Turkish-backed Syrian opposition groups have taken control of Manbij from the U.S.-supported SDF, following intense fighting. This event coincides with southern rebels declaring the ouster of President Bashar al-Assad after capturing Damascus. The shifting dynamics in the Syrian conflict continue to pose challenges for regional stability.
Recently, Turkish-backed Syrian opposition factions have reportedly seized control of the northern town of Manbij from the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), according to a Turkish security source. This development follows intense clashes over recent days between the opposition and the SDF, which had been holding the area. In a separate event on Sunday, Syrian rebels in the south proclaimed the ouster of President Bashar al-Assad after gaining control of Damascus, indicating potential shifts in power dynamics within the country.
The conflict in Syria has been characterized by complex power struggles among various factions, including Syrian government forces, Kurdish groups, and opposition rebels. The SDF, primarily comprising Kurdish fighters, has been a significant ally of the United States in the fight against ISIS but has found itself increasingly at odds with Turkish-backed groups. Turkey views the SDF as an extension of the PKK, a designated terrorist organization, and has thus supported Syrian opposition forces to counterbalance their influence.
The recent takeover of Manbij by Turkish-backed opposition groups marks a significant development in the Syrian conflict, potentially altering the control dynamics in northern Syria. It underscores the ongoing volatility of the region as various factions vie for power amid shifting alliances and military engagements, particularly following the recent declaration of President Assad’s ouster by southern Syrian rebels. This situation remains fluid, with the potential for further escalations in violence and regional instability.
Original Source: www.jpost.com
