Intense fighting erupted in eastern Aleppo province on Wednesday night, initiated by Turkish-backed forces who launched drone attacks on Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) positions near the city of Manbij, along with simultaneous bombardments in the Kobani region. This escalation of violence underscores the fragile geopolitical landscape of Syria and the scramble for resources by various factions.

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Reports indicate that the Turkish-backed forces are attempting to dislodge the US-backed SDF from strategic areas, including the Tishreen Dam and the Qara Qazak bridge, to gain control over crucial water resources.

Farhad Shami, a spokesperson for the SDF, confirmed the attacks, stating that Turkish-backed forces, with aerial cover from warplanes and drones, launched large-scale assaults on the villages of Alloush and Tal Arish, as well as Syriatel Hill near the Tishreen Dam, southeast of Manbij. Turkish artillery also shelled the village of Aslanki, south of Kobani and north of the Tishreen Dam. Ground incursions were also reported in the southeast of Manbij. The US-backed SDF warned of the potential for the dam’s collapse due to the attacks.

The SDF reported that 37 Turkish-backed fighters were killed, while six SDF fighters were killed, and nine were wounded.

The primary target of the Turkish-backed forces appears to be the Tishreen Dam, while the US is reportedly trying to maintain a ceasefire in the surrounding area. It is important to note that the US maintains control over large portions of northeastern Syria and parts of Deir Ezzor province, primarily the eastern bank of the Euphrates River, regions rich in oil and wheat that the US has been accused of exploiting since 2011.

Furthermore, Israel currently controls at least 10 major tributaries throughout Syria, including the important Al-Mantara Dam. This has contributed to the various armed factions currently operating in Syria vying for access to these critical water sources.

Recently, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that the US is working to avoid a “conflict” in northeastern Syria and address the “legitimate concerns” of Turkey regarding the SDF, or Kurdish forces.

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