Shahba Canton

Following Ankara's announcement of an upcoming military incursion in northern Syria, the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army has deployed some 5,000 armed men in the region to act with the Turkish army to clear Tal Rifaat and Manbij provinces of PKK/YPG terrorists.

"We can take Tal Rifaat in 24 hours with Turkish soldiers," SNA commanders said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Turkish army has started hitting some PKK/YPG targets in northern Syria's Tal Rifaat and Manbij districts with cannon fire as the preparations for an upcoming crossover military operation, aimed to be conducted for safe return of some 500,000 Syrians, are ongoing.

Millions of Syrians living in Turkey will be able to return to their homeland after Ankara liberates Syria's Manbij, Tal Rifaat and the region east of the Euphrates from terrorists, Turkish president said on Jan. 26.

Syrians have been receiving vocational training in a public education center established by Turkey in northern Syria's opposition-held Azaz region.

The Turkish military completed its eighth round of patrols in the northern Syrian city of Manbij on July 2 as part of a deal with the United States.

The Turkish Armed Forces have started its second patrolling mission around the northern Syrian town of Manbij a part of a deal with the United States.