afrinpost-exclusive
The residents of Manbij are raising serious concerns about the worsening security situation in their city following its takeover by factions of the Turkish-backed “Syrian National Army” (SNA) on Sunday, December 8, 2024. The primary forces involved in the control of the city are the “Sultan Suleiman Shah Brigade” (also known as Al-Amshat) and the “Hamