Tell Abyad offensive

{{main|Siege of Kobanî|Al-Hasakah offensive (May 2015)}}

During May 2015, YPG and allied forces recaptured {{convert|4000|km2|mi2}} of land in the western Al-Hasakah Governorate in a large-scale offensive, expelling ISIL forces from the region. YPG and allied forces captured Mabrukah, the Tell Tamer countryside, and wide parts of Ras al-Ayn countryside.{{cite web|author=Master|title=YPG expels IS from 4000 square km in al-Hasakah in 20 days|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/2015/05/ypg-expels-is-from-4000-square-km-in-al-hasakah-in-20-days/|access-date=14 June 2015|work=Syrian Observatory For Human Rights}}

File:Tell Abyad region on May 31, 2015.png

On 31 May, Kurdish forces seized four villages on the provincial boundary between Al-Hasakah and Raqqa.{{cite web|title=Kurds push back IS in northern Syria border provinces: monitor|url=https://www.yahoo.com/news/kurds-push-back-northern-syria-border-provinces-monitor-183629783.html|access-date=2 June 2015|website=Yahoo|agency=AFP}} At the same time, Kurdish and FSA forces in the eastern Kobanî Canton launched a large offensive eastward towards Tell Abyad, with the YPG and FSA forces on both frontlines numbering at least 4,000. Over 35 ISIL militants were reportedly killed in the Kurdish-led offensive on 1 June.{{cite web|url=http://www.petercliffordonline.com/syria-iraq-news-4/|title=SYRIA and IRAQ NEWS|work=Peter Clifford Online|access-date=16 June 2015|archive-date=18 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141218021137/http://www.petercliffordonline.com/syria-iraq-news-4/|url-status=dead}} On 2 June, ISIL was reported to have dispatched 1,500 fighters to the Tell Abyad region as reinforcements, mostly to the west of Tell Abyad, to halt the Kurdish advance. ISIL was also reported to be reinforcing the approaches to Tell Abyad, including mining the roads and houses to Tell Abyad with explosives, especially in the western approaches from Kobanî.

By 2 June, YPG and FSA forces on the eastern boundary of the Kobanî Canton had launched an offensive towards Tell Abyad, advancing to Saada, about halfway between the Canton boundary and Tell Abyad by 4 June. Around the same time, YPG and FSA forces from the Jazira Canton had advanced to the villages neighboring the town of Suluk.{{citation needed|date=July 2016}} However, ISIL reinforcements stalled the advance from the Kobanî front.

On 7 June, the YPG, backed by the FSA, launched an attack to the east of Suluk, and captured a number of villages to the southwest of Ras al-Ayn, west of the eastern provincial boundary of the Raqqa Governorate.{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/2015/06/ypg-advances-again-in-the-countryside-of-ras-al-ayn-sari-kanyeh-and-more-casualties-on-is-ranks/|title=YPG advances again in the countryside of Ras al- Ayn (Sari Kanyeh) and more casualties on IS ranks|author=sohranas|work=Syrian Observatory For Human Rights|access-date=14 June 2015}}

Between 8 and 9 June, YPG and allied forces captured two villages to the east of the town of Suluk. The fighting left 21 ISIL militants, including commanders, dead.{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/2015/06/ypg-continue-to-advance-inside-the-eastern-administrative-boundaries-of-al-raqqa/|title=YPG continue to advance inside the eastern administrative boundaries of al- Raqqa|author=sohranas|work=Syrian Observatory For Human Rights|access-date=14 June 2015}}

On 10 June, YPG and allied forces captured a hill{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/2015/06/advances-for-ypg-near-salouk-town/|title=Advances for YPG near Salouk town|author=Master|work=Syrian Observatory For Human Rights|access-date=14 June 2015}} and five villages east of Suluk, while a number of displaced people from the town reached Raqqa city.{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/2015/06/the-clashes-continue-inside-the-administrative-boundaries-of-the-province-of-al-raqqa-while-ypg-backed-by-rebel-factions-advances-towards-the-area/|title=The clashes continue inside the administrative boundaries of the province of al- Raqqa, while YPG, backed by rebel factions, advances towards the area|author=sohranas|work=Syrian Observatory For Human Rights|access-date=14 June 2015}}{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/2015/06/ypg-and-the-rebel-advance-in-east-of-the-town-of-slouk-while-dozens-of-people-displace-to-the-city-of-al-raqqa/|title=YPG and the rebel advance in east of the town of Slouk, while dozens of people displace towards the city of al- Raqqa|author=sohranas|work=Syrian Observatory For Human Rights|access-date=14 June 2015}}

