIL.<ref name="Youm7">{{cite news|url=http://www.youm7.com/story/2017/2/11/%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85%D8%B9%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%B6%D8%A9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B3%D9%88%D8%B1%D9%8A%D8%A9-%D8%AA%D9%82%D8%B5%D9%81-%D9%85%D9%88%D8%A7%D9%82%D8%B9-%D9%84%D8%AF%D8%A7%D8%B9%D8%B4-%D8%A8%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85%D8%AF%D9%81%D8%B9%D9%8A%D8%A9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AB%D9%82%D9%8A%D9%84%D8%A9-%D9%81%D9%89-%D8%B1%D9%8A%D9%81-%D8%AF%D8%B9%D8%A7/3097404|title=المعارضة السورية تقصف مواقع لداعش بالمدفعية الثقيلة فى ريف دعا|date=2017-02-11|access-date=2017-02-12|language=en-CAArabic}}</ref> Later on the same day, it was reported that Turkish-backed forces had captured the Tadef roundabout, to the northwest of the town of Tadef, effectively cutting off the Syrian Army from Al-Bab. |
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On 12 February, Turkish President Erdogan said that Turkish troops and their allies had entered the centre of al-Bab and had captured the most important point, the hospital hill. He added that establishing full control of the town was a "matter of time".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/haber-detay.aspx?pageID=238&nID=109654&NewsCatID=352|title=Turkey has no intention of staying in Syria: President Erdoğan - MIDEAST|access-date=24 February 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/02/erdogan-turkish-troops-isil-bastion-al-bab-170212115151375.html|title=Erdogan: Turkish army will press on to ISIL-held Raqqa|access-date=24 February 2017}}</ref> According to pro-government sources, the rebels lost Qabasin again and failed in several attempts to recapture it, as well as Bizaah, but captured the Al-Rai and Al-Shehabi Farms at the northern entrance of al-Bab.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/turkish-forces-fail-advance-isis-east-al-bab/|title=Turkish forces fail to advance against ISIS in east Al-Bab|first=Leith|last=Fadel|date=12 February 2017|publisher=Al-Masdar|access-date=24 February 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/turkish-forces-seize-northern-entrance-al-bab/|title=Turkish forces seize northern entrance of Al-Bab|first=Leith|last=Fadel|date=12 February 2017|publisher=Al-Masdar|access-date=24 February 2017}}</ref> |
On 12 February, Turkish President Erdogan said that Turkish troops and their allies had entered the centre of al-Bab and had captured the most important point, the hospital hill. He added that establishing full control of the town was a "matter of time".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/haber-detay.aspx?pageID=238&nID=109654&NewsCatID=352|title=Turkey has no intention of staying in Syria: President Erdoğan - MIDEAST|access-date=24 February 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/02/erdogan-turkish-troops-isil-bastion-al-bab-170212115151375.html|title=Erdogan: Turkish army will press on to ISIL-held Raqqa|access-date=24 February 2017}}</ref> According to pro-government sources, the rebels lost Qabasin again and failed in several attempts to recapture it, as well as Bizaah, but captured the Al-Rai and Al-Shehabi Farms at the northern entrance of al-Bab.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/turkish-forces-fail-advance-isis-east-al-bab/|title=Turkish forces fail to advance against ISIS in east Al-Bab|first=Leith|last=Fadel|date=12 February 2017|publisher=Al-Masdar|access-date=24 February 2017|archive-date=15 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170215010332/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/turkish-forces-fail-advance-isis-east-al-bab/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/turkish-forces-seize-northern-entrance-al-bab/|title=Turkish forces seize northern entrance of Al-Bab|first=Leith|last=Fadel|date=12 February 2017|publisher=Al-Masdar|access-date=24 February 2017|archive-date=15 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170215153138/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/turkish-forces-seize-northern-entrance-al-bab/|url-status=dead}}</ref> |
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On 12 February, the Syrian Army redirected its efforts from al-Bab into [[East Aleppo offensive (February 2017)|an offensive]] northeast of Kuweires airbase.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-liberates-two-villages-northeast-kuweires-airport/|title=Syrian Army liberates two villages northeast of Kuweires Airport|first=Leith|last=Fadel|date=12 February 2017|publisher=Al-Masdar}}</ref> |
On 12 February, the Syrian Army redirected its efforts from al-Bab into [[East Aleppo offensive (February 2017)|an offensive]] northeast of Kuweires airbase.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-liberates-two-villages-northeast-kuweires-airport/|title=Syrian Army liberates two villages northeast of Kuweires Airport|first=Leith|last=Fadel|date=12 February 2017|publisher=Al-Masdar|access-date=12 February 2017|archive-date=24 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181224220917/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-liberates-two-villages-northeast-kuweires-airport/|url-status=dead}}</ref> |
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Between 13 and 17 February, Turkish sources made multiple claims of large advances within al-Bab itself. According to a report by ''[[Hürriyet Daily News]]'', the Turkish-backed rebels had captured 40% of al-Bab's city centre,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hurriyet.com.tr/el-babda-merkezin-yuzde-40i-ele-gecirildi-40364082|date=13 February 2017|access-date=13 February 2017|language=tr|work=Hürriyet|title=Son dakika: El Bab'da merkezin yüzde 40'ı ele geçirildi}}</ref> while the Turkish Prime Minister claimed that al-Bab was largely under the control of Turkish-backed forces<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-turkey-idUSKBN15T11I|date=14 February 2017|access-date=14 February 2017|work=Reuters|title=Syria's al-Bab largely under control of Turkey-backed rebels, Turkish PM says}}</ref> at the same time as the rebels lost territory inside al-Bab.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/updated-map-military-situation-al-bab-aleppo/|date=14 February 2017|access-date=14 February 2017|work=Al-Masdar News|title=Updated map of the military situation in Al-Bab, Aleppo}}</ref> On 17 February, Turkey's military claimed that it was close to capturing al-Bab. However, the SOHR disputed this, and cited local sources that stated that 90 percent of the city was still under the control of ISIL.<ref>{{cite |
