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Clashes erupted between Syrian army personnel and terrorist organization YPG-led SDF forces near the strategically important Tishrin Dam, according to multiple reports from the region.
A Syrian Army source told Syria TV that their forces stationed near the dam "were targeted by an infiltration attempt carried out by SDF units."
The source confirmed that "the infiltrating groups briefly took control of two military positions, which were later recaptured by the army." The situation has reportedly escalated with "heavy clashes" breaking out with the infiltrators, prompting the Syrian military to dispatch reinforcements to the engagement fronts.
Local sources report intense fighting along the Tishrin front line between Syrian National Army (SNA) forces and YPG/PKK terrorists, with both sides sending military convoys toward the dam area.
The Turkish Armed Forces (TAF) have reportedly conducted strikes on YPG/PKK terrorist positions near the Tishrin Dam, according to local sources. Turkish warplanes and armed drones are conducting flights over the Tishrin and Qaraqozak Bridge front lines.
Local sources indicated that Turkish military convoys have been dispatched toward Tishrin, while large Syrian army and SNA military convoys, including tanks, from al-Bab and surrounding villages are moving toward the Qaraqozak and Tishrin Dam front lines. However these are all unconfirmed reports so far, without any proof to support these claims.
The Tishrin Dam, located 90 kilometers (50.92 miles) east of Aleppo on the Euphrates River, is one of Syria's largest hydroelectric facilities with a capacity of 630 megawatts. Constructed between 1991 and 1999, the dam plays a crucial role in regional power generation and irrigation.
Approximately 70% of Syria's electricity needs are met from the Tishrin, Tabqa, and Baath dams. The dam has been under the control of YPG/PKK terrorist groups since 2015, having changed hands multiple times during the Syrian conflict. It was captured by opposition forces in 2012, fell to Daesh in 2014, and subsequently was taken by the U.S.-backed SDF in 2015.
A recent April 24 statement from the Turkish Ministry of Defense, emphasized the importance of regional consensus in combating terrorism in Syria. The ministry confirmed ongoing talks regarding the transfer of the Tishrin Dam to Syria's new government, stating that "the assets and resources of Syria belong to the Syrian people."
Following a regional ministerial meeting hosted by Jordan on March 9, Türkiye, Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon agreed to establish a joint operations center to combat terrorist threats, especially from Daesh. Technical meetings with the participation of all relevant countries are currently underway on the planned establishment of this center in Syria.
In recent months, reports suggest the YPG/PKK brought civilians to the Tishrin Dam in buses and used them as human shields, an action that prompted strong condemnation from the Turkish Defense Ministry.
"This act of employing civilians, including civilian-clothed militant groups, is a blatant violation of human rights and an affront to international law," the Turkish defense ministry's sources emphasized. They also criticized the groups for prioritizing their interests over the safety of civilians.
Middle East affairs expert Michael Arizanti wrote on social media platform X that beyond sanctions, U.S. policy of backing the PKK, "a highly dangerous terrorist group and the core of the U.S.-created SDF, fuels instability." He argued that "the U.S. must compel the SDF to either disarm by force or integrate into the Syrian Army without exceptions."
It should be noted that the PKK has been designated as a terrorist organization by Türkiye, the United States, and the European Union. The PKK has waged a four-decade terrorism campaign against Türkiye, claiming the lives of more than 40,000 people, including women and children.
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