MANBIJ, Syria (North Press) – Political and civil figures as well as tribal notables in the city of Manbij, northern Syria, believe that Turkey’s claiming of responsibility for the recent bombing that targeted the city has created a state of instability and raised fears among civilians of a new war erupting in their city.
On July 9, three people lost their lives in a car explosion in Manbij, northern Syria, at the time a security source told North Press that the explosion was likely caused by the presence of weapons inside the car, but Turkey quickly claimed responsibility for the attack.
Turkey claiming responsibility for the recent attack has sparked fears among the residents of Manbij that it could be the start of a new war against the city that is still grappling with the aftermath of the war against the Islamic State (ISIS), amidst widespread destruction of the region’s infrastructure.
Muhammad Ali al-Abo, the co-chair of the Legislative Council of the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) in Manbij, said, “The targeting of a car carrying fighters who had a major role in liberating the city from ISIS indicates that Turkey is constantly trying to attack northeastern Syria and achieve its aspirations and projects.”
“The recent Turkish operations weaken the impact of the operations against ISIS, as its sleeper cells are still present and operating in the area secretly,” he noted.
While Fahed al-Shalash, leader of Bani Sa’id tribe in Manbij, described the recent Turkish attacks on Manbij as “the historical hostility of the Turks towards Syria.”
“The recent use of drones is evidence of hatred against Syria and northern Syria,” he told North Press.
The resident of Manbij expressed their concerns regarding the Turkish announcement, as Sarah Muhammad, a resident of Manbij, described the Turkish recent attack in Manbij as disturbing the region and creating a state of instability.
Sarah is afraid of the return of ISIS to the city due to the continuous Turkish targeting; similar to what is happening in areas under the control of Turkish-backed armed opposition factions, aka Syrian National Army (SNA).
Manbij is one of the most important industrial centers in northern Syria, as it is a transportation hub and sits on a commercial road linking the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES)-held areas with those of the Syrian government, in addition to opposition-held areas in northern Syria.
The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) supported by the US-led Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS liberated Manbij from ISIS in 2016 following fierce battles.
Following its liberation from ISIS, the Arabs, Kurds, Circassians and Turkmen, who constitute the fabric of Manbij, established their own administration under the name of Democratic Civil Administration of Manbij and its Countryside to run the affairs of their region. Then, this administration joined the AANES.