Tue Dec 24 17:35:58 UTC 2024: ## Kurdish-led Forces Launch Counter-Offensive in Northern Syria Amidst Political Upheaval

**Qamishli, Syria –** The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), a Kurdish-led group backed by the United States, launched a counter-offensive on December 24th against the Ankara-backed Syrian National Army (SNA) near the Turkish border. This escalation follows weeks of intense clashes since the fall of the Assad regime earlier this month, resulting in dozens of casualties on both sides, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

The SDF, crucial in targeting ISIS sleeper cells, has accused Turkey of using the SNA to weaken their influence in ongoing Syrian political negotiations. SDF spokesperson Ruken Jamal stated that Turkey aims to distract the SDF from negotiations in Damascus through continued attacks. The SDF’s counter-offensive has already seen them reclaim several villages near the strategic Tishrin Dam.

Turkey, viewing the SDF as linked to the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), a group it designates as a terrorist organization, has long sought to establish a buffer zone along its border. Despite the Assad regime’s downfall, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan’s recent visit to Syria reiterated Ankara’s hardline stance against the SDF. Mr. Fidan accused the SDF of harboring PKK members and other groups, claiming the international community overlooks this due to the SDF’s role in countering ISIS.

The ongoing conflict raises concerns about a potential resurgence of ISIS, as the SDF’s focus shifts to defending against the SNA. SDF Commander Mazloum Abdi expressed worry that the power vacuum and fighting have hampered their ability to target ISIS sleeper cells and manage the tens of thousands of ISIS family members held in SDF-controlled detention centers. The situation in northern Syria remains highly volatile as the political landscape shifts and military actions continue.

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