Between 11 and 12 June, YPG and allied forces captured the eastern part of Suluk, and some villages near it,{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/2015/06/ypg-and-rebels-break-into-salouk-town-in-al-raqqa-countryside/|title=YPG and rebels break into Salouk town in al-Raqqa countryside|author=Master|work=Syrian Observatory For Human Rights|access-date=14 June 2015}}{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/2015/06/ypg-advances-again-in-the-countryside-of-al-raqqa-kill-some-is-militants/|title=YPG advances again in the countryside of al- Raqqa, kill some IS militants|author=sohranas|work=Syrian Observatory For Human Rights|access-date=14 June 2015}} but were forced to retreat from Salouk due to planted mines the next day.

File:Abyadof.png

By 13 June, the YPG, backed by the FSA, were within 10 km from Tell Abyad, while the YPG and the rebels besieged Suluk{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/2015/06/ypg-backed-by-rebels-and-coalition-airstrikes-advance-and-reach-10-km-away-from-tal-abiad/|title=YPG backed by rebels and coalition airstrikes advance and reach 10 km away from Tal Abiad|author=Master|work=Syrian Observatory For Human Rights|access-date=14 June 2015}} and their units advanced in the eastern countryside of Kobani.{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/2015/06/16-is-militants-killed-in-al-raqqa-in-the-coalition-airstrikes-and-clashes-with-ypg-in-al-raqqa/|title=16 IS militants killed in al- Raqqa in the coalition airstrikes and clashes with YPG in al- Raqqa|author=sohranas|work=Syrian Observatory For Human Rights|access-date=14 June 2015}} That day, thousands of Syrians from the region sought refugee in Turkey, but were pushed back by Turkish forces.{{cite web|url=http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2015/Jun-13/301977-turkish-forces-push-massing-syrians-from-border.ashx|title=Turkish forces push massing Syrians from border|work=The Daily Star Newspaper – Lebanon|access-date=14 June 2015}} Meanwhile, ISIL blew up the main bridge east of Tell Abyad, in an attempt to stall the YPG/rebel advance.{{citation needed|date=July 2016}} At least 16 ISIL militants were killed during the day.

By 14 June, YPG and allied forces were within 5 km from Tell Abyad, capturing about 20 villages to the southeast of the town, after ISIL withdrew most of its forces from the region. Meanwhile, 150 ISIL militants threatened to leave Tell Abyad, due to the lack of support from the ISIL high command.{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/2015/06/ypg-backed-by-rebel-factions-reaches-to-the-outskirts-of-the-city-of-tal-abyad/|title=YPG, backed by rebel factions, reaches to the outskirts of the city of Tal Abyad|author=sohranas|work=Syrian Observatory For Human Rights|access-date=14 June 2015}} YPG and allied forces also captured Salouk, after ISIL escaped from the besieged town. The siege lasted for 48 hours.{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/2015/06/is-pulls-back-from-the-town-of-salouk-and-ypg-backed-by-rebels-advance-in-it/|title=IS pulls back from the town of Salouk and YPG backed by rebels advance in it|author=Master|work=Syrian Observatory For Human Rights|access-date=14 June 2015}} Later that day, a Kurdish activist claimed that Turkey abandoned the border gate, which allowed ISIL fighters to enter Turkey and escape the conflict zone,{{citation needed|date=July 2016}} while Elijah J. Magnier reported that Turkey temporally opened its border{{citation needed|date=July 2016}} for about 2,000 Syrian refugees.{{citation needed|date=July 2016}} According to a Raqqa-based activist, ISIL stripped the Tell Abyad hospital of all of its equipment and moved it to Raqqa.{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2015/06/14/world/middleeast/14reuters-mideast-crisis-syria.html|title=Syrian Kurds Battle Islamic State for Town at Turkish Border|date=14 June 2015|agency=Reuters|via=The New York Times}} {{Dead link|date=November 2021 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} YPG and allied forces advanced to the southeast and southwest of Tell Abyad, capturing a number of villages, while ISIL blew up two bridges.{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/2015/06/is-detonates-2-bridges-in-tal-abyad-and-ypg-supported-by-rebel-factions-advances-again-in-the-area/|title=IS detonates 2 bridges in Tal Abyad, and YPG, supported by rebel factions, advances again in the area|author=sohranas|work=Syrian Observatory For Human Rights|access-date=14 June 2015}}

