East Aleppo offensive (2017)

The East Aleppo offensive (2017), also referred to as the Dayr Hafir offensive, was an operation launched by the Syrian Army to prevent Turkish-backed rebel forces from advancing deeper into Syria, and also to ultimately capture the ISIL stronghold of Dayr Hafir. Another aim of the operation was to gain control of the water source for Aleppo city, at the Khafsa Water Treatment Plant, in addition to capturing the Jirah Military Airbase. At the same time, the Turkish-backed rebel groups turned towards the east and started launching attacks against the Syrian Democratic Forces, west of Manbij.

Offensive

Syrian Army push to al-Bab

On 17 January, the Syrian Army launched an assault led by its Tiger Forces, capturing a village to the south of al-Bab. The SAA captured four more villages to the south of the city within the next three days, and another 13 villages to the southwest of al-Bab between 21 and 24 January. By 29 January, 20 villages had come under Army control.

On 1 February, the Turkish-backed rebels captured two 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 within 7 kilometres (4.3 mi). Meanwhile, the SAA also captured a village to the south of the Kuweires airbase.

By 5 February, the SAA was within two kilometers of cutting the last road into al-Bab, with support from Hezbollah and Russian artillery. The next day, they captured Tal Uwayshiya hill, which overlooks the main supply route to al-Bab.