Kurdish-led SDF Downs Turkish Drone Amid Ongoing Tensions in Northern Syria

SDF forces down a Turkish Bayraktar TB2 drone near Qaraqozak Bridge in northern Raqqa. (North Press)
SDF forces down a Turkish Bayraktar TB2 drone near Qaraqozak Bridge in northern Raqqa. (North Press)

By Kardo Roj 

QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – On Wednesday, the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) shot down a Turkish Bayraktar TB2 drone near Qaraqozak Bridge in northern Raqqa, the SDF Media Center announced.

“At exactly 1:00 p.m. today, our fighters successfully downed a Turkish Bayraktar TB2 drone in the Qaraqozak Bridge area,” the statement read.

The incident highlights escalating tensions in the region, despite international efforts to maintain a ceasefire between the SDF and Turkey.

Ceasefire Breaches and Accusations

The SDF has repeatedly accused Turkey and its allied opposition factions of violating the ceasefire agreement brokered by the United States. The violations include ongoing attacks on several strategic areas, including the outskirts of Kobani, Tishreen Dam, and Ain Issa.

“The Turkish state and its proxies are intensifying their aggression, ignoring all de-escalation efforts,” the SDF statement emphasized.

The ceasefire agreement, reached with US mediation, was intended to stabilize northern Syria. However, tensions remain high, with both sides accusing the other of undermining the truce.

Pentagon Comments on Ceasefire

Just two days before the drone incident, the US Department of Defense affirmed that the ceasefire in Manbij, another contested area in northern Syria, was still holding.

“Ceasefire agreements in that part of northern Syria remain intact,” Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh told reporters on Monday.

Despite this, ongoing clashes and incidents like the downing of the drone suggest the fragility of the ceasefire and raise concerns about further escalations.

Strategic Importance of Qaraqozak

The Qaraqozak Bridge area holds significant strategic value, serving as a key link between northern and eastern Syria. The region has been a focal point of military activities and territorial disputes between Turkey, the SDF, and other local factions.

Broader Implications

Turkey’s continued use of drones in northern Syria has drawn criticism from human rights organizations and international observers. The Bayraktar TB2, a staple of Turkey’s military arsenal, has been employed extensively in cross-border operations, raising questions about Ankara’s commitment to ceasefire agreements.

Meanwhile, the SDF remains a pivotal player in the region, balancing its fight against Turkish incursions with its role as a partner to the US-led coalition against ISIS.

The downing of the Turkish drone underscores the volatile nature of northern Syria, where ceasefires are often tenuous and violence remains a constant threat. As international mediators strive to maintain peace, the actions of regional powers continue to destabilize the fragile status quo.

This latest incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing Syria’s path to lasting stability.