File:YPG Tall Abyad juin 2015(3).png

During the night of 14 June, an ISIL suicide bomber detonated himself near a YPG checkpoint in the southwestern countryside of Tell Abyad, killing four YPG fighters and two medical crew members.{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/2015/06/ypg-backed-by-rebels-and-u-s-led-coalition-airstrikes-advance-and-take-control-on-a-new-area-in-tal-abiad-countryside/|title=YPG backed by rebels and U.S led coalition airstrikes advance and take control on a new area in Tal Abiad countryside|author=Master|work=Syrian Observatory For Human Rights|access-date=17 June 2015}} Meanwhile, YPG and allied forces reportedly entered the town from the west and east.{{citation needed|date=July 2016}}{{citation needed|date=July 2016}} Coalition warplanes reportedly bombed an ISIL HQ inside the town shortly after that.{{citation needed|date=July 2016}} It was reported that around 600 ISIL militants were trapped in Tell Abyad by the advancing YPG and FSA forces, whom were threatening to desert their positions if they did not receive more reinforcements.

On 15 June, YPG and allied forces captured Mashor Tahtani, to the southeast of Tell Abyad, and seized the Tell Abyad-Raqqa road, besieging the strategic border town of Tell Abyad, and connecting the two Kurdish cantons of Kobanî and Jazira.{{cite web|url=http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2015/Jun-15/302188-syrian-kurdish-militia-seizes-control-of-tal-abyad-raqqa-road-isis-controlled-city-of-tal-abyad.ashx|title=Syrian Kurds seize control of main road, encircle ISIS town: spokesman|work=The Daily Star Newspaper – Lebanon|access-date=17 June 2015|archive-date=16 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150616165324/http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2015/Jun-15/302188-syrian-kurdish-militia-seizes-control-of-tal-abyad-raqqa-road-isis-controlled-city-of-tal-abyad.ashx|url-status=dead}} The Kurdish forces coming in from both the west and east linked up at the village of Qaysariyeh, two miles south of Tell Abyad.[http://www.timesleaderonline.com/page/content.detail/id/867707/Kurdish-fighters-seize-large-parts-of-IS-border-stronghold.html?isap=1&nav=5022 Kurdish fighters seize large parts of IS border stronghold] Later that day, Kurdish and rebel forces seized the Tell Abyad border crossing{{cite web|url=http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2015/Jun-15/302217-syrian-kurdish-forces-seize-control-of-border-post-from-isis-afp.ashx|title=Syrian Kurdish forces seize control of border post from ISIS: AFP|work=The Daily Star Newspaper – Lebanon|access-date=17 June 2015|archive-date=16 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150616030640/http://dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2015/Jun-15/302217-syrian-kurdish-forces-seize-control-of-border-post-from-isis-afp.ashx|url-status=dead}} and the eastern and southern part of the town.{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/2015/06/ypg-and-some-rebel-factions-take-control-over-the-border-crossing-of-tal-abyad/|title=YPG and some rebel factions take control over the border crossing of Tal Abyad|author=sohranas|work=Syrian Observatory For Human Rights|access-date=17 June 2015}} Eleven ISIL militants reportedly surrendered themselves to the Turkish Army, on the other side of the Syrian–Turkish border.{{citation needed|date=July 2016}} Some time later, allied forces captured most of Tell Abyad, while a few pockets of ISIL resistance remained inside the town.{{cite web|url=http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2015/Jun-15/302262-kurdish-forces-seize-most-of-islamic-state-controlled-border-town-monitor.ashx|title=Kurdish forces seize most of Islamic State-controlled border town: monitor|work=The Daily Star Newspaper – Lebanon|access-date=17 June 2015}} Around 40 ISIL militants were killed while attempting to flee the town towards Ayn Issa. Others successfully fled the town.{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/2015/06/ypg-and-rebel-factions-seize-nearly-the-whole-city-of-tal-abyad-and-40-is-militants-died-during-their-attempt-to-escape-from-the-city/|title=YPG and rebel factions seize nearly the whole city of Tal Abyad, and 40 IS militants died during their attempt to escape from the city|author=sohranas|work=Syrian Observatory For Human Rights|access-date=17 June 2015}}

