Kurdish-led SDF Announces Casualty Report Following Clashes in Syria’s Manbij

Fighters of the Syrian Democratic Forces during joint ground drills with the International Coalition – North Press.
Fighters of the Syrian Democratic Forces during joint ground drills with the International Coalition – North Press.

MANBIJ, Syria (North Press) – On Tuesday, the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) reported the results of a day-long battle with Turkish-backed factions around Tishrin Dam, southeast of Manbij, northern Syria.

Details of the Attack

In a statement, the SDF described how Turkish-backed “National Army” factions launched an assault on the Abu Said Farm area, employing BMB vehicles and armored cars. The attack led to intense clashes, with the SDF successfully repelling the initial assault.

The SDF stated:

Turkish-backed factions suffered 23 fatalities and 24 injuries, including 10 in critical condition.

On the Qarakozak front, 5 fighters were killed and 12 others injured.

Turkish Drone Activity

The clashes also saw significant drone activity:

The SDF shot down one Turkish drone while three others malfunctioned.

Turkish drones struck an SDF military point near Deir Hafir and targeted an Asayish (Internal Security Forces) checkpoint in Dibsi Afnan. Both strikes caused no reported damage.

Military Losses for Turkish-Backed Factions

The SDF confirmed the destruction of:

5 armored vehicles

2 military trucks

Additionally, 17 group positions of the Turkish-backed factions were targeted and neutralized.

SDF Casualties

The SDF reported that four of their fighters sustained injuries due to Turkish shelling during the battle.

Continuing Escalation

These developments mark an intensification of hostilities between the SDF and Turkish-backed factions amid ongoing Turkish military operations in northern Syria. The SDF reaffirmed its commitment to defending the region against aggression.

This escalation underscores the fragile security situation in northern Syria and the complexities of the ongoing conflict involving multiple local and international actors.