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

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

شمال سوريا ومليشيات أنقرة \ ليفانت نيوز

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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BENEFIT, the Kingdom’s innovator and leading company in Fintech and electronic financial transactions service, has sponsored the BuildHer CityHack 2025 Hackathon, a two-day event spearheaded by the College of Engineering and Technology at the Royal University for Women (RUW).
Aimed at secondary school students, the event brought together a distinguished group of academic professionals and technology experts to mentor and inspire young participants.
More than 100 high school students from across the Kingdom of Bahrain took part in the hackathon, which featured an intensive programme of training workshops and hands-on sessions. These activities were tailored to enhance participants’ critical thinking, collaborative problem-solving, and team-building capabilities, while also encouraging the development of practical and sustainable solutions to contemporary challenges using modern technological tools.
BENEFIT’s Chief Executive Mr. Abdulwahed AlJanahi, commented: “Our support for this educational hackathon reflects our long-term strategic vision to nurture the talents of emerging national youth and empower the next generation of accomplished female leaders in technology. By fostering creativity and innovation, we aim to contribute meaningfully to Bahrain’s comprehensive development goals and align with the aspirations outlined in the Kingdom’s Vision 2030—an ambition in which BENEFIT plays a central role.”
Professor Riyadh Yousif Hamzah, President of the Royal University for Women, commented: “This initiative reflects our commitment to advancing women in STEM fields. We're cultivating a generation of creative, solution-driven female leaders who will drive national development. Our partnership with BENEFIT exemplifies the powerful synergy between academia and private sector in supporting educational innovation.”
Hanan Abdulla Hasan, Senior Manager, PR & Communication at BENEFIT, said: “We are honoured to collaborate with RUW in supporting this remarkable technology-focused event. It highlights our commitment to social responsibility, and our ongoing efforts to enhance the digital and innovation capabilities of young Bahraini women and foster their ability to harness technological tools in the service of a smarter, more sustainable future.”
For his part, Dr. Humam ElAgha, Acting Dean of the College of Engineering and Technology at the University, said: “BuildHer CityHack 2025 embodies our hands-on approach to education. By tackling real-world problems through creative thinking and sustainable solutions, we're preparing women to thrive in the knowledge economy – a cornerstone of the University's vision.”