The next day, YPG and allied forces captured Tell Abyad,{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/2015/06/ypg-and-rebels-take-full-control-on-tal-abiad-city/|title=YPG and rebels take full control on Tal Abiad city|author=Master|work=Syrian Observatory For Human Rights|access-date=17 June 2015}} and reinforced positions around the town and border crossing, while ISIL reinforced their own positions to the north of Raqqa city.{{cite web|url=http://syriadirect.org/news/is-defections-as-tel-abyad-falls-to-ypg-fsa-forces/|title=IS defections as Tel Abyad falls to YPG-FSA forces|work=Syria Direct|date=16 June 2015 |access-date=17 June 2015}} At the same time, the YPG was reported to be bringing reinforcements from the Al-Hasakah Governorate, to prevent ISIL from reopening the supply routes to Tell Abyad. Following Tell Abyad's capture, disputes arose between the YPG and the Free Syrian Army's Retribution Army, as result of which the latter left the offensive and went to Turkey.

File:ASL Tall Abyad juin 2015.PNG Toyota truck during the offensive]]

On 15 June, YPG and rebels captured the village of Shunaynah to the south of Tell Abyad, reducing ISIL control in the region to a besieged pocket just west of Tell Abyad, and a stretch of land between Ayn Issa and Al-Qartari, to the south of Tell Abyad.[http://img.ly/system/uploads/009/070/014/xlarge_TalAbyadJune15.jpg.pagespeed.ic.m74_ddxucX.jpg Tall Abyad/Girê Sipî Map: 15 June 2015] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150617062309/http://img.ly/system/uploads/009/070/014/xlarge_TalAbyadJune15.jpg.pagespeed.ic.m74_ddxucX.jpg |date=17 June 2015 }} YPG and FSA forces also entered Ayn Issa on the same day, and despite subsequent reports that they had captured the town, it was eventually revealed that ISIL fighters were still present, and fighting for control of the town.{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/ChuckPfarrer/status/611339220444160000|title=Chuck Pfarrer on Twitter|work=Twitter|access-date=25 June 2015}}

On 17 June, the first refugees returned to Tell Abyad, after they fled to Turkey.{{citation needed|date=July 2016}} That day, hundreds of YPG fighters reached YPG positions in Aleppo Governorate, while a large fire broke out in the countryside to the south of Kobanî.{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/2015/06/hundreds-of-kurdish-fighters-move-from-al-hasakah-towards-ayn-al-arab-kobani/|title=Hundreds of Kurdish fighters move from al- Hasakah towards Ayn al- Arab (Kobani)|author=sohranas|work=Syrian Observatory For Human Rights|access-date=25 June 2015}} Later on 17 June, the pocket of ISIL resistance to the west of Tell Abyad collapsed under pressure from YPG and FSA forces, with numerous ISIL commanders bribing their way into Turkey after the ISIL defenses failed. ISIL also began sending reinforcements to its remaining area of control to the south of Tell Abyad.{{citation needed|date=July 2016}} It was also revealed that ISIL forces were still fighting with FSA and YPG fighters for control of Ayn Issa, although YPG and FSA forces had captured some villages just west of Ayn Issa. In July 2015, it was reported that Bary was on the run in Turkey, after having left ISIL. He disguised himself as a refugee and escaped during the ISIL retreat from Tal Abyad in June 2015. He is now being sought by both the British security services and by ISIL executioners, who have recently killed scores of foreign fighters for deserting their ranks, according to British security sources.{{cite web | url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/islamic-state/11733538/Notorious-jihadi-rapper-on-the-run-in-Turkey.html | title=Notorious jihadi rapper on the run in Turkey | work=The Daily Telegraph | date=11 July 2015 | access-date=12 July 2015 | author=Verkaik, Robert}}