Between 13 and 17 February, Turkish sources made multiple claims of large advances within al-Bab itself. According to a report by ''[[Hürriyet Daily News]]'', the Turkish-backed rebels had captured 40% of al-Bab's city centre,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hurriyet.com.tr/el-babda-merkezin-yuzde-40i-ele-gecirildi-40364082|date=13 February 2017|access-date=13 February 2017|language=tr|work=Hürriyet|title=Son dakika: El Bab'da merkezin yüzde 40'ı ele geçirildi}}</ref> while the Turkish Prime Minister claimed that al-Bab was largely under the control of Turkish-backed forces<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-turkey-idUSKBN15T11I|date=14 February 2017|access-date=14 February 2017|work=Reuters|title=Syria's al-Bab largely under control of Turkey-backed rebels, Turkish PM says}}</ref> at the same time as the rebels lost territory inside al-Bab.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/updated-map-military-situation-al-bab-aleppo/|date=14 February 2017|access-date=14 February 2017|work=Al-Masdar News|title=Updated map of the military situation in Al-Bab, Aleppo|archive-date=15 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170215000321/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/updated-map-military-situation-al-bab-aleppo/|url-status=dead}}</ref> On 17 February, Turkey's military claimed that it was close to capturing al-Bab. However, the SOHR disputed this, and cited local sources that stated that 90 percent of the city was still under the control of ISIL.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-turkey-idUSKBN15W0PQ|title=Turkey says almost taken Syria's Bab, war monitor cites heavy toll|date=17 February 2017|access-date=24 February 2017|newspaper=Reuters|last1=McDowall|first1=Tulay Karadeniz}}</ref> The same day, ISIL recaptured some territory in al-Bab after a counter-attack.<ref>{{cite news|url=hthtps://www.almasdarnews.com/article/turkish-forces-lose-ground-isils-counter-offensive-begins-al-bab/|title=Turkish forces lose ground as ISIL's counter-offensive begins in Al-Bab|date=2017-02-17|publisher=Al-Masdar News|access-date=2017-02-20}}</ref> |
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===Turkish-backed forces capture al-Bab=== |
===Turkish-backed forces capture al-Bab=== |
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[[File:Free Syrian Army ACV-15 near al-Bab.jpg|250px|left|thumb|A rebel [[FNSS ACV-15]] enters the town of [[Bizaah]] on 4 February 2017]] |
[[File:Free Syrian Army ACV-15 near al-Bab.jpg|250px|left|thumb|A rebel [[FNSS ACV-15]] enters the town of [[Bizaah]] on 4 February 2017]] |
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The rebels, backed by Turkish forces, launched another attack on 20 February, advancing in the western part of the city.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/11-family-members-dead-in-rebel-push-on-is-syria-bastion-117022001189_1.html|title=11 family members dead in rebel push on IS Syria bastion|work=Associated France-Presse|date=2017-02-20|publisher=Business Standard|access-date=2017-02-20}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=61245|title=After failing to advance for |
The rebels, backed by Turkish forces, launched another attack on 20 February, advancing in the western part of the city.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/11-family-members-dead-in-rebel-push-on-is-syria-bastion-117022001189_1.html|title=11 family members dead in rebel push on IS Syria bastion|work=Associated France-Presse|date=2017-02-20|publisher=Business Standard|access-date=2017-02-20}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=61245|title=After failing to advance for days... Turkish forces and "Euphrates shield" advance in the western part of al-Bab city|date=2017-02-20|publisher=SOHR|access-date=2017-02-20}}</ref> During the clashes, they captured French ISIL leader Jonathan Jeffrey, also known by his alias Abu Ibrahim al-Francy, who is accused of planning attacks in European cities and recruiting young Europeans.<ref name=AAJeffrey>{{cite news|url=http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2017/02/20/First-video-emerges-of-captive-French-ISIS-militant-.html|title=WATCH: First video emerges of captive French ISIS militant|date=2017-02-20|publisher=Al-Arabiya|access-date=2017-02-20}}</ref><ref name=AMNJeffrey>{{cite news|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/french-isis-leader-captured-syrian-army-near-al-bab/|title=Update: French ISIS leader captured by Free Syrian Army near Al-Bab|date=2017-02-20|publisher=Al-Masdar News|access-date=2017-02-20|archive-date=2017-09-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170924050851/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/french-isis-leader-captured-syrian-army-near-al-bab/|url-status=dead}}</ref> |
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On 23 February 2017, Turkish and rebel forces launched another attack on al-Bab and reportedly seized most of the city, with Turkish Defence Minister Fikri Işık announcing they were in near complete control. However, street battles were still ongoing with SOHR stating ISIL still controlled more than half of the city.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/02/turkish-backed-syrian-rebels-seize-al-bab-isil-170223123852238.html|title=Turkey-backed rebels in 'near full control' of Al Bab|date=2017-02-23|newspaper=Al-Jazeera|access-date=2017-02-23|language=en-US}}</ref> The Turkish-backed rebels later took full control of the city, which was then confirmed by SOHR.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/turkey-backed-rebels-enter-center-of-islamic-states-al-bab-strongholdin-syria/2017/02/23/e389a506-f9c3-11e6-9b3e-ed886f4f4825_story.html|title=Turkey-backed rebels seize Islamic |
On 23 February 2017, Turkish and rebel forces launched another attack on al-Bab and reportedly seized most of the city, with Turkish Defence Minister Fikri Işık announcing they were in near complete control. However, street battles were still ongoing with SOHR stating ISIL still controlled more than half of the city.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/02/turkish-backed-syrian-rebels-seize-al-bab-isil-170223123852238.html|title=Turkey-backed rebels in 'near full control' of Al Bab|date=2017-02-23|newspaper=Al-Jazeera|access-date=2017-02-23|language=en-US}}</ref> The Turkish-backed rebels later took full control of the city, which was then confirmed by SOHR.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/turkey-backed-rebels-enter-center-of-islamic-states-al-bab-strongholdin-syria/2017/02/23/e389a506-f9c3-11e6-9b3e-ed886f4f4825_story.html|title=Turkey-backed rebels seize Islamic State's al-Bab stronghold in Syria|date=2017-02-23|newspaper=The Washington Post|access-date=2017-02-23|language=en-US|first1=Louisa|last1=Loveluck|first2=Liz|last2=Sly}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.ft.com/content/9de31f34-f9e4-11e6-bd4e-68d53499ed71|title=Turkey recaptures strategic Syrian town of al-Bab from Isis|date=2017-02-23|newspaper=Financial Times|access-date=2017-02-23|language=en-US|first1=Mehul|last1=Srivastava|first2=Erika|last2=Solomon}}</ref> They also captured Qabasin and Bizaah after ISIL withdrew to the south.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=61456|title=The "Islamic State" organization withdraws from Bzaah and Qabasin and inspection operations continue in al-Bab city and kill 7 fighters in mine explosion|date=2017-02-23|newspaper=SOHR|access-date=2017-02-23}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/isis-full-scale-retreat-turkish-army-seizes-two-large-towns-neighbouring-al-bab/|title=ISIS in full-scale retreat as the Turkish Army seizes two large towns neighboring Al-Bab|publisher=Al-Masdar News|date=23 February 2017|access-date=23 February 2017|archive-date=24 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181224221108/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/isis-full-scale-retreat-turkish-army-seizes-two-large-towns-neighbouring-al-bab/|url-status=dead}}</ref> |
