In a recent Turkish-backed factions clashed with the Syrian Kurdish forces killing over 100 fighters in the northern Syria from past two days, as reported by the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. At least 85 pro-Turkish fighters and 16 members of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) were reported dead in fighting around the city of Manbij.
The SDF confirmed that it had repelled multiple attacks, including those supported by Turkish drones and aviation, but the death toll remains high as the battle intensifies. The clashes come amid broader regional tensions following the recent capture of key cities in northern Syria by Turkey-backed forces.
It appears the pro-Turkey militias have concentrated efforts to seize further key strategic cities such as Kobane, Tabqa, and, later, Raqqa. SDF holds significant territory of the northern and eastern Syrian parts of Syria as well as portions of Deir Ezzor; its fight with Turkey had long begun due to Turkey labeling the SDF an arm of the PKK-also an entity which the latter branded a terror organization.
Syria’s new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa has expressed new plans about merging the SDF into the army in the newly rebuilt future for Syria with larger national reconciliation.