On 19 June, the YPG, backed by FSA rebels, advanced in the southern countryside of Tell Abyad, capturing a village,{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/2015/06/members-of-both-ypg-and-is-killed-in-clashes-in-the-countryside-of-al-raqqa/|title=Members of both YPG and IS killed in clashes in the countryside of al- Raqqa|author=sohranas|work=Syrian Observatory For Human Rights|access-date=25 June 2015}} and reaching the village of Ali Bajliyya two days later.{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/2015/06/ypg-and-rebel-battalions-traverse-the-half-way-between-tal-abyad-and-ain-issa-in-the-countryside-of-al-raqqah/|title=YPG and rebel battalions traverse the half way between Tal Abyad and Ain Issa in the countryside of Raqqa|author=edward|work=Syrian Observatory For Human Rights|access-date=25 June 2015}} On the same day, ISIL launched a counterattack from the east of Ayn Issa, recapturing the town, but was unable to push beyond the M4 Highway.[https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CH6QrZ2W8AAABEy.jpg Daesh Takes Up Defensive Positions North of Sharakak, And Attack West of Ayn Issa] It was also revealed that despite the ISIL reinforcements, ISIL had an insufficient number of fighters to hold their positions. The remaining ISIL fighters were reportedly fortifying their positions along the riverbanks of the river near Tell Abyad, as well as the highway connecting Raqqa to Tell Abyad, while maintaining small units to the east of the water course. It was also reported that the ISIL fighters who had escaped into Turkey, from the villages to the west of Tell Abyad, were seeking transportation westward to re-enter Syria in the northern Aleppo Governorate.

On 22 June, Kurdish-led forces captured the Brigade 93 military base from ISIL, just southwest of Ayn Issa, and pushed within seven kilometers of the town itself.{{cite web|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/06/22/kurds-isis-syria_n_7640110.html|title=Kurds Capture Military Base From ISIS in Syria|work=The Huffington Post|date=22 June 2015 |access-date=25 June 2015}} ISIL fighters in the area retreated to the east and towards Ayn Issa. On the same day, it was reported that civilians in the town of Ayn Issa were evacuating, in anticipation of the impending clash between the YPG & FSA and ISIL forces. It was also reported that 2,000 civilians who fled Tell Abyad to Turkey had returned. The next day, Kurdish forces entered the outskirts of Ayn Issa,{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/2015/06/ypg-and-rebel-factions-enter-the-city-of-ayn-isa-after-seizing-the-brigade-93-in-the-north-of-al-raqqa-2/|title=YPG and rebel factions enter the city of Ayn Isa after seizing the Brigade 93 in the north of al- Raqqa|author=sohranas|work=Syrian Observatory For Human Rights|access-date=25 June 2015}} and besieged the town.{{citation needed|date=July 2016}} On 23 June, the YPG and FSA captured Ayn Issa except for the grain silos, after ISIL fighters retreated from the town. However, hours later, two groups of ISIL fighters managed to re-enter Ayn Issa. At the same time, a large migration of civilians from Raqqa city towards al-Tabaqa was reported.{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/2015/06/is-retreats-completely-from-the-city-of-ayn-isa-in-the-north-of-al-raqqa/|title=IS retreats completely from the city of Ayn Isa in the north of al- Raqqa|author=sohranas|work=Syrian Observatory For Human Rights|access-date=25 June 2015}}{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/2015/06/clashes-are-taking-place-between-is-against-ypg-backed-by-rebels-in-ein-essa-city/|title=Clashes are taking place between IS against YPG backed by rebels in Ein Essa city|author=Master|work=Syrian Observatory For Human Rights|access-date=25 June 2015}} At the end of the day, Kurdish forces and FSA fighters were in complete control of Ayn Issa and the surrounding region, bringing them within 50 km (30 miles) of Raqqa city.{{cite web|url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-mideast-crisis-syria-idUKKBN0P316H20150623|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151225002036/http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-mideast-crisis-syria-idUKKBN0P316H20150623|url-status=dead|archive-date=25 December 2015|title=Syria Kurds seize town from Islamic State near its 'capital'|agency=Reuters UK|access-date=25 June 2015}} On the same day, YPG and FSA forces advanced to the south of Tell Abyad, capturing multiple villages. YPG forces also captured the village of Abu Naytulah, to the northwest of Ayn Issa.{{Cite web|last=Imgur|title=After the liberation of AynIssa, YPG/J and FSA forces are progressing South|url=https://imgur.com/DK0RcaX|access-date=2020-10-22|website=Imgur|language=en}}

