Fighting has intensified in northern Syria as the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army (SNA) and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) engage in heavy clashes near Manbij and the Tishrin Dam.

The SDF reported repelling multiple attacks by SNA forces around Manbij and the Tishrin Dam, claiming to have killed dozens of fighters and destroyed six armored vehicles. The SDF reported that  Turkish-backed militants were using advanced weaponry, including drones, tanks, and modern armored vehicles. Additionally, the SDF alleged the presence of foreign fighters, including Chechen, Turkestani, and Uzbek nationals, among the attackers.

#Syria 🇸🇾: “Syrian Democratic Forces” (#SDF) carried out Drone Strikes against “Syrian National Army” (#SNA) positions on #Manbij Front in #Aleppo.

Group possibly used VOG-17 grenades and HE60 pattern HE-Frag mortar bombs —the video was edited to obscure most of the munitions. pic.twitter.com/ucUq6dcIC4

— War Noir (@war_noir) January 3, 2025

In response, the SNA announced that it had captured the village of Sa’ideen and the Seriatel Hill near the Tishrin Dam. The group also deployed reinforcements to the frontlines south of Manbij to consolidate its position. Meanwhile, Turkish forces and their allies shelled villages near Tal Tamr and Abu Rasin.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) confirmed the heavy toll of the clashes, reporting that 23 SNA fighters were killed and 18 injured in confrontations with the SDF. The SOHR also reported the deaths of four SDF fighters in separate fighting near Qabab Abu Qalqal, south of Manbij. Civilian areas have also been targeted in the shelling, although no confirmed civilian casualties have been reported so far.

#Syria 🇸🇾: “Syrian Democratic Forces” (#SDF) killed several “Syrian National Army” (#SNA) members and destroyed armored vehicles on #Manbij Front in #Aleppo.

SDF also seemingly captured M16A2 assault rifle, craft-made 12.7mm anti-materiel sniper rifle and AKM rifles. pic.twitter.com/usbub42Itb

— War Noir (@war_noir) January 3, 2025

The Tishrin Dam remains a focal point of the conflict due to its strategic location on the Euphrates River, providing critical access to infrastructure and transportation routes. Control of the dam is essential for both the SDF and Turkish-backed forces as they vie for dominance in northern Syria.

The SDF continues to hold vast areas of northeastern Syria, including parts of Deir ez-Zor province and the eastern bank of the Euphrates River. These territories have been under Kurdish self-administration since 2011 when Syrian government forces withdrew from much of the region.

Turkey has launched three military campaigns in northern Syria between 2016 and 2019, targeting the SDF and gaining control of significant border territories. Ankara views the SDF as an extension of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), which it considers a terrorist organization. 

Despite a ceasefire brokered by the United States last month, fighting between the SDF and SNA has continued. The Pentagon maintains that the ceasefire remains in place, but the ongoing violence indicates the opposite.