Turkish-backed forces engage in heavy clashes with PKK/YPG militants near Aleppo Report by ISW

The Turkish-backed Syrian National Army (SNA) has engaged in combat with the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), specifically their PKK/YPG factions, near the Teshreen Dam and Qara Qozak Bridge, located east of Aleppo.

According to a report by the American Institute for the Study of War (ISW), the SNA and PKK/YPG forces exchanged artillery fire on both sides of the bridge and the dam, Caliber.Az reports.

The Turkish Air Force carried out at least 15 airstrikes on PKK/YPG positions near these key locations, while Turkish drones targeted terrorist positions to the east of the dam.

ISW analysts reported that the SNA has made advances toward the eastern side of the Kara Kozak Bridge.

On February 3, at least 15 people were killed in a car bomb explosion on the outskirts of Manbij in Aleppo province, northern Syria, according to a representative from the Syrian Civil Defense. Another 15 people were reported injured in the blast.

Earlier, on February 1, a separate car bombing in the center of Manbij killed four people and injured nine others.

Since the shift in power in Damascus, Turkish-backed Syrian Free Army (FSA) units have intensified military operations against Kurdish groups in the regions of Manbij and Ain al-Arab (Kobani). Clashes are ongoing between FSA fighters and Kurdish militias from the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) near the Qara Qozak Bridge and Teshreen Dam along the Euphrates River.

The Kurds control approximately 25% of Syria, including much of Raqqa and Hasakah provinces, as well as parts of Deir ez-Zor province, which contains significant oil fields. The United States has established at least nine military bases in these areas controlled by the SDF since 2015.

By Tamilla Hasanova