SDF Repel Attack by Pro-Government Forces on Kobani Outskirts

SOHR's Media

SDF on high alert to repel attacks by government forces.

The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have successfully thwarted an assault by pro-Syrian government armed factions on the outskirts of Jalabiya, a town in Kobani, western Kurdistan (North and East Syria), following intense clashes between the two sides.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) said in a statement that the clashes erupted after the factions attempted to advance on SDF positions surrounding the town, adding that the SDF repelled the attack, capturing five militants and injuring others.

The Observatory confirmed that medium and heavy weaponry was used during the clashes, which also prompted the displacement of civilians from the Kobani countryside to the city and that a state of high alert has been declared in the area, though no information regarding civilian casualties has been reported so far.

The SOHR noted that the assault forms part of the ongoing military escalation in the Kobani countryside, warning of the potential repercussions for both the humanitarian and security situation in the region. It reported that heavy fighting took place between the SDF and factions loyal to the Syrian Interim Government near Jalabiya, located between the Tall Abyad and Kobani countryside.

The Observatory added that the attacks were not confined to Jalabiya but also targeted several other Kurdish villages, including Khanamed, Karbnab, Maraser, and Kharab Raz, which caused widespread fear among residents, forcing some to flee their homes.

Meanwhile, the SDF said in a press release: “The SDF and the Women’s Protection Units (YPJ) repelled five attacks launched by Damascus-backed factions on the countryside of Sarrin, south of Kobani, following direct clashes that continue in the area.”

Tensions have been rising in northern and eastern Syria as government forces have launched attacks on areas controlled by the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). These attacks have targeted sites housing prisons and camps for Islamic State (ISIS) detainees and their families, following the collapse of negotiations between the two sides. 



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