The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) announced a ceasefire on 11 December, brokered through international mediation, to protect the residents of Manbij (Minbîc) Canton. This decision followed the occupation of several neighbourhoods in the city by mercenaries, who, with air and ground support from Turkish occupying forces, had advanced into the area.
Despite the ceasefire, Turkish-affiliated forces carried out attacks on 12 December, involving the torture of Manbij citizens, theft of their property, and the burning of their fields. In response, thousands of residents took to the streets to protest these actions. Videos shared by residents on social media platforms highlight the significant number of demonstrators.
Meanwhile, reports from the Monitoring and Information Centre (MIC) include verified photos and videos documenting war crimes and crimes against humanity committed by the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army (SNA) in the Manbij area since 27 November.
Published footage depict the field execution of four individuals by armed SNA militants. The footage shows a wounded man being shot at close range and orders issued for further execution.
Another video shows SNA members torturing and humiliating three detained civilians. Victims were forced to imitate animals, with one militant mocking, “You are a dog, right?” Subsequent footage reveals further brutal torture of six detainees, including an elderly man, whose fate remains unknown.
Surveillance footage also captured masked militants beating civilians, stealing phones, and attempting to destroy evidence, amid widespread looting of homes and private property.
On 12 December, the information centre of the Manbij Military Council reported that Turkish-affiliated military groups had deliberately set fire to agricultural lands. According to Channel 8, the attacks targeted wheat and barley fields in the villages of Olshi and Boghaz. The fires began at 02:00 on 13 December and continued until 05:00.
In response to these actions, the Manbij Military Council issued a statement confirming that, despite its adherence to ceasefire agreements, Turkish-affiliated groups, especially the SNA, continue to employ Turkish Akinci drones in their assaults on the Qara Quzaq Bridge and the Tishreen Dam, south of Kobani (Kobanê).
Additionally, Turkish warplanes have carried out over 160 airstrikes targeting military bunkers belonging to the Manbij Military Council. Despite this, the council reported the death of 210 Turkish-affiliated militants near the Tishreen Dam and Qara Quzaq Bridge, as well as the destruction of six Turkish tanks and five drones.
The protest and march in Manbij on 12 December underscores the delicate power dynamics at play and the catastrophic outcomes of unchecked aggression in the region. As the conflict continues, the people of Manbij are confronted with an uncertain future, ensnared in the crossfire of regional power struggles and global apathy.
