At least 24 fighters were killed in clashes between Turkish-backed groups and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in northern Syria’s Manbij district, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. The violence resulted in the deaths of 23 Turkish-backed fighters and one member of the SDF-affiliated Manbij Military Council.
According to the Observatory, the conflict was triggered by attacks from Ankara-backed forces on two towns south of Manbij, with fighting continuing in areas south and east of the district. Turkish forces reportedly supported the assault with drones, tanks, and heavy artillery.
The SDF stated that it repelled the attacks, killing dozens of attackers and destroying six armored vehicles, including a tank. The SDF controls much of northern Syria through a Kurdish-led administration.
According to reports, Turkiye has launched multiple operations against the SDF since 2016, capturing several towns in recent weeks. The violence adds to ongoing tensions in northern Syria as various factions vie for control.
