Eight SDF Fighters Killed in Clashes with Turkish Forces in Northern Syria
By Kardo Roj
ALEPPO, Syria (North Press) – The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) announced on Monday the loss of eight of its fighters in northern Syria after intense clashes with Turkish forces and their allied factions. These fatalities were reported across several areas of the northern region, where the SDF has been engaged in fierce battles against Turkish-backed groups.
The announcement came shortly after the SDF reported a significant loss for Turkish-aligned forces as well. In a statement issued earlier today, the SDF claimed that 29 fighters from the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army (SNA) were killed and another 15 were injured in clashes that occurred on Sunday, January 19. The statement also mentioned the destruction of several military vehicles during the fighting along the fronts near Manbij and the Tishreen Dam.
According to the SDF’s statement, their forces have demonstrated remarkable bravery and dedication to their cause, emphasizing their deep commitment to the goals they are fighting for. “Our fighters proved their courage and unwavering faith in the cause they are fighting for. In the midst of resistance, eight of our fighters became martyrs, in different locations and at different times, after resisting until the end,” the statement read.
The SDF further criticized Turkey and its allies for their continued offensive on northeastern Syria, which has been ongoing for over a month. The group stated that despite Turkey’s sustained efforts, including attacks on key strategic locations such as the Tishreen Dam and the Karkamis Bridge, Turkish forces have made little progress on the ground. The SDF stressed that each day of the conflict has brought significant casualties to the Turkish forces, including the destruction of equipment and military hardware.
“Turkey and its allied factions have failed to make any meaningful gains on the battlefield. On the contrary, they suffer daily heavy losses, with dozens of killed and wounded soldiers, and the destruction of military vehicles and equipment,” the SDF’s statement added.
The Turkish military and its Syrian proxies launched a series of attacks against SDF-held areas in northern Syria late last year, exacerbating the already volatile situation in the region. The offensive is part of Turkey’s broader strategy to push back Kurdish groups in northern Syria, which Ankara considers to be terrorist organizations linked to the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), an entity that has been in conflict with Turkey for decades.
The SDF, an alliance of Kurdish and Arab forces, has been a key ally of the United States and other Western powers in the fight against the Islamic State (ISIS) in Syria. However, tensions between the SDF and Turkey have been a longstanding issue, and the recent military escalation has significantly intensified the conflict in the region.
In its statement, the SDF extended condolences to the families and loved ones of the fallen fighters, praising their ultimate sacrifice for the defense of their homeland. The group also reiterated its commitment to continue resisting Turkish and allied forces in the face of ongoing aggression.
The situation in northern Syria remains tense, with clashes between the SDF and Turkish-backed factions expected to continue as both sides strengthen their positions in anticipation of further fighting. The ongoing military actions are putting additional pressure on the already fragile security and humanitarian situation in the region.
The international community remains divided on the issue, with some Western governments supporting the SDF’s fight against ISIS while others express concern over Turkey’s security interests and its right to defend its borders.
The impact of these clashes, both militarily and politically, continues to reverberate across Syria, with no clear resolution in sight for the ongoing conflict in the region.