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==Aftermath== |
==Aftermath== |
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{{See also|East Aleppo offensive (January–April 2017)}} |
{{See also|East Aleppo offensive (January–April 2017)}} |
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On 24 February, an ISIL suicide-bomber killed over 50 people and wounded 70 more, in the village of [[ |
On 24 February, an ISIL suicide-bomber killed over 50 people and wounded 70 more, in the village of [[Sosyan]], to the northwest of Al-Bab. Later in the day another explosion was heard in the same village, with casualties rising to at least 68.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/graphic-content-18-50-turkish-backed-forces-killed-east-aleppo/|title=[Graphic content 18+] Over 50 Turkish-backed forces killed in east Aleppo|last=Fadel|first=Leith|date=2017-02-24|newspaper=AMN - Al-Masdar News {{!}} المصدر نيوز|access-date=2017-02-24|language=en-US|archive-date=2017-02-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170224220341/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/graphic-content-18-50-turkish-backed-forces-killed-east-aleppo/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-39075851|title=Syria: 'Car bomb kills 51' near al-Bab after IS defeat|date=2017-02-24|newspaper=BBC News|access-date=2017-02-24|language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine|url=http://time.com/4681609/syria-car-bomb-death-toll/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170224144434/http://time.com/4681609/syria-car-bomb-death-toll/|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 24, 2017|title=Car Bombs Near Syria's Al-Bab, Recently Freed from ISIS, Kill at Least 68|magazine=Time|access-date=2017-02-24}}</ref> Soon after Turkish-backed rebel forces captured Al-Bab, Turkish forces began shelling ISIL forces in the town of Tadef, to the south of Al-Bab.<ref name="blast">{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-islamic-state-idUSKBN1630PY|title=Islamic State car bomb kills more than 50 in northwest Syria|date=24 February 2017|access-date=24 February 2017|newspaper=Reuters|last1=Pamuk|first1=Angus Mcdowall}}</ref> |
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Meanwhile, between 24 and 25 February, Syrian Government forces continued their advances southeast of Al-Bab, capturing multiple villages.<ref name="Al_Jarif">{{Cite news|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/tiger-forces-liberate-new-village-isis-east-aleppo-map/|title=Tiger Forces liberate new village from ISIS in east Aleppo: map|last=Fadel|first=Leith|date=2017-02-24|newspaper=AMN - Al-Masdar News {{!}} المصدر نيوز|access-date=2017-02-24|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/isis-run-syrian-army-liberates-two-villages-eastern-aleppo/|title=ISIS on the run as the Syrian Army liberates two more villages in eastern Aleppo|last=Tomson|first=Chris|date=2017-02-24|newspaper=AMN - Al-Masdar News {{!}} المصدر نيوز|access-date=2017-02-24|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-continues-impressive-offensive-isis-rural-aleppo/|title=Syrian Army continues impressive offensive against ISIS in rural Aleppo|last=Antonopoulos|first=Paul|date=2017-02-25|newspaper=AMN - Al-Masdar News {{!}} المصدر نيوز|access-date=2017-02-25|language=en-US}}</ref> Later on 25 February, ISIL had withdrawn most of its fighters from Tadef, although at the time it was unknown whether the town would come under the control of the Syrian Army or Turkish-backed forces.<ref name="retreats from Tadef">{{Cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=61585|title=The |
Meanwhile, between 24 and 25 February, Syrian Government forces continued their advances southeast of Al-Bab, capturing multiple villages.<ref name="Al_Jarif">{{Cite news|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/tiger-forces-liberate-new-village-isis-east-aleppo-map/|title=Tiger Forces liberate new village from ISIS in east Aleppo: map|last=Fadel|first=Leith|date=2017-02-24|newspaper=AMN - Al-Masdar News {{!}} المصدر نيوز|access-date=2017-02-24|language=en-US|archive-date=2017-10-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171022195025/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/tiger-forces-liberate-new-village-isis-east-aleppo-map/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/isis-run-syrian-army-liberates-two-villages-eastern-aleppo/|title=ISIS on the run as the Syrian Army liberates two more villages in eastern Aleppo|last=Tomson|first=Chris|date=2017-02-24|newspaper=AMN - Al-Masdar News {{!}} المصدر نيوز|access-date=2017-02-24|language=en-US|archive-date=2017-10-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171022193216/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/isis-run-syrian-army-liberates-two-villages-eastern-aleppo/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-continues-impressive-offensive-isis-rural-aleppo/|title=Syrian Army continues impressive offensive against ISIS in rural Aleppo|last=Antonopoulos|first=Paul|date=2017-02-25|newspaper=AMN - Al-Masdar News {{!}} المصدر نيوز|access-date=2017-02-25|language=en-US|archive-date=2017-02-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170226132418/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-continues-impressive-offensive-isis-rural-aleppo/|url-status=dead}}</ref> Later on 25 February, ISIL had withdrawn most of its fighters from [[Tadef]], although at the time it was unknown whether the town would come under the control of the Syrian Army or Turkish-backed forces.<ref name="retreats from Tadef">{{Cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=61585|title=The "Islamic State" organization retreats its members from Tedef and breaks down in the southeastern countryside of al-Bab and great advancement for the regime forces supported by the Hezbollah's elite and Russian artillery|date=25 February 2017}}</ref> On the next day, the SAA captured the town, after clashing with the remaining ISIL fighters.