Clashes erupt in Manbij between opposition forces, SDF following regime change

The opposition forces, who just succeeded in toppling the regime in Damascus and ended the Assad regime's control, declared via their X social media account that they have started military operations against SDF positions in Manbij.

Syrian rebel fighters fire in the air during celebrations in the heart of Homs early on Dec. 8, 2024. (Photo: AFP)
Syrian rebel fighters fire in the air during celebrations in the heart of Homs early on Dec. 8, 2024. (Photo: AFP)

Dec. 8, 2024

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) - Following the fall of Damascus, armed clashes have broken out in the strategic city of Manbij between Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and Syrian opposition forces, leading to the release of all prisoners from a local prison facility.

The opposition groups, who have just succeeded in toppling the regime in Damascus and ending the Assad regime's control, declared via their X (formerly Twitter) social media account that they have started military operations against SDF positions in Manbij.

The statement denotes a new stage in Syria's swiftly developing political and military setting.

The opposition forces have directly appealed to SDF soldiers stationed in Manbij, calling for them to put down their arms and stay away from armed conflict.

This new development signifies a probable escalation between the components and various groups in Syria in the wake of the downfall of the regime in Damascus.

It could also highlight the Syrian opposition forces’ military objectives beyond the former regime's territories.

The circumstances in Manbij represent a critical moment in the post-Assad period, with possible consequences for regional stability and the multifaceted web of relations between numerous military and political actors in northern Syria.