Kelly Campa, Katherine Wells, Andie Parry, and Brian Carter

Information Cutoff: 2:00pm ET

Click here to view ISW–CTP's Gaza Control-of-Terrain map and here for our interactive control-of-terrain map of Syria.

Click here to view ISW's complete portfolio of interactive maps.

The Turkish-backed Syrian National Army (SNA) continued to shell Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) positions along the M4 highway north of Raqqa on February 14 and 15. Anti-SDF media reported that the SNA shelled SDF positions in Tarwazia and Ain Fawar along the M4 highway. The SNA and SDF have exchanged artillery fire near Tarwazia since February 14. The SNA also reportedly shelled SDF positions in Dardara, near Tal Tamr. The SDF and SNA have exchanged artillery fire along the SDF-SNA frontlines in Raqqa and Hasakah Provinces since the SNA began mobilizing forces at these frontlines on January 8.

Anti-SDF media reported that Turkey struck SDF positions north of Qara Qozak Bridge along the eastern bank of the Euphrates on February 16. Turkey has repeatedly targeted SDF positions across the Euphrates River from Jarabulus, including Zor Maghar and al Shuyoukh, since February 12.

Syrian Interim Foreign Minister Asaad al Shaibani called on countries to lift sanctions on the new Syrian administration to aid the Syrian reconstruction process at the Munich Security Conference on February 15. Shaibani separately signaled that the next Syrian government will be based on “competence” and not on “sectarian quotas.” Shaibani also called on Israel to adhere to the 1974 disengagement agreement and called the Golan Heights Syrian territory. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan confirmed that Turkey has already started talks with the United States about lifting sanctions on Syria.

The National Dialogue Conference Preparatory Committee held its first “dialogue session” in Homs Province on February 16. Syrian President Ahmed al Shara ordered the committee to facilitate “deliberations” and “consultations” with citizens about the National Dialogue Conference.

Key Takeaways:

• Syria: The Turkish-backed Syrian National Army (SNA) continued to shell Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) positions along the M4 highway north of Raqqa on February 14 and 15.

• Syrian Constitution: The National Dialogue Conference Preparatory Committee held its first “dialogue session” in Homs Province on February 16.

• Iraq: Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) leader Masoud Barzani met with a Turkish parliamentary delegation in Erbil on February 16 to discuss an expected deal between Turkey and imprisoned Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) leader Abdullah Ocalan.

• Iranian Nuclear Program: US National Security Adviser Michael Waltz stated that US President Donald Trump is “deadly serious” about Iran “never” having a nuclear weapon during an interview with Fox News on February 16.

Click Here to Read the Full Report

Website | Jobs & Internships

Follow ISW on social media:

Facebook | X | YouTube | Instagram | LinkedIn | Threads | Bluesky

Donate online or by sending a check to the Institute for the Study of War at 1400 16th Street NW, Suite #515, Washington, DC, 20036. Please consider including the Institute for the Study of War in your estate plans.

ISW is a tax-exempt organization under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Donations are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.

The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) is a non-partisan, non-profit, public policy research organization. ISW advances an informed understanding of military affairs through reliable research, trusted analysis, and innovative education. We are committed to improving the nation's ability to execute military operations and respond to emerging threats in order to achieve US strategic objectives.