<ref name="Tadef liberated">{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-liberates-isis-held-town-neighboring-al-bab/|title=BREAKING: Syrian Army liberates ISIS-held town neighboring Al-Bab|publisher=Al-Masdar News|date=26 February 2017|access-date=26 February 2017|archive-date=8 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308095147/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-liberates-isis-held-town-neighboring-al-bab/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="advance">{{cite web|url=https://www.stratfor.com/situation-report/syria-loyalist-forces-advance-areas-south-al-bab|title=Syria: Loyalist Forces Advance Into Areas South Of Al-Bab}}</ref> After Syrian Army forces secured Tadef, the Free Syrian Army forces began attacking the Syrian Army near the town, reportedly killing 22 SAA soldiers.<ref name="22 soldiers killed">{{cite web|url=http://aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/22-regime-soldiers-killed-near-syrias-al-bab/759800|title=22 regime soldiers killed near Syria's al-Bab}}</ref> However, a Syrian Government correspondent said that the claims of the number of SAA soldiers killed were grossly exaggerated. Syrian Army forces stationed at Tadef may also potentially use it as a launching pad to capture Al-Bab from the Turkish-led forces.<ref name="2 villages">{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-liberates-two-villages-near-al-bab-amid-clashes-turkish-army/|title=Syrian Army liberates two villages near Al-Bab amid clashes with the Turkish Army|first=Chris|last=Tomson|date=26 February 2017|publisher=Al-Masdar|access-date=27 February 2017|archive-date=30 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170830132830/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-liberates-two-villages-near-al-bab-amid-clashes-turkish-army/|url-status=dead}}</ref> On 27 February, it was reported that Russia had mediated another ceasefire between SAA and FSA forces in the area.{{Citation needed|date=November 2020}} |
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After the end of the battle, some of the remaining civilians reported that ISIL had moved people around in the city as human shields, that ISIL had set up checkpoints and turned back anyone who tried to leave, and that they often chased people out of their homes in order to hide there. They also reported that they didn't leave because they feared the ISIL forces, and because ISIL had mined the city before they left.<ref name="last days">{{cite web|url=http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2017/Feb-27/395255-people-of-al-bab-tell-of-last-days-under-daesh.ashx|title=People of Al-Bab tell of last days under Daesh|date=27 February 2017}}</ref> |
After the end of the battle, some of the remaining civilians reported that ISIL had moved people around in the city as human shields, that ISIL had set up checkpoints and turned back anyone who tried to leave, and that they often chased people out of their homes in order to hide there. They also reported that they didn't leave because they feared the ISIL forces, and because ISIL had mined the city before they left.<ref name="last days">{{cite web|url=http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2017/Feb-27/395255-people-of-al-bab-tell-of-last-days-under-daesh.ashx|title=People of Al-Bab tell of last days under Daesh|date=27 February 2017}}</ref> |
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In late September 2018, [[Jaysh al-Islam]] fighters deported from [[Siege of Eastern Ghouta|East Ghouta]] announced a massive reorganization of the group as well as plans to begin construction of a new neighborhood in al-Bab for people exiled from East Ghouta.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2018/Sep-28/464707-jaish-al-islam-reorganizing-and-rearming.ashx|title=Jaish al-Islam |
In late September 2018, [[Jaysh al-Islam]] fighters deported from [[Siege of Eastern Ghouta|East Ghouta]] announced a massive reorganization of the group as well as plans to begin construction of a new neighborhood in al-Bab for people exiled from East Ghouta.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2018/Sep-28/464707-jaish-al-islam-reorganizing-and-rearming.ashx|title=Jaish al-Islam 'reorganizing and rearming' {{pipe}} News , Middle East {{pipe}} THE DAILY STAR|website=www.dailystar.com.lb|access-date=2018-10-02|archive-date=2018-10-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181002141553/http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2018/Sep-28/464707-jaish-al-islam-reorganizing-and-rearming.ashx|url-status=dead}}</ref> |
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===Use of Leopard 2 tanks=== |
===Use of Leopard 2 tanks=== |
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Initially, three of the Turkish Leopard 2A4s operating in Syria were destroyed or damaged by ISIS using anti-tank missile systems (possibly [[9K111 Fagot|Fagot]] or [[9M113 Konkurs|Konkurs]] anti-tank guided missiles obtained from [[Syrian Army|Syrian]] or [[Iraqi Army]] captured stocks).{{ |
Initially, three of the Turkish Leopard 2A4s operating in Syria were destroyed or damaged by ISIS using anti-tank missile systems (possibly [[9K111 Fagot|Fagot]] or [[9M113 Konkurs|Konkurs]] anti-tank guided missiles obtained from [[Syrian Army|Syrian]] or [[Iraqi Army]] captured stocks).{{citation needed|date=December 2020}} In mid-December 2016, two 2A4 tanks were captured by ISIS near al-Bab city in Syria during Euphrates Shield operations; [[Amaq News Agency]] posted video of the captured vehicles.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/claims-capture-two-tanks-after-killing-70-turkish-troops-syria-845385252|title=Islamic State: We captured Turkish tanks in Syria battle|agency=Middle East Eye|date=December 22, 2016|access-date=January 21, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161226221245/http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/claims-capture-two-tanks-after-killing-70-turkish-troops-syria-845385252|archive-date=26 December 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> By late December 2016, Islamic State had captured or incapacitated 10 Leopard 2A4s. Some of the 10 were damaged by IEDs, while the rest were damaged by anti-tank weapons. This is the largest number of Leopard 2A4 tanks to have been incapacitated in any one conflict.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.focus.de/politik/videos/schwachstelle-entdeckt-verluste-in-syrien-ein-deutscher-panzer-mythos-wird-jetzt-zerstoert_id_6487678.html |title=Er galt als unzerstörbar: In Syrien wird ein Panzer-Mythos zerstört |work=Focus |language=de |date=January 12, 2017 |access-date=January 21, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170113110948/http://www.focus.de/politik/videos/schwachstelle-entdeckt-verluste-in-syrien-ein-deutscher-panzer-mythos-wird-jetzt-zerstoert_id_6487678.html |archive-date=13 January 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref> Additional ISIS propaganda images and video depicting several completely destroyed Leopards, some with their [[Jack-in-the-box effect|turrets blown off]], were published in January 2017.