Fierce clashes have been reported between Turkey-backed FSA militants and Kurdish SDF units near al Bab in Aleppo Province.
Clashes are concentrated in villages and residential areas along the highway connecting Manbij and al Bab. FSA fighters backed by Turkish warplanes and artillery are trying to prevent SDF forces from opening a corridor between Afrin and Kobani, two cantons strategically important for Kurds. SDF positions have come under heavy bombardment. In addition, Turkish jets have carried out 4 airstrikes on SDF positions in nearby villages, killing 1 and injuring 3 fighters.