SDF repels 3 attacks by Turkish-backed SNA in Syria’s Manbij

RAQQA, Syria (North Press) – Manbij Military Council (MMC), affiliated with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), thwarted on Monday three attacks by Turkish forces and Turkish-backed armed opposition factions, aka the Syrian National Army (SNA), in villages on contact lines in Manbij, northern Syria.

The MMC Media Center said in a statement that Turkey and SNA factions launched several attacks on villages in the countryside of Manbij.

The statement added that the MMC fighters deterred two synchronized attacks on the villages of al-Khalidya and Arab Hassan in the western countryside of Manbij, leading to the killing several gunmen and destruction of a vehicle.

The MMC forces also repelled a third attack by the SNA factions on the Sajur River, who tried to target military post of the Council, killing and wounding militants, the statement added.

The MMC announced the killing of four militants and the destruction of a vehicle in the attack on the village of Arab Hassan, whereas did not report the number of casualties in the last two attacks.

This came following a military operation called “Security Reinforcement” launched by the SDF against the Islamic State (ISIS) in Deir ez-Zor. The SDF later announced the dismissal of commander of Deir ez-Zor Military Council, Ahmad al-Khabil, known as Abu Khawla, from duty, for his involvement in crimes and violations.

The operation led to the eruption of clashes between the SDF and gunmen affiliated with the dismissed leader and with Nawaf al-Bashir, leader of al-Baggara tribe and a pro-Iranian figure whose groups are active in the western bank of the Euphrates which is under the control of the Syrian government forces and Iranian-backed militias.

By Ahmad Othman