<ref>{{cite web|author=Leith Fadel|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/turkish-army-suffers-heavy-casualties-failed-east-aleppo-offensive/|title=Turkish Army suffers heavy casualties in failed east Aleppo offensive|work=Al-Masdar News|date=January 20, 2017|access-date=January 21, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170120205256/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/turkish-army-suffers-heavy-casualties-failed-east-aleppo-offensive/|archive-date=20 January 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> Tanks which suffered the worst damage may have been destroyed by air strikes in order to prevent capture but sources generally state that the damage was caused solely with anti-tank missiles or car bombs driven by a suicide bomber (also known as suicide vehicle borne improvised explosive devices or SVBIED).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bellingcat.com/news/mena/2017/02/12/battle-al-bab-verifying-turkish-military-vehicle-losses/|title=The Battle for Al-Bab: Verifying Euphrates Shield Vehicle Losses - bellingcat|date=12 February 2017|access-date=18 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170215134435/https://www.bellingcat.com/news/mena/2017/02/12/battle-al-bab-verifying-turkish-military-vehicle-losses/|archive-date=15 February 2017|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://defense-watch.com/2017/01/20/photos-destroyed-turkish-leopard-2a4-tanks-northern-syria/|title=Loading...|website=defense-watch.com|access-date=18 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170218134955/http://defense-watch.com/2017/01/20/photos-destroyed-turkish-leopard-2a4-tanks-northern-syria/|archive-date=18 February 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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In January 2017, the German newspaper ''Die Welt'' reported that ISIL fighters used [[9M133 Kornet]] anti-tank missiles to destroy six Leopard 2 tanks used by the Turkish military in Syria.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.welt.de/wirtschaft/article161078829/IS-Kaempfer-zerstoeren-den-deutschen-Panzer-Mythos.html|title=Syrien: Leopard-2-Verluste kratzen am deutschen Panzer-Mythos|first=Gerhard|last=Hegmann|newspaper=Die Welt|date=12 January 2017|via=www.welt.de|access-date=15 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170116180108/https://www.welt.de/wirtschaft/article161078829/IS-Kaempfer-zerstoeren-den-deutschen-Panzer-Mythos.html|archive-date=16 January 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> |
In January 2017, the German newspaper ''Die Welt'' reported that ISIL fighters used [[9M133 Kornet]] anti-tank missiles to destroy six Leopard 2 tanks used by the Turkish military in Syria.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.welt.de/wirtschaft/article161078829/IS-Kaempfer-zerstoeren-den-deutschen-Panzer-Mythos.html|title=Syrien: Leopard-2-Verluste kratzen am deutschen Panzer-Mythos|first=Gerhard|last=Hegmann|newspaper=Die Welt|date=12 January 2017|via=www.welt.de|access-date=15 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170116180108/https://www.welt.de/wirtschaft/article161078829/IS-Kaempfer-zerstoeren-den-deutschen-Panzer-Mythos.html|archive-date=16 January 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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[[Category:Military operations of the Syrian civil war involving the Syrian government]] |
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[[Category:Military operations of the Syrian civil war involving Russia]] |
[[Category:Military operations of the Syrian civil war involving Russia]] |
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[[Category:November 2016 events in |
[[Category:November 2016 events in Syria]] |
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[[Category:December 2016 events in |
[[Category:December 2016 events in Syria]] |
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[[Category:January 2017 events in Syria]] |
[[Category:January 2017 events in Syria]] |
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[[Category:February 2017 events in Syria]] |
[[Category:February 2017 events in Syria]] |
Battle of al-Bab | ||||||||
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Part of the Operation Euphrates Shield and the Syrian Civil War | ||||||||
Map of the wider Turkish-led operations and the wider campaigns in northern Aleppo
Syrian Armed Forces and allied groups | ||||||||
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Belligerents | ||||||||
Turkey Free Syrian Army Support: Russia (against ISIL only; since 29 Dec. 2016)[1] United States (against ISIL only, since 17 Jan. 2017)[2] | Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant |
Syrian Democratic Forces (until 27 November 2016)
Hezbollah[5][6]
Syrian National Resistance[4][7] Russia (against ISIL only)[9] | ||||||
Commanders and leaders | ||||||||
Lt. Gen. Zekai Aksakallı[25] (Mehmed the Conqueror Brigade military commander) |
Abu Khalid al-Urduni † (ISIL Governor of al-Bab)[35] (French ISIL leader in al-Bab) |
Adnan Abu Amjad[40] (Manbij Military Council & Northern Sun Battalion commander) Anwar Khabat[41] (Euphrates Liberation Brigade commander) | ||||||
Units involved | ||||||||
Other Syrian rebels:
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Syrian Democratic Forces
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Strength | ||||||||
1,300–4,000 soldiers[58][59][60][61] 40 tanks originally, 10 reinforcements[62] 15+ APCs[63] 2,000–3,000 rebel fighters[61][64] | 3,000–5,000 militants[61][65] |
Unknown 10,000 soldiers[citation needed] | ||||||
Casualties and losses | ||||||||
59 killed[66] 8-10 Leopard 2 tanks destroyed[67] 500+ killed[68] | 1,348+ killed (Turkish and SAA claims)[69] |
46 killed[70] 13+ killed[71] | ||||||
444 civilians killed[72] 30,000+ civilians fled[citation needed] |
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The Battle of al-Bab was a battle for the city of al-Bab in the Aleppo Governorate that included a military offensive launched by Syrian rebel groups (including groups affiliated with the Free Syrian Army) and the Turkish Armed Forces north of al-Bab, a separate Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) offensive east and west of the city, and another Syrian Army offensive from the south of the city. The northern Turkish-led forces intended to capture al-Bab from the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), as part of the Turkish military intervention in Syria. By the end of the battle, the Turkish-led forces had captured al-Bab, Qabasin, and Bizaah, while the Syrian Army captured Tadef and other areas further south, with the SDF making gains further to the east and the west.
