Turkish Warplanes Bomb Syria’s Deir Hafer and Tishreen Dam Amid Escalating Tensions

Tishrin Dam in the east of Manbij, northern Syria – North Press/Archive
Tishrin Dam in the east of Manbij, northern Syria – North Press/Archive

MANBIJ, Syria (North Press) – Turkish warplanes conducted airstrikes on the city of Deir Hafer, its countryside, and the vicinity of Tishreen Dam southeast of Manbij on Wednesday evening, the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) Media Center reported.

The strikes targeted strategic locations, including areas near the dam, a critical infrastructure point supplying water and electricity to northern Syria. According to local sources, Turkish aircraft continued to hover over the region following the bombardment, raising fears of further attacks.

Rising Tensions in Northern Syria

The airstrikes come amid ongoing hostilities between Turkey and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which Turkey considers linked to the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK). In recent months, Turkey has intensified its military operations in northern Syria, aiming to establish control over territories near its border.

Deir Hafer and the Tishreen Dam have been flashpoints in the conflict. The dam, located on the Euphrates River, is a crucial resource for millions of Syrians, and attacks in its vicinity threaten both livelihoods and regional stability.

Strategic Implications

Turkey’s recent operations are part of its broader strategy to establish a so-called “safe zone” in northern Syria, which Ankara claims is necessary for its national security. However, the SDF and other local forces argue that these actions violate Syria’s sovereignty and threaten stability in the region.

The international community has largely condemned Turkey’s incursions, urging de-escalation and adherence to international law. However, geopolitical complexities and competing interests among regional powers have hindered meaningful resolution efforts.

Awaiting Further Details

The SDF Media Center stated that more information on the extent of the damage and casualties would be released later. Meanwhile, tensions in the region remain high, with fears of further escalation looming over northern Syria.

As the situation develops, international observers will closely monitor the conflict’s impact on civilians, infrastructure, and the broader geopolitical landscape.