Syrian National Army captures Manbij from PKK/YPG terrorist group
Soldiers of Syrian National Army (SNA) takes control during the Operation Dawn of Freedom at the PKK/YPG (PKK listed as a terrorist organization by Turkiye, the U.S. and the EU and YPG which Turkiye consider as the extension of PKK in Syria) terror corridor between Tel Rifat and Manbij in Syria on December 8, 2024. (AA Photo)
December 10, 2024 10:21 AM GMT+03:00
The Syrian National Army (SNA) has successfully captured the town of Manbij from PKK/YPG terrorists during Operation Freedom Dawn, marking a significant milestone in efforts to secure Syria's territorial integrity.
The operation has cleared one of the largest strongholds west of the Euphrates River previously occupied by the U.S.-backed group.
Key gains in Operation Freedom Dawn
During the operation:
- Strategic areas liberated: The SNA secured Ureyme and Um Dadat, entering Manbij from its northern and western fronts.
- Control established: SNA forces took full control of the town, initiating demining and security sweeps to remove traps left by retreating forces.
Manbij's liberation follows the operation's earlier success in reclaiming the town of Tel Rifaat on Dec. 1.
TEL RIFAT, SYRIA - DECEMBER 01: The Syrian National Army (SNA) continues its advance in the Tel Rifat district as part of Operation Dawn of Freedom, launched to prevent the PKK/YPG (PKK listed as a terrorist organization by Turkiye, the U.S. and the EU and YPG which Turkiye consider as the extension of PKK in Syria) terror corridor between Tel Rifat and Manbij, in Syria on December 01, 2024. ( Abdulfettah Hüseyin - Anadolu Agency )The Syrian National Army (SNA) continues its advance in the Tel Rifat district as part of Operation Dawn of Freedom, launched to prevent the PKK/YPG (PKK listed as a terrorist organization by Turkiye, the U.S. and the EU and YPG which Turkiye consider as the extension of PKK in Syria) terror corridor between Tel Rifat and Manbij, in Syria on December 01, 2024. (AA Photo)TEL RIFAT, SYRIA - DECEMBER 01: The Syrian National Army (SNA) continues its advance in the Tel Rifat district as part of Operation Dawn of Freedom, launched to prevent the PKK/YPG (PKK listed as a terrorist organization by Turkiye, the U.S. and the EU and YPG which Turkiye consider as the extension of PKK in Syria) terror corridor between Tel Rifat and Manbij, in Syria on December 01, 2024. ( Abdulfettah Hüseyin - Anadolu Agency )TEL RIFAT, SYRIA - DECEMBER 01: The Syrian National Army (SNA) continues its advance in the Tel Rifat district as part of Operation Dawn of Freedom, launched to prevent the PKK/YPG (PKK listed as a terrorist organization by Turkiye, the U.S. and the EU and YPG which Turkiye consider as the extension of PKK in Syria) terror corridor between Tel Rifat and Manbij, in Syria on December 01, 2024. ( Abdulfettah Hüseyin - Anadolu Agency )
Strategic importance of Manbij
Manbij has long been a critical hub for PKK/YPG due to its location west of the Euphrates River. Despite commitments from the U.S. and Russia in 2016 and 2019 to remove PKK/YPG from the area, the group remained entrenched.
Manbij’s recovery disrupts plans to establish a corridor extending from the Syria-Iraq border to the Mediterranean.
Soldiers of the Syrian National Army (SNA) continue their advance in the Tel Rifaat district as part of its Operation Dawn of Freedom, aimed at blocking the PKK/YPG's terrorist corridor between Tel Rifaat and Manbij in the evening in Tel Rifaat, Syria, on Dec. 1, 2024. (AA Photo)
Support from the Syrian Interim Government
Abdurrahman Mustafa, president of the Syrian Interim Government, commended the operation in a social media post.
https://twitter.com/STMAbdurrahman/status/1865764032344408573
Abdurrahman Mustafa's statement on X
He celebrated the achievement as "a new step toward restoring Syria’s sovereignty," calling for continued efforts to liberate all Syrian territories and fulfill the people's aspirations for freedom and dignity.
In a new step towards restoring the sovereignty of our homeland, we congratulate our people and the heroes of our national army on liberating the city of Manbij and its countryside from the grip of the terrorist PKK/PYD militias.
We stand with pride and honor with our heroic forces, and we support them to complete the liberation of every inch of our land and achieve the aspirations of our people for freedom and dignity.
Abdurrahman Mustafa, president of the Syrian Interim Government
December 10, 2024 10:21 AM GMT+03:00
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