SNA seeks to block PKK/YPG entrenchment in Manbij

The Turkish-backed Syrian National Army (SNA) is intensifying its efforts to prevent PKK and YPG from establishing a foothold in the northern Syrian city of Manbij as opposition forces continue their surprise offensive against the regime of President Bashar al-Assad.

Clashes erupted on Nov. 27 in the countryside of Aleppo, reigniting hostilities after a brief lull in the civil war that has ravaged Syria since 2011. Opposition forces led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) launched a major operation to capture territory held by regime forces.

Following their domination over Aleppo, Syria's second-largest city, and Idlib, the opposition forces have shifted their focus toward Hama.

In response to the rapid loss of ground, Assad's regime reportedly sought assistance from PKK and YPG, Turkish security sources said earlier this week.

PKK is listed as a terror organization by Türkiye, the United States and the European Union. Ankara also sees YPG as its Syrian wing.

The SNA claims to have thwarted efforts to create a "terror corridor" in northern Syria through an operation that severed the key route between Raqqa and Aleppo, according to sources.

The group has also reportedly besieged Manbij from three directions, Turkish and Syrian media outlets said.

Formed in 2017 by Syria's interim government, the SNA was established to defend opposition-controlled areas in northern Syria against both Assad regime forces and YPG.

Meanwhile, government forces launched a counterattack against rebels around the key city of Hama on Dec. 3 after suffering a string of staggering losses, war monitors said.

Hama is strategically located in central Syria and for the army, it is key to safeguarding the capital and seat of power Damascus....