Turkish-Backed Forces Capture Manbij from US-Supported Syrian Forces
Turkey-backed Syrian opposition forces have reportedly seized control of Manbij from US-supported SDF, following fierce combat. This incident coincides with Syrian rebels in the south declaring their intention to oust President Assad after recent territorial gains in Damascus.
On December 9, 2024, a Turkish security source reported that Turkey-backed Syrian opposition factions have successfully taken command of the town of Manbij in northern Syria. This strategic location had previously been held by US-supported Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). Intense clashes between the two groups had escalated in the preceding days, with the situation being further complicated by recent developments where southern Syrian rebels declared their intention to oust President Bashar al-Assad following their assertion of control over Damascus. These events mark a significant shift in the control of territory in Syria, reflecting ongoing conflicts among various factions in the region.
The town of Manbij has been a focal point of contention in the Syrian civil war, largely due to its strategic importance and control over key supply routes. The US-backed SDF, predominantly composed of Kurdish forces, had held the area for several years. The involvement of Turkish-backed Syrian opposition groups, largely consisting of Sunni Arab fighters, underscores Turkey’s influence and interests in the region as it seeks to counter Kurdish autonomy along its border. With the complexity of the Syrian conflict, these developments signal a potential realignment in territorial control among competing factions.
The recent takeover of Manbij by Turkish-backed Syrian opposition forces reflects a significant shift in the ongoing conflict in Syria, particularly impacting U.S. interests in the region. As various factions continue to vie for control, the dynamics among local and international stakeholders are evolving, potentially leading to further instability. Such developments warrant close observation, given their implications for peace and governance in Syria.
Original Source: www.jpost.com