The battle was concurrent with the other anti-ISIL operations, including the Raqqa campaign launched by the SDF, the Battle of Mosul launched by the Iraqi forces, and the Palmyra offensive, which was successfully conducted by ISIL against Syrian government forces. It was also claimed by Kurds to be the result of an "Aleppo for al-Bab" agreement between the Syrian government and Turkey, with Turkey withdrawing its support to rebels in Aleppo in exchange to laisser-faire up to al-Bab, thus cutting short the possibility of an East-West Kurdish corridor.[73]
After the western al-Bab offensive during the previous month, the rebels moved their focus from the western countryside of al-Bab so to avoid confrontation with the Syrian Democratic Forces, and launched an assault against the Islamic State north of al-Bab.[74]
Between 6 and 14 November 2016, the rebels captured 36 villages,[11][12] putting them within two kilometers of al-Bab.[75] Meanwhile, the Syrian Democratic Forces captured seven villages east of al-Bab in an attempt to besiege the town of Arima.[12][17][18]
On 14 November, rebel forces managed to enter the northern outskirts of al-Bab, but were facing stiff resistance, with fighting raging at a livestock market two kilometers north of the town.[76] By this point, al-Bab was surrounded from the north and northwest, with the only retreat route remaining for ISIL to the southeast towards Raqqa, through the ISIL-held town of Dayr Hafir.[75] In the evening, the rebels established fire control over the Jafirah Roundabout and seized several adjacent buildings in the northern part of al-Bab, leaving them in control of less than 5 percent of the city.[18] However, the next day, the rebels were forced to withdraw one kilometer to the north of al-Bab. Meanwhile, the rebels took control of the town of Qabasin, northeast of al-Bab.[13]
The Turkish military stated on 18 November that the FSA had captured five villages in the Karadağ area of al-Rai district.[77]
On 19 November, ISIL recaptured Qabasin, as well as one nearby village. This marked the fourth time the town had changed hands in the previous four days.[78] On 20 November, the rebels launched two counter-attacks against Qabasin, with both being repelled. The next day, the rebels redirected their assault from al-Bab to the Kurdish-held village of Sheikh Nassir, managing to seize the village in the early morning hours, but losing it in an SDF counter-attack in the afternoon.[79] Between 22 and 23 November, Qabasin changed hands two more times, ultimately remaining under ISIL control.[80][81][82]
On 23 November, the SDF captured Arima. In response, Turkish artillery shelled the SDF-held villages in the area.[20][82][83]
On 24 November, according to the Turkish military, the Syrian Arab Air Force conducted an airstrike against Turkish Special Forces and Turkish Free Syrian Army (TFSA) aligned Turkish-backed rebels north of al-Bab, killing three Turkish soldiers and injuring ten.[84][85] Turkish officials initially stated the casualties were due to an ISIL attack, before blaming the Syrian Air Force. However, the pro-opposition activist group the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) disputed it was an air strike and stated it was in fact an ISIL suicide attack. ISIL confirmed it conducted a suicide attack in the area.[86][87] Later, the Turkish Prime Minister's office issued a gag order on reporting about the airstrike,[85][88] while the main Turkish opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) leader Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu called on the Turkish government to "act with common sense".[88] In the evening, the Syrian Air Force officially denied it or the Russian Air Force had conducted an air strike against Turkish forces.[89] The same day, the SDF, with support from government forces, captured three villages from ISIL west of al-Bab, coming within 10 kilometers of the city.[90][91] The rebels also took two villages east of al-Bab, reaching the main road between al-Bab and Manbij for the first time.[92]
Between 25 and 27 November, the SDF captured two villages from ISIL west of al-Bab, while the rebels took three to the east. Additionally, the rebels launched an attack on two SDF-held villages east of the city, with unclear results. At the same time, pro-government forces also advanced, taking control of four villages from ISIL to the west of al-Bab.[93]
On 28 November, the Syrian Army captured a village from the Turkish-backed rebels west of al-Bab, coming within 5 kilometers of the city.[94] On 29 November, ISIL claimed it had captured two Turkish soldiers and their Turkmen translator near al-Dana village, west of al-Bab. The Turkish military confirmed it had lost contact with two soldiers, but didn't confirm that ISIL had captured them.[95][96]
On 2 December, the rebels were ordered not to advance on the center of the city for the time being.[97] The wider offensive had also slowed down, with no progress being achieved by the rebels during the following two days.[98]
The rebels captured two villages west of al-Bab in a fresh assault on 9 December, in addition to part of the highway between al-Bab and Manbij. Meanwhile, 300 Turkish commandos were sent as reinforcement.[63] On 10 December, the rebels captured several areas including some in the Aqil Mountains to the west of al-Bab.[99] The next day, the rebels entered the city from the northwest after heavy clashes.[100]
The Turkish military dropped leaflets on al-Bab on 12 December, urging civilians to seek shelter as the rebels advanced.[101] Still, the rebel advance soon slowed down due to ditches, mines and explosives left by ISIL.[102] Despite this, Numan Kurtulmuş, the Deputy Prime Minister of Turkey, stated that preparations for a final operation on al-Bab were underway.[103] On 17 December, the rebels captured a village in the area.[104]
On 21 December, the rebels gained control of a part of the highway between Al-Bab and Aleppo.[105] Nonetheless, the day soon became the deadliest thus far for Turkish forces in Syria.[106] According to the Turkish government, 16 Turkish soldiers were killed in suicide bomb attacks and clashes, while 33 were wounded. It also claimed 138 ISIL fighters were killed in Turkish airstrikes on 67 ISIL targets. ISIL meanwhile claimed to have killed more than 70 Turkish soldiers, while capturing two Leopard 2 tanks.[107][108] The fighting started when rebels and Turkish forces captured the hospital area of the town, as well as the Aqil Mountains. However, an ISIL counterattack recaptured both the hospital and the mountains,[109] repelling the Turkish-led attack.[110] Another attack was launched by the rebels on 22 December.[111] SOHR reported that 72 civilians were killed in Turkish airstrikes during the day, with another 23 killed on the next day.[112][113]
Despite the losses, President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdoğan stated on 23 December that the operation to capture al-Bab was almost complete and that the FSA would capture the city soon.[114] The same day, the Turkish Defence Minister Fikri Işık stated that the Aqil Mountains had been cleared of ISIL.[115] The Turkish-backed rebels also later captured the Al-Farouq hospital. However, an ISIL counterattack in the early hours of 25 December, once again recaptured the hospital and Aqil Mountains.[116] Meanwhile, 30 civilians trying to flee the city were reportedly killed by explosives planted by ISIL.[117]
On 26 December, pro-Syrian government sources reported that the Russian Air Force directly backed the Turkish Army for the first time since the start of the Russian intervention in Syria. However, despite Su-24 and Su-34 bombers carrying out airstrikes against ISIL fighters, Turkish-backed rebel forces were unable to maintain control over newly captured areas.[118] Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Kurtulmuş denied the reports that the Russian Air Force was assisting the Turks in the battle,[119] while an additional 1,000 Turkish commandos and 2,000 rebel reinforcements arrived on 27 December.[59]
