300 Killed Around Tishrin Dam.. Congress Prepares to Punish Turkey

300 Killed Around Tishrin Dam.. Congress Prepares to Punish Turkey
Turkish efforts to control northern Syria areas face escalating U.S. opposition manifested in military support and new sanctions bill
December 22, 2024, 9:42 pm

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The Syrian Observatory informed Al-Arabiya and Al-Hadath networks about fierce battles erupting around Tishrin Dam, noting 300 casualties from armed factions and Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).

The Observatory noted SDF's use of drones in confrontations, pointing to intensified U.S. military presence in northern Syria, monitoring military supplies arriving in Ain Issa, with "10 U.S. cargo planes recently landing in Hasaka."

SDF previously warned of Turkey and its allies in Syria amassing huge military reinforcements south of border-adjacent Ain Al-Arab city, with SDF's official spokesperson revealing forces' communication with Washington-led coalition to thwart any expected Turkish aggression.

This emerged alongside Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan's statement, confirming his country will take "all necessary measures" to protect its security if new Syrian authority fails to dispel its concerns regarding Kurdish organizations.

In an interview with France 24, when asked about possible military action, Fidan responded with "all necessary measures," while SDF revealed losing 5 fighters following attacks by pro-Turkey forces on Manbij and Tishrin Dam, confirming repelling attacks while destroying several tanks and armored vehicles.

SDF showed footage of confrontations with pro-Turkey armed groups in Manbij, while Farhad Shami, SDF Media Center director, viewed Ankara as seeking to marginalize Kurds from Syrian political process.

An Autonomous Administration official told Reuters that negotiation channels with Turkey are available, but northern events reveal Ankara's hostile intentions that could drag the region toward new confrontation, according to his expression.

Amid fears of comprehensive Turkish military operation against Kurds in northern Syria, two U.S. senators introduced bipartisan legislation to impose punitive measures on Ankara.

Confrontations intensity escalates in northern Syria since Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's regime fall on December 8, with Washington intervening to establish fragile ceasefire in region between Turkey and SDF.

The proposed project, known as "Countering Turkish Aggression Act of 2024," allows implementing sanctions targeting prevention of further Turkish or Turkish-backed attacks against SDF, which threaten ISIS return and pose U.S. national security risk.

U.S.-backed SDF announced Thursday its readiness to confront Turkey and its affiliated groups in Kobani city northern Syria.

SDF played pivotal role in defeating ISIS between 2014 and 2017 with U.S. air support, continues overseeing organization detainees in detention centers, while U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned of ISIS efforts to rebuild capabilities in current phase.

Levant-Agencies

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