The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) has said they inflicted heavy losses on Turkish-backed factions known as the Syrian National Army (SNA) during clashes in northern Syria. The clashes near the Tishrin Dam and in surrounding areas reportedly left dozens of fighters dead or injured, signalling ongoing hostilities in the region.
While various news agencies and local sources have confirmed the SDF’s public statements, the Turkish Ministry of Defence and state-run Anadolu Agency have issued statements to the contrary, claiming the dam was in the hands of the SNA. Speaking to camera at the Tishrin Dam an SDF spokesperson refuted these claims, saying that the area remained under SDF control despite continued attacks by Turkish-backed groups in villages surrounding the dam.
The SDF reported that 17 Syrian National Army (SNA) fighters were killed and over 40 injured in a coordinated assault near the Tishrin Dam in the countryside near Manbij (Minbîc) on Friday. According to an SDF statement, the assault began at 13:00 and involved militants attacking from two directions. Among those killed was Abu Fayez, the leader of the Northern Brigade, an SNA mmilitia primarily formed of former smugglers and based in northwest Syria.
Clashes escalated when Turkish-backed groups tried to reinforce their positions in the area. The SDF claimed to have repelled the attack and destroyed four military vehicles hidden near residential areas. Despite the intensity of the skirmishes, the SDF reported minimal casualties, with only one of its fighters suffering minor injuries.
Elsewhere, SDF forces entered the village of al-Sai’idin in the countryside east of Aleppo, killing seven members of the Sultan Suleiman Shah Division, also known as “al-Amshat”, another militia attached to the SNA. At the same time, Turkish forces and their proxies launched artillery attacks on Ayn Al-Arab (Kobanê), further raising tensions in the region.
The clashes follow a series of attacks by Turkish-backed groups on Tishrin and Qara Quzak (Qere Qozaq), which have been ongoing since 8 December. According to reliable sources, infighting and heavy casualties have demoralised the factions, leading some fighters to flee Manbij and other conflict zones. Turkish forces are reportedly pressurising the fleeing fighters to return to the fight.
Meanwhile, international actors have intervened to prevent further escalation. On 24 December, an International Coalition patrol visited Ayn Al-Arab (Kobanê) to monitor negotiations and mediate between Turkish forces and the SDF. The temporary structure aims to de-escalate hostilities and protect civilians in the affected areas.
