During the period leading up to October 2023, northern Syria experienced several key clashes and offensives, primarily involving various factions such as the Syrian government forces, Kurdish groups, Turkish-backed forces, and extremist organizations. Here are some significant events:

1. Turkish Operations: Turkey launched multiple military operations in northern Syria, primarily targeting Kurdish groups like the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the People's Protection Units (YPG), which Turkey considers terrorist organizations. Operations such as "Operation Peace Spring" aimed to establish a "safe zone" along the border and push back Kurdish forces.

2. Idlib Clashes: Idlib province, the last major stronghold of opposition forces, witnessed intense fighting. The Syrian government, backed by Russian air support, launched offensives to reclaim territory from rebel groups, including Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). These offensives often resulted in significant civilian displacement and humanitarian crises.

3. ISIS Resurgence: Although the Islamic State (ISIS) lost its territorial hold, it remained active through sleeper cells, particularly in the Deir ez-Zor and Raqqa regions. The SDF, with support from the U.S.-led coalition, conducted operations to dismantle these cells and prevent ISIS from regrouping.

4. Kurdish-Arab Tensions: Tensions between Kurdish forces and Arab tribes in areas like Deir ez-Zor occasionally flared into violence. These clashes were often fueled by local grievances and power struggles in the post-ISIS landscape.

5. Humanitarian Impact: The ongoing conflict in northern Syria led to severe humanitarian challenges, with millions of people displaced and in need of aid. The situation in refugee camps, such as al-Hol, where families of ISIS fighters are held, remained dire, with issues of security and radicalization.

These events reflect the complex and multi-layered nature of the conflict in northern Syria, involving a mix of local, regional, and international actors with competing interests.