A Turkish official stated on 29 December, that the Russian Air Force had hit ISIL in al-Bab for the first time, carrying out airstrikes against it in the southern part of the city. He also added that Turkish forces were assaulting the northern and western parts of the city.[120] Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu confirmed the airstrikes but stated that there was no joint operation between Russia and Turkey.[1] On 31 December, the Turkish-backed rebels managed to capture another village to the west of al-Bab, while Syrian Democratic Forces entered the villages of Mura'naz and Kuljabreen, clashing with the Turkish-backed rebels there.[121][122]
Between 2 and 3 January, both Turkish and Russian airstrikes hit ISIL targets in the al-Bab area.[123][124] United States Department of Defense spokesman Peter Cook meanwhile stated that it had assisted Turkish forces by providing it with air cover a week earlier, but did not carry out any airstrikes.[125] On 4 January, ISIL was reported to have withdrawn its senior fighters to defend Raqqa and Mosul, leaving less experienced members to defend al-Bab.[126] Both Turkish President Erdoğan and the rebels stated that the offensive to capture the town would be finished soon.[127][126] However, two days later, Turkish Defence Minister Işık stated that the Turkish-backed rebels were fighting street battles against ISIL in al-Bab but had slowed down their advance in order to avoid civilian casualties.[128]
After failing to penetrate al-Bab from the north or west, rebel and Turkish forces started assaults from the east.[129] On 8 January, Turkish-backed rebels captured Um Adasa and Makri Hill near Bizaah.[130] The next day, the rebels once again advanced near Bizaah, capturing Zammar and Asfar Tepe.[131] With these advances, the rebels were attempting to flank al-Bab from the east.[132] Still, in the period between 1 and 14 January, the rebels made eight attempts to capture the nearby village of Al-Suflaniyah, with all of them being repelled.[133][134] At one point, on 13 January, the rebels managed to capture Suflaniyah temporarily,[135] but had to retreat from it after an ISIL counter-attack.[citation needed]
A local media activist claimed the Syrian Army and its allies launched an offensive to take al-Bab on 15 January, using the Kuweires Military Airbase as a launch pad for attacks on Tadef and Abu Jabaar to the south of the city.[136] However, a pro-government source reported preparations were still being made for the offensive.[137] Meanwhile, the Turkish military had reportedly prepared a new plan to capture the city.[138]
On 17 January, the Syrian Army launched an assault led by its Tiger Forces (capturing a village to the south of the city),[citation needed] the United States Armed Forces stated that they had carried out airstrikes against ISIL near al-Bab,[2] and Russia and Turkey carried out their first joint airstrikes against ISIL, targeting it in the suburbs of al-Bab.[139] The SAA captured three more villages to the south of the city within the next two days.[citation needed] The Syrian Army captured another village to the south of the city on 20 January.[citation needed] The Turkish-backed rebels later recaptured Suflaniyah. Five Turkish soldiers were killed in an ISIL attack later on the village.[140]
The Syrian Army and its allies captured seven villages to the southwest of al-Bab between 22 and 23 January.[141][142] Suflaniyah changed hands twice, ultimately remaining under rebel control.[143][144] However, some Turkish activists claimed the village was never recaptured by ISIL.[145] On 23 January, Turkish-backed rebels were reported to have captured Tel Rehal and Kharabishah villages.[146] However, Tel Rehal was later reported to have been captured by the SAA, who also took three other villages.[147] On the same day, Turkish deputy prime minister Numan Kurtulmuş denied claims that Turkey would hand over al-Bab to the Syrian Army.[148] The Turkish-backed rebels recaptured Suflaniyah after having lost it earlier.[149]
On 25 January, the Syrian Army captured Shaalah village, as well as the Shaalah radar base.[citation needed] On the next day, the SDF repelled an ISIL attack on their positions east of al-Bab.[150] The Syrian Army captured three villages to the south during the same day as well as al-Mamoun University.[151] The SAA captured a strategic hill during a midnight assault.[152] On 28 January, the Syrian Army seized two more villages[153] and another two the next day,[154] while the rebels captured two hills in the region.[155] On 30 January, the Syrian Army seized two more villages, as well as a hill.[156]
On 1 February, the Turkish-backed rebels captured 2 villages to the southwest of al-Bab, cutting the main road between the city and Aleppo from another side in front of the recent advances by pro-Syrian government forces who had come with 7 kilometres (4.3 mi). Meanwhile, SAA also captured a village to the south of Kuweires airbase.[157] The rebels captured a village, a hill, 2 farms and 4 settlements to the east of Bizaah.[158]
On 3 February, UN Secretary-General Stephane Dujjaric estimated that around 30,000 civilians had fled al-Bab, and that 10,000 still remained inside of the city.[citation needed]
On 4 February, the rebels captured Bizaah[159] though ISIL recaptured it later.[160] Meanwhile, SAA captured a town to the south of al-Bab.[161] On the next day, the SAA, with support from Hezbollah and Russian artillery, captured a village to the south of Kuweires Airbase,[160] and another village to the south of al-Bab,[6] as well as Tal Uwayshiya hill, which overlooks the main supply route to al-Bab. The SAA advance effectively cut off the last main supply route to the city, putting it under a siege.[162][163] Meanwhile, the Turkish military stated that Abu Khalid al-Urduni, ISIL's governor of al-Bab, was killed in clashes.[35] The rebels recaptured Bizaah on the next day.[164] On 7 February, ISIL recaptured Bizaah.[165] The SAA and Hezbollah, meanwhile, captured 3 villages and a nearby hill to the south of Al-Bab.[5][166] They later captured a hill and many other sites to the south of the Kuweires airbase, extending their control over Sabkhat al-Jabbul and fully securing the road near it.[167][168] Later on the same day, it was reported that the rapid Syrian Army advances had nearly encircled 5,000 ISIL militants within Al-Bab and its environs.[65]
During the night of 7 February, Turkish forces and rebels launched an assault at Al-Bab, capturing several strategic hills and breaking into the city.[169][170] The rebels captured several other sites including Aqil Mount, the nearby hospital, a youth housing area and a local roundabout in the west of the city.[171] On 9 February, the Syrian Army captured two villages to the south of al-Bab, putting them within 3 kilometres (1.9 mi) of the city[172][173] On the same day, three Turkish soldiers were killed while 11 others were injured in an unintentional airstrike on a building near al-Bab by the Russian Air Force, who said they believed it was occupied by ISIL fighters. Russian President Vladimir Putin offered condolences to Turkish President Erdoğan for the incident and blamed it on poor co-ordination between Turkish and Russian forces.[174] During the same day, Turkish-backed rebels assaulted ISIL positions inside the city after breaking through their defences.[175] The rebels also stated that they had clashed with the Syrian Army for the first time in the battle, in a village to the southwest of the city.[176] Turkish troops and rebels were also reported to have captured Qabasin and Bizaah, by Turkish media as well as rebel groups. These advances haven't been independently verified.[177] The BBC stated that the towns were surrounded, with clashes ongoing.[178]
On 10 February, the Syrian Army captured Abu Taltal village to the south of the city, putting them within 1.5 kilometres (0.93 mi) of the city.[179] On 11 February clashes were reported in the town of Tadef, less than 2 kilometres from Al-Bab, between Tiger Forces together with National Defense Forces fighting against ISIL.[citation needed] On the same day, Russian media reported that Tadef had been taken by the Syrian Army.[180] The rebels also managed to capture several important points in al-Bab after an assault on the city, according to SOHR as well as rebel sources. The advance put one-tenth of the city under their control.[181] They later recaptured Qabasin from ISIL.[182] Later on the same day, it was reported that Turkish-backed forces had captured the Tadef roundabout, to the northwest of the town of Tadef, effectively cutting off the Syrian Army from Al-Bab.
