Hammoud, who is based in northwestern Afrin, Syria, said Russia has cut its presence in areas around Aleppo and Tal Rifaat. If there is an attempt to take these areas, it risks a direct confrontation between NATO member Turkey and groups allied with Russia. Moscow’s Syria envoy stated that Russia has tried to convince Turkey not to go ahead with the military operation, Russia’s state news agency Tass reported. Soon after, Erdogan announced on June 1 that the military operation would be carried out in Tal Rifaat, along with Manbij. The Syrian Democratic Forces said earlier this month that it may cooperate with Damascus if Ankara carries out an incursion.
