Turkey intensifies drone strikes and shelling on Kobani in northern Syria
KOBANI, Syria (North Press) – Tensions soared in Kobani on Tuesday after a Turkish drone targeted Mount Mishtehnour, overlooking the city, following a series of airstrikes on Qaraqozak Bridge, which connects Kobani to Manbij in northern Syria.
The strikes have intensified fears among local residents, leading to significant displacement, particularly in the western outskirts of the city. These developments are part of a broader escalation by Turkish forces and their affiliated Syrian National Army (SNA) factions, who have been launching attacks on Manbij and its rural areas.
The Manbij Military Council, affiliated with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), released footage showing Turkish-backed forces being targeted by drones, suggesting a counter-offensive to repel the ongoing assaults.
Social media platforms have circulated videos showing fierce clashes near Qaraqozak Bridge, a strategic crossing over the Euphrates River. The bridge, vital for connecting Kobani to other regions in northern Syria, has been a focal point in the latest round of hostilities.
Civilian Concerns Escalate
The Turkish attacks have caused a wave of anxiety among Kobani residents, with many seeking refuge in safer areas. The strikes on Mishtehnour Mountain, a symbolic site for the region, and nearby villages have heightened concerns about the city’s security.
“I don’t know where else to go. We left our home because of the drones. My children are terrified,” said a displaced resident from the western outskirts of Kobani who wished to remain anonymous.
Earlier on Tuesday, the SDF announced the downing of a Turkish drone in Darbasiyah, a town in Hasakah countryside, marking a rare success in countering Ankara’s advanced air capabilities.
Regional Implications
The escalation in Kobani and its surroundings coincides with Turkey’s broader military campaign in northern Syria, aimed at pushing back Kurdish forces.
Kobani holds symbolic and strategic importance, having been a major site of Kurdish resistance against ISIS in 2014. The recent attacks have reignited fears of further destabilization in the region, which is already grappling with the aftermath of Assad’s fall and subsequent foreign interventions.