Turkish-affiliated forces and the occupying Turkish army continue aggressive operations in northeastern Syria, targeting critical infrastructure with persistent airstrikes by F-16 aircraft. The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) Media Centre reported that Turkish warplanes bombed Deir Hafar, its surrounding areas, and the Tishreen Dam.
The Tishreen Dam, a crucial hub for water and electricity in Syria, has been a focal point in these attacks. Reports confirm that Turkish fighter jets have conducted five airstrikes on the dam and three on Deir Hafar. Strategic locations near the dam remain under threat as the Turkish military maintains aerial surveillance over the region. Farhad Shami of the SDF confirmed the airstrikes via social media.
On Friday and Saturday, Turkish drones bombed civilian infrastructure, causing extensive damage. On Friday night, a sugar factory in the SDF-controlled town of Maskanah on the west bank of the Euphrates was destroyed. The Democratic Union Party (PYD) underlined the vital importance of the factory for the economy of the region.
On Saturday afternoon, Turkish drones bombed the electricity station near the town of Al Jarniya. A Hawar News Agency reporter said the station was hit five times in a row, and that the bombings caused material damage. On 2 January, a bakery in the same town was severely damaged in another bombing by Turkish drones.
Turkey-affiliated forces, including the Syrian National Army (SNA), have intensified operations across northeastern Syria, raising concerns about potential expansion into other regions. Following their capture of Manbij on 10 December, Turkish-backed forces turned their attention to the Tishreen Dam, located 30 km southeast of Manbij. As Syria’s second-largest hydroelectric facility, the dam’s control is critical to the region’s infrastructure and stability.
Heavy fighting is ongoing around the dam as Turkish-backed SNA forces seek to seize it from the SDF. This is seen as a possible precursor to an assault on Kobani. However, the arrival of US-led coalition forces in Kobani, where they appear to be establishing a military base, could deter further Turkish advances. The SDF has successfully repelled recent attacks by the SNA and allied extremist groups on the Manbij countryside and the Tishreen Dam. Nevertheless, Turkish drone strikes continue to pose a serious risk to the structural integrity of the dam.
The international community has largely condemned Turkey’s aggression, calling for de-escalation and adherence to international laws. However, geopolitical complexities and competing interests among regional powers have hindered resolution efforts, leaving the situation unresolved and the region’s critical infrastructure under threat.
