Turkey-backed opposition groups in Syria have taken control of the northern city of Manbij, Reuters reported, citing a representative of the Turkish security forces, quoted by BTA.
Until now, Manbij was under the control of the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) – a coalition dominated by Kurdish fighters. In recent days, the city has become an arena of fierce fighting after opposition groups overthrew the regime of President Bashar al-Assad.
The capture of Manbij is a significant change in the dynamics of the Syrian conflict, as the city is of strategic importance for the control of the northern part of the country. This development could further exacerbate tensions between Turkey and its Western allies who support the SDF.
The situation remains tense, with fighting expected to continue in other parts of Syria, where armed groups are fighting for control of key territories in the post-Assad era.