On 12 February, Turkish President Erdogan said that Turkish troops and their allies had entered the centre of al-Bab and had captured the most important point, the hospital hill. He added that establishing full control of the town was a "matter of time".[183][184] According to pro-government sources, the rebels lost Qabasin again and failed in several attempts to recapture it, as well as Bizaah, but captured the Al-Rai and Al-Shehabi Farms at the northern entrance of al-Bab.[185][186]
On 12 February, the Syrian Army redirected its efforts from al-Bab into an offensive northeast of Kuweires airbase.[187]
Between 13 and 17 February, Turkish sources made multiple claims of large advances within al-Bab itself. According to a report by Hürriyet Daily News, the Turkish-backed rebels had captured 40% of al-Bab's city centre,[188] while the Turkish Prime Minister claimed that al-Bab was largely under the control of Turkish-backed forces[189] at the same time as the rebels lost territory inside al-Bab.[190] On 17 February, Turkey's military claimed that it was close to capturing al-Bab. However, the SOHR disputed this, and cited local sources that stated that 90 percent of the city was still under the control of ISIL.[191] The same day, ISIL recaptured some territory in al-Bab after a counter-attack.[192]
The rebels, backed by Turkish forces, launched another attack on 20 February, advancing in the western part of the city.[193][194] During the clashes, they captured French ISIL leader Jonathan Jeffrey, also known by his alias Abu Ibrahim al-Francy, who is accused of planning attacks in European cities and recruiting young Europeans.[38][39]
On 23 February 2017, Turkish and rebel forces launched another attack on al-Bab and reportedly seized most of the city, with Turkish Defence Minister Fikri Işık announcing they were in near complete control. However, street battles were still ongoing with SOHR stating ISIL still controlled more than half of the city.[195] The Turkish-backed rebels later took full control of the city, which was then confirmed by SOHR.[196][197] They also captured Qabasin and Bizaah after ISIL withdrew to the south.[198][199]
On 24 February, an ISIL suicide-bomber killed over 50 people and wounded 70 more, in the village of Sosyan, to the northwest of Al-Bab. Later in the day another explosion was heard in the same village, with casualties rising to at least 68.[200][201][202] Soon after Turkish-backed rebel forces captured Al-Bab, Turkish forces began shelling ISIL forces in the town of Tadef, to the south of Al-Bab.[203]
Meanwhile, between 24 and 25 February, Syrian Government forces continued their advances southeast of Al-Bab, capturing multiple villages.[204][205][206] Later on 25 February, ISIL had withdrawn most of its fighters from Tadef, although at the time it was unknown whether the town would come under the control of the Syrian Army or Turkish-backed forces.[207] On the next day, the SAA captured the town, after clashing with the remaining ISIL fighters.[208][209] After Syrian Army forces secured Tadef, the Free Syrian Army forces began attacking the Syrian Army near the town, reportedly killing 22 SAA soldiers.[210] However, a Syrian Government correspondent said that the claims of the number of SAA soldiers killed were grossly exaggerated. Syrian Army forces stationed at Tadef may also potentially use it as a launching pad to capture Al-Bab from the Turkish-led forces.[211] On 27 February, it was reported that Russia had mediated another ceasefire between SAA and FSA forces in the area.[citation needed]
After the end of the battle, some of the remaining civilians reported that ISIL had moved people around in the city as human shields, that ISIL had set up checkpoints and turned back anyone who tried to leave, and that they often chased people out of their homes in order to hide there. They also reported that they didn't leave because they feared the ISIL forces, and because ISIL had mined the city before they left.[212]
In late September 2018, Jaysh al-Islam fighters deported from East Ghouta announced a massive reorganization of the group as well as plans to begin construction of a new neighborhood in al-Bab for people exiled from East Ghouta.[213]
Initially, three of the Turkish Leopard 2A4s operating in Syria were destroyed or damaged by ISIS using anti-tank missile systems (possibly FagotorKonkurs anti-tank guided missiles obtained from SyrianorIraqi Army captured stocks).[citation needed] In mid-December 2016, two 2A4 tanks were captured by ISIS near al-Bab city in Syria during Euphrates Shield operations; Amaq News Agency posted video of the captured vehicles.[214] By late December 2016, Islamic State had captured or incapacitated 10 Leopard 2A4s. Some of the 10 were damaged by IEDs, while the rest were damaged by anti-tank weapons. This is the largest number of Leopard 2A4 tanks to have been incapacitated in any one conflict.[215] Additional ISIS propaganda images and video depicting several completely destroyed Leopards, some with their turrets blown off, were published in January 2017.[216] Tanks which suffered the worst damage may have been destroyed by air strikes in order to prevent capture but sources generally state that the damage was caused solely with anti-tank missiles or car bombs driven by a suicide bomber (also known as suicide vehicle borne improvised explosive devices or SVBIED).[217][218]
In January 2017, the German newspaper Die Welt reported that ISIL fighters used 9M133 Kornet anti-tank missiles to destroy six Leopard 2 tanks used by the Turkish military in Syria.[219]
At least eight Leopard 2 MBT have been destroyed according to photographic reports.[220]
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36°22′21″N 37°31′04″E / 36.3725°N 37.5178°E / 36.3725; 37.5178