File:Tall Abyad VOA juin 2015.PNG

On 24 June, YPG-led forces captured the village Shakrak, located just east of Ayn Issa. They also captured the village of Khirbat Hadla, to the southwest of Ayn Issa,{{citation needed|date=July 2016}} bringing them within {{convert|35|km|mi|2}} of Raqqa. By 25 June, YPG-led forces also secured the remaining part of the M4 Highway in the northern Raqqa Province, fully linking the frontlines,[http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B8vIH4GI6k8/VYxOYdZxLII/AAAAAAAADlw/powG4Byuy-k/s1600/Military-Situation-in-N-Syria-25-JUN-2015.png Military Situation in Northern Syria: June 25, 2015] and consolidating their control of the roads leading to Raqqa.

The capture of Ayn Issa and the M4 Highway in the northern Raqqa Province blocked the ISIL supply line between the Aleppo and Al-Hasakah Provinces.

{{See also|2015 Ramadan attacks|Kobanî massacre}}

On 25 June, ISIL militants launched an attack on the city of Kobanî, in retaliation for the recent Kurdish advances in the Al-Hasakah and Tell Abyad regions.

On 28 June, more than six ISIL militants were killed, and over 17 were wounded in the southern countryside of Tell Abyad.{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/2015/06/more-than-23-fighters-were-killed-and-wounded-in-the-countryside-tel-abyad/|title=More than 23 fighters were killed and wounded in the countryside Tel Abyad|work=Syrian Observatory For Human Rights|access-date=10 July 2015}} On the same day, it was reported that ISIL militants on the Turkish side of the Syrian-Turkish border were preparing for an assault near Tell Abyad.[http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kjPfP09CJbA/VZDOkvxRDiI/AAAAAAAAB-E/sx0XCloCO7k/s1600/srndAg0.jpg Death Toll in Kobane Tops 290. Joint Forces Hunt Assailants South Of Kobane]

On 30 June, ISIL raided Tell Abyad, with the help of sleeper cells, seizing a district on the eastern outskirts of the town. The YPG quickly responded and made an attempt to encircle the militants.{{cite web|url=http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2015/06/30/ISIS-re-enters-Syria-s-Tal-Abyad-takes-district-Monitor.html|title=ISIS re-enters Syria's Tal Abyad, takes district: Monitor|date=30 June 2015 |access-date=10 July 2015}} The next day, the YPG fully regained control of Tell Abyad, killing three ISIL militants, while another had blown himself up with an explosive belt.{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-idUSKCN0PB3YI20150701?feedType=RSS&feedName=worldNews|title=Syrian Kurds say thwart big Islamic State attack on border town|work=Reuters|date=July 2015 |access-date=10 July 2015}} Two others were injured, but were reported to have escaped into Turkey. On 3 July, ISIL infiltrators attacked the village of Qinetra, near Tell Abyad along the Syrian-Turkish border, with a vehicle bomb and 4 suicide bombers. The attack was repelled but left 2 FSA fighters and 6 ISIL militants dead.

On 6 July, ISIL recaptured Ayn Issa, following a massive counterattack that left dozens of YPG fighters dead or wounded,{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/2015/07/is-retakes-the-town-of-ayn-isa-and-other-areas-around-it/|title=IS retakes the town of Ayn Isa and other areas around it|work=Syrian Observatory For Human Rights|access-date=10 July 2015}} including an attack at Sharakrak. On the next day, YPG-led forces recaptured 11 villages near Ayn Issa that they had lost the previous day, including Sharakrak, but Ayn Issa itself was still ISIL-held, and fighting continued around the town.{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-idUSKCN0PH0SJ20150707|title=Syrian Kurds retake northern villages from Islamic State: monitor|work=Reuters|date=7 July 2015 |access-date=15 July 2015}}{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/2015/07/ypg-retakes-the-town-of-al-sharakrak-and-10-villages-in-northwest-of-al-raqqa-and-intense-airstrikes-carried-out-by-us-led-coalition-warplanes/|title=YPG retakes the town of al- Sharakrak and 10 villages in northwest of al- Raqqa, and intense airstrikes carried out by US- led coalition warplanes|work=Syrian Observatory For Human Rights|access-date=15 July 2015}} On 8 July, the YPG recaptured Ayn Issa.{{cite news|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/syria-kurds-hunt-jihadists-after-retaking-town-near-is-bastion-115070801434_1.html|title=Syria Kurds hunt jihadists after retaking town near IS bastion|newspaper=Business Standard India |agency=Agence France-Presse|date=8 July 2015|access-date=15 July 2015}} At least 69 ISIL militants and 5 YPG fighters were reportedly killed in the clashes, with an additional 78 ISIL militants killed by Coalition airstrikes. On 9 July, ISIL launched another counterattack at Ayn Issa, but this assault was repelled by 10 July. Later on the same day, the YPG declared their offensive successfully over.{{cite web|url=https://mobile.twitter.com/CizireCanton/status/619549732994719744|title=Twitter|access-date=15 July 2015}}

