Turkish soldier killed in cross-border rocket attack, Ankara responds with Strikes Back at SDF Positions

KOBANE, North and East Syria — In a significant escalation along the Syria-Turkey border, a Turkish soldier was killed and another wounded in a rocket attack launched from areas controlled by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). The incident took place near Suruç District in Turkey’s Şanlıurfa Province, directly opposite the town of Kobane, North and East Syria.

Turkish Military Responds with Retaliatory Strikes

In response to the attack, the Turkish Ministry of Defense announced that its forces had “neutralized 12 terrorists” in retaliatory operations. Turkish drones and artillery targeted several positions in northern Syria believed to be associated with the SDF. The Ministry emphasized that operations would continue until all threats along the border are eliminated.

Rising Regional Tensions

The attack is the latest in a series of confrontations between Turkish forces and the SDF, which Ankara regards as an offshoot of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (Partiya Karkerên Kurdistanê, PKK), a group classified as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the US, and the EU. In recent days, Turkish drone strikes have intensified, targeting SDF positions and military convoys in northern Syria.

SDF forces reported shooting down a Turkish drone near the town of Mabbug (Manbij), southeast of Kobane. The group also accused Turkey of escalating violence and targeting civilian areas in ongoing cross-border operations.

Fragile Balance

The border region remains a volatile flashpoint in the larger Syrian conflict, with Turkey frequently conducting military campaigns against Kurdish-held territories. While the US and other NATO allies have called for restraint, Ankara asserts its right to take unilateral action to safeguard its borders against perceived threats.

As hostilities increase, concerns grow over the potential for further escalation and its impact on regional stability.