Tensions rise in Syria’s Manbij amid calls to disband armed factions
MANBIJ, Syria (North Press) – Military sources in the city of Manbij, northern Syria, reported rising tensions on Tuesday between Turkey-backed armed factions and the Military Operations Command of the new Syrian administration.
The dispute follows a demand from the Military Operations Command for factions to disband and surrender their weapons.
Two days ago, a delegation from the Military Operations Command visited Manbij and held talks with faction leaders, aiming to facilitate the surrender of weapons and integrate the groups into Syria’s Ministry of Defense.
The Ministry of Defense of Syria’s caretaker government has been intensifying efforts to unify armed factions under its authority.
The meeting sparked significant unrest as some factions resisted the directive to dissolve, while others appeared willing to comply.
The Military Operations Command reportedly gave these factions a deadline to disband and hand over their weapons, according to sources familiar with the discussions.
Tensions have also surfaced between leaders of two factions within Turkey-backed Syrian National Army, al-Amshat and al-Hamzat, as some leaders rejected the orders from the Military Operations Command while others expressed acceptance.
Adding to the pressure, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan called on Monday for the National Army to disarm and integrate into the new Syrian administration.