File:Tell Abyad region post-offensive.png

From 14 to 18 July, ISIL militants launched a series of suicide attacks on areas near Tell Abyad and Suluk. The clashes killed at least 1 YPG fighter and 16 ISIL militants.{{cite web|url=http://ypgrojava.com/en/index.php/statements/764-july-14-defense-units-continue-to-attack-isil-terrorists-in-and-around-hasakah|title=YPG - Kurdish|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150817163734/http://ypgrojava.com/en/index.php/statements/764-july-14-defense-units-continue-to-attack-isil-terrorists-in-and-around-hasakah|archive-date=17 August 2015|df=dmy-all}}{{cite web|url=http://ypgrojava.com/en/index.php/statements/766-july-17-major-offensive-against-isil-terrorists-beleaguered-inside-hasakah|title=YPG - Kurdish|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150811201722/http://ypgrojava.com/en/index.php/statements/766-july-17-major-offensive-against-isil-terrorists-beleaguered-inside-hasakah|archive-date=11 August 2015|df=dmy-all}}{{cite web|url=http://ypgrojava.com/en/index.php/statements/768-july-18-further-advances-on-isil-occupied-areas-in-hasakah|title=YPG - Kurdish|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150719173754/http://ypgrojava.com/en/index.php/statements/768-july-18-further-advances-on-isil-occupied-areas-in-hasakah|archive-date=19 July 2015|df=dmy-all}}

On 23 July, ISIL fighters infiltrated into the Suluk countryside and attacked the village of Tell Himan; however, the YPG repelled the attack and swept the area for ISIL fighters after the clashes.{{cite web|url=http://ypgrojava.com/en/index.php/statements/772-july-23-defense-units-continue-to-operate-against-daesh-isil-terrorists-in-hasakah-and-kobani|title=YPG - Kurdish|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150801165257/http://ypgrojava.com/en/index.php/statements/772-july-23-defense-units-continue-to-operate-against-daesh-isil-terrorists-in-hasakah-and-kobani|archive-date=1 August 2015|df=dmy-all}}

On 25 July 20 ISIL suicide bombers attacked the Tell Abyad countryside.{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/2015/07/3-is-suicide-explosion-target-ypg-in-al-raqqa-and-aleppo-countrysides|title=3 IS suicide explosion target YPG in al-Raqqa and Aleppo countrysides|author=jack|work=Syrian Observatory For Human Rights|access-date=30 July 2015}} All of the ISIL attackers were killed in the ensuing clashes.{{cite web|url=http://ypgrojava.com/en/index.php/statements/776-july-26-intensifying-operations-on-isil-terrorists-in-hasakah-and-along-the-euphrates|title=YPG - Kurdish|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150730032836/http://ypgrojava.com/en/index.php/statements/776-july-26-intensifying-operations-on-isil-terrorists-in-hasakah-and-along-the-euphrates|archive-date=30 July 2015|df=dmy-all}}

On 28 September, SOHR reported that a Syrian oppositionist and former political prisoner from Raqqa city, who criticized the YPG, has told them that an ISIL member had been tortured to death by the Kurdish internal security forces, inside a prison. Kurdish forces denied the claims and that said the militant was injured, and that the man died while he was being transferred to a hospital.{{cite web| url = http://www.syriahr.com/en/2015/09/a-detainee-die-in-the-prisons-of-the-kurdish-internal-security-forces-al-asayish-in-tal-abyad-city| url-status = dead| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151001020512/http://www.syriahr.com/en/2015/09/a-detainee-die-in-the-prisons-of-the-kurdish-internal-security-forces-al-asayish-in-tal-abyad-city/| archive-date = 2015-10-01| title = A detainee die in the prisons of the Kurdish internal security forces al-Asayish in Tal Abyad city {{!}} Syrian Observatory For Human Rights}}

On 27 February 2016, ISIL launched an attack on Tell Abyad from both Turkey to the north and Syria further south. However, Turkey denied the attackers came from Turkish soil. The attack killed 20 YPG militants at the cost of more than 45 ISIL fighters, according to SOHR, before being repelled by the Kurdish forces, with air support from the US-led coalition.{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-telabyad-idUSKCN0W00EE|title=Islamic State attacks Kurdish-held town on Turkish border|work=Reuters|date=27 February 2016}}

Tell Abyad has been described by the Washington Post as "one of the Islamic State's most strategically vital possessions", because of its border crossing with Turkey. Its fall would isolate the Islamic State's self-proclaimed capital in the city of Raqqa. Seizing Tell Abyad would also help the YPG to link up the Kurdish-controlled areas of northern Syria. It has been argued that the successful battle, mixing coalition air power and militia fighters could be a "blueprint for success," but is difficult to repeat in other areas.Arwa Damon and Gul Tuysuz, [http://www.cnn.com/2015/06/22/world/arwa-damon-tal-abyad-blueprint-for-success/ ISIS defeat could give coalition blueprint for success], CNN 23 June 2015

• {{flagu|United States}} – The U.S. expressed their concern, through State Department spokesman Jeff Rathke, about the human rights records of Syrian Kurdish fighters during the offensive, which displaced thousands of Arabs and Turkmen.{{cite web|url=http://ekurd.net/u-s-expresses-concern-about-kurdish-offensive-in-syrian-kurdistan-2015-06-13|title=U.S. expresses concern about Kurdish offensive in Syrian Kurdistan|work=Kurd Net – Ekurd.net Daily News|date=13 June 2015 |access-date=14 June 2015}}
• {{flagu|Turkey}} – Turkish President Tayyip Erdoğan said that the potential takeover of Tell Abyad poses a "direct threat" to Turkey and voiced worries about the displacement of Turkmens and Arabs. He accused the Kurds of occupying Arab regions as they were pushing deeper into ISIL territory.{{cite web|url=http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/ypg-pushes-deeper-into-isis-stronghold-posing-threat-to-turkey/|title=YPG pushes deeper into ISIS stronghold, posing 'threat' to Turkey|author=Zen Adra|work=Al-Masdar News|access-date=17 June 2015|archive-date=15 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150615182701/http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/ypg-pushes-deeper-into-isis-stronghold-posing-threat-to-turkey/|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2015/06/turkey-is-kurds-tell-abyad-protection-units-kobani-turkmen.html|title=Erdogan fears fall of Syria's Tell Abyad – Al-Monitor: the Pulse of the Middle East|work=Al-Monitor|access-date=17 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151031092841/http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2015/06/turkey-is-kurds-tell-abyad-protection-units-kobani-turkmen.html|archive-date=31 October 2015|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}

{{Reflist|2}}

{{notelist}}

{{Portal|Asia}}

• [http://www.defense.gov/home/features/2014/0814_iraq/Airstrikes6.html Operation Inherent Resolve airstrike updates]
• [http://www.agathocledesyracuse.com/archives/category/syria ISIL frontline maps (Syria)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150726212153/http://www.agathocledesyracuse.com/archives/category/syria |date=26 July 2015 }}

{{Military intervention against ISIL}}

{{Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant}}

{{Syrian Civil War}}

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{{DEFAULTSORT:Tell Abyad Offensive (May-July 2015)}}

Category:Raqqa Governorate in the Syrian civil war

Category:Military operations of the Syrian civil war in 2015

Category:Military operations of the Syrian civil war involving the People's Defense Units

Category:Military operations of the Syrian civil war involving the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant

Category:Military operations of the Syrian civil war involving the Free Syrian Army

Category:Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant