SDF Launches Counteroffensive Against Turkish-Backed Forces

The Turkish military has conducted strikes in northern Syria and Iraq, killing 21 Kurdish fighters from the PKK and YPG, which Turkey designates as terrorist organizations. These operations come amidst ongoing clashes between the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army (SNA) and the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which have escalated since the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime. The SDF has launched a counter-offensive aiming to reclaim territory near Manbij, reporting the destruction of an SNA tank and the recovery of four villages. Ruken Jamal, spokesperson for the SDF, accused Turkey of attempting to weaken Kurdish influence in ongoing political negotiations regarding Syria's future. As violence continues, both sides have suffered numerous casualties, exacerbating the already dire humanitarian situation in the region. The SDF maintains that it is prepared for military confrontations while remaining open to diplomatic solutions for Syria's future.