The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) reported killing five fighters from the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army (SNA) and injuring another during clashes near Manbij, northern Syria, on Wednesday.
The fighting is part of a counteroffensive by the SDF to reclaim areas near the Turkish border following the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime earlier this month.
#Syria 🇸🇾: “Syrian Democratic Forces” (#SDF) reportedly struck “Syrian National Army” (formerly #TFSA) positions near #Manbij, #Aleppo.
The attack was seemingly carried out with posdible 122mm 9M22U ‘Grad’ pattern artillery HE-Frag rockets. pic.twitter.com/MwiOKftWBe
— War Noir (@war_noir) December 25, 2024
The SDF, working with the Manbij Military Council, launched strikes on SNA positions, destroying three vehicles and seizing weapons. SDF forces also conducted a special operation in Manbij, freeing several women associated with their Internal Security Forces (Asayish).
SDF special forces the Commando unit freed few female officers from SNA grip right in the heart of Manbij in a special operation. pic.twitter.com/JimHYD20vL
— Peshmerge (@KerkukiAlan) December 25, 2024
The SDF has freed the woman of the Asayish who were kidnapped by the Turkish led SNA in Manbij
The operation was carried out by the special forces of the SDF https://t.co/87pzmpy1co pic.twitter.com/2k8DLP2rrh
— ScharoMaroof (@ScharoMaroof) December 24, 2024
Separately, the SDF claimed responsibility for a drone attack near the Tishrin Dam, killing four SNA fighters and injuring one.
Recently, reports suggest an increased use of drones by the SDF around #Manbij. In a new video, the #SDF claims responsibility for an attack near the Tishreen Dam, stating that four #SNA fighters were killed and another injured. pic.twitter.com/sv3pt0YwJa
— Mutlu Civiroglu (@mutludc) December 25, 2024
Turkey has escalated its involvement, targeting areas near the Qaraqozaq Bridge and Sirrin airbase with artillery, and conducting a drone strike in Zirgan, killing one Asayish member and wounding four others.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan reaffirmed Turkey’s demand for Kurdish forces to disband, stating they must “lay down their weapons or be buried.”
The clashes have intensified discussions about Syria’s political future. Kurdish leaders accused Turkey of using the conflict to weaken their influence in negotiations in Damascus. Meanwhile, the U.S. has reiterated its support for the SDF in their efforts to combat ISIS.
