ISW: SNA forces repel PKK/YPG, push them back toward Tishrin Dam

The Turkish-backed Syrian National Army (SNA) successfully repelled an offensive by the US-backed Kurdish SDF (Syrian Democratic Forces), which includes the PKK/YPG, in the southeast of Manbij, pushing them eastward toward the Tishrin Dam.

This comes amid escalating tensions in the region, as reported by the American Institute for the Study of War (ISW) and local sources, per Caliber.Az.

According to analysts, the PKK/YPG launched a counter-offensive to reclaim territory lost to the SNA in the Manbij countryside. A spokesperson for the SDF confirmed on December 24 that their fighters had advanced approximately 11 kilometres from Manbij, claiming to have repelled several SNA attacks near the Tishrin Dam and surrounding villages. The SDF reported killing nine SNA fighters and destroying three armoured vehicles since December 24.

Despite these claims, ISW noted that the SNA forces had successfully pushed the PKK/YPG back toward the dam, with periodic clashes continuing in villages to the east of Manbij. The Turkish Defence Ministry claimed on December 26 that the SNA had secured control of the Tishrin Dam. However, SNA spokesman Farhad Shami disputed this, releasing a video to refute Türkiye’s assertions.

In a further development, Syrian media reported that the PKK/YPG had shifted its focus to a new axis east of Aleppo, likely in an attempt to relieve pressure on the Tishrin Dam. This forced the SNA to redeploy forces to respond to the new threat.

Local sources also reported that PKK/YPG fighters advanced toward the town of Deir Hafer, located along the M4 highway between Kurdish-controlled areas and Aleppo, which is currently held by Syrian opposition forces. The SNA and PKK/YPG clashed in Qayariyah, north of Deir Hafer, on December 26, further escalating tensions in the region.

Additionally, reports from Syrian sources indicated that the SDF had captured a critical water treatment plant south of Kfahsa, located near Aleppo. Clashes around the facility resulted in the death of a worker, with the plant being a vital water source for the city of Aleppo.

By Tamilla Hasanova