Turkey-Backed Forces Seize Control of Manbij Amid Escalating Syrian Conflict

Turkey-backed Syrian opposition groups have taken control of Manbij from US-backed SDF, following intense fighting. This event coincided with southern Syrian rebels declaring their goal to oust President Bashar al-Assad after overtaking Damascus, signaling a critical shift in the region’s power dynamics.

On December 9, 2024, a Turkish security source reported that Turkey-backed Syrian opposition forces have seized control of the northern Syrian town of Manbij from the US-supported Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). This shift in power is marked by intense combat between these factions in recent days. Meanwhile, in the southern regions of Syria, opposition groups have declared their intent to oust President Bashar al-Assad after successfully capturing Damascus, highlighting a significant escalatory phase in the Syrian conflict.

The conflict in Syria has been ongoing since 2011, involving various factions vying for power and control over territories. The SDF, primarily composed of Kurdish forces, has been a key partner of the United States in combating the Islamic State and has maintained control over several areas in northern Syria. However, Turkish-backed groups oppose the SDF, viewing them as a terrorist organization due to their connections with the PKK, a Kurdish militant group. The recent capture of Manbij signifies an important territorial gain for the Turkish-supported factions amidst broader regional upheavals.

The takeover of Manbij by Turkish-backed opposition forces not only indicates a shift in control within northern Syria but also underlines the ongoing volatility of the region as various factions clash. As the situation develops, it may significantly impact the balance of power in Syria, especially in the context of escalating tensions among different rebel groups and the Syrian government. This event reflects the intricate dynamics at play as groups contest for influence in a war-torn country.

Original Source: www.jpost.com