Battle of Qarqozak Bridge and Tishreen Dam

The Battle of Qaraqozak Bridge and Tishreen Dam
Part of the Syrian Civil War
Date December 11, 2024 – present Location Qaraqozak Bridge and Tishreen Dam, southeast of Manbij, Syria Result Ongoing conflict SDF push through the Tishreen Sam and capture Qushlat Yusuf Basha from SNA (Kurdish claim)[ citation needed ]
Belligerents
Syrian Democratic Forces People's Defense Units Women's Protection Units [ citation needed ] Self-Defense Forces [ citation needed ] Anti-Terror Units [ citation needed ] Asayish [ citation needed ] Manbij Military Council [ citation needed ] Sireen Military Council [ citation needed ] Tabqa Military Council [ citation needed ]	Syrian National Army Sultan Murad Division [ citation needed ] Dawn of Freedom Operations Room [ citation needed ] Turkish Armed Forces Turkish Air Force
Commanders and leaders
Mazloum Abdi	Numerous Unknown Leaders
Strength
Unknown	Numerous factions with significant air and ground support
Casualties and losses
15-17 SDF fighters killed (SDF claim)[ citation needed ] 13 SDF fighters injured[ citation needed ]	Up to 300 Turkish-backed fighters killed, including 13 leaders (SDF claim)[ citation needed ] SDF captures multiple armored vehicles and one tank[ citation needed ]

The battle of Qarqozak Bridge and Tishreen Dam was fighting between the Kurdish-led and US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) loyal to the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) and the Turkish-backed former Syrian opposition fighters of the Syrian National Army (SNA) loyal to the Syrian Interim Government.

It occurred because of the strategic importance of the Qarqozak Bridge and Tishreen Dam.^{[ citation needed ]} Turkish-backed forces aimed to gain control of these critical infrastructure points to strengthen their position in the region. The SDF defended these areas to maintain their control and protect their territory. International interests and ongoing regional conflicts also influenced the battle, despite attempts at a ceasefire. ^{[1] [ self-published source? ]}

Background

The battle erupted as the Turkish-backed fighters launched a comprehensive attack on the Qarqozak Bridge and Tishreen Dam from multiple axes, supported by air strikes. The SDF, supported by the Special Defense Force, defended these critical infrastructure points against the offensive. ^[2]

Despite an armistice agreement brokered under American auspices and significant air support from over 20 Turkish AKINCI UCAVs, Kurdish sources reported that the SDF forces managed to hold their ground, repel the soldiers of Syrian National Army, and claimed to have inflict heavy losses on the attacking forces. ^[3]

Battles

On 11 December 2024, the Turkish-backed forces initiated a large-scale attack, targeting the Tishreen Dam and Qarqozak Bridge with air and ground support. The SDF forces fought back, leading to heavy clashes. ^{[4] [ non-primary source needed ]}

On 12 December, intense fighting continued with the Turkish-backed fighters employing tanks, armored vehicles, and drones. ^{[5] [ non-primary source needed ]}

On 13 December, the SDF said that its forces repelled the final wave of attacks, causing significant losses to the Turkish-backed forces and maintaining control over "strategic locations". ^[6] The battle was ongoing on 13 December, with Turkish artillery and airstrikes continuing to target the Qarqozak Bridge and Tishreen Dam. The SDF said its forces had prevented the Turkish-backed fighters from seizing control of these critical infrastructure points. ^[7]

On 14 December, International Coalition forces moved towards Kobani Subdistrict, near Kayfun and Sirrin ash Shamaliyah. ^{[8] [ non-primary source needed ]}

In December, the SDF said that the conflict had resulted in substantial casualties on both sides. ^[9] The SDF said that the fighting highlights the strategic importance of the Qarqozak Bridge and Tishreen Dam to Kurdish forces. ^[10]

Sources

1. "Turkish Artillery and Airstrikes Continue". Liveuamap. December 9, 2024.
2. "ANHA Report on Turkish Attacks". Hawar News Agency. December 2024.
3. "Violent Attacks Despite Ceasefire". Hawar News Agency. December 2024.
4. "Intense Fighting Continues". SDF Press. December 2024.
5. "Heavy Casualties Reported". Hawar News Agency. December 2024.
6. "SDF Holds Ground". SDF Press. December 2024.
7. "Ongoing Conflict". SDF Press. December 2024.
8. "ICF Moves Towards Kobani". SDF Press. December 2024.
9. "Heavy Losses Inflicted". SDF Press. December 2024.
10. "Strategic Importance". SDF Press. December 2024.