🔴YPG & YPJ thwarted a massive offensive by Turkish-backed militias targeting the Tishreen Dam. Despite direct drone strikes on the dam, Kurdish forces showed extraordinary bravery, saving strategic infrastructure and securing victory.
💡 Key highlights:
✅ 210 mercenary… pic.twitter.com/BQt3sohIV3— MedyaNews (@medyanews_) December 15, 2024
The General Command of the Manbij Military Council has announced a decisive victory against Turkish-backed militias following three days of relentless fighting near the Tishreen Dam and Qaraqozak Bridge in the southeast of Manbij (Minbîc). The offensive, supported by Turkish airpower, was repelled through the steadfast resistance of People’s Protection Units (YPG) and Women’s Protection Units (YPJ) fighters, who inflicted significant losses on the attackers.
According to the Council’s statement, the militias launched a comprehensive assault with support from over 20 Turkish AKINCI drones, tanks, and armoured vehicles, targeting strategic locations in violation of a US-brokered ceasefire. The fighting resulted in extensive damage to the Tishreen Dam, which was directly targeted by Turkish drone strikes.
Despite the sustained bombardment, YPG and YPJ fighters employed modern tactical warfare, ambushing and neutralising large numbers of enemy forces. “Our fighters, led by the Women’s Protection Units (YPJ), displayed unparalleled bravery, engaging in face-to-face combat across numerous locations,” the statement read.
Casualty and damage report
The Manbij Military Council reported the following results from the three-day clashes:
• Enemy casualties: 210 killed, including 142 near Tishreen Dam and 68 at Qaraqozak Bridge. Thirteen were identified as militia leaders.
• Injuries: Hundreds of enemy combatants wounded.
• Vehicle losses: 39 military vehicles destroyed (28 at Tishreen Dam, 11 at Qaraqozak Bridge).
• Armour losses: Six Turkish tanks destroyed (four at Qaraqozak Bridge, two at Tishreen Dam).
• Drone losses: Five Turkish suicide drones shot down.
• Motorcycle losses: 20 militia motorcycles destroyed near Tishreen Dam.
YPG and YPJ fighters suffered losses as well, with eight members martyred and 13 wounded during the clashes.
Defending strategic infrastructure
The statement condemned Turkey’s continued violation of ceasefire agreements and accused Turkish-backed militias of attempting to seize the Tishreen Dam to weaponise its control against the Syrian people. “Their aim was to repeat their history of looting and destruction, but our resistance has thwarted their sinister plans,” the Council declared.
The General Command saluted the courage and sacrifices of its fighters, vowing to escalate the resistance in honour of the martyrs. “We are committed to fulfilling the aspirations of our people and safeguarding the sacrifices made for peace and freedom,” it concluded.
This victory underscores the ongoing resistance of YPG and YPJ fighters, as they continue to defend northern Syria against aggression from Turkish-backed forces.
Ronahi TV produced a video interview with some commanders of this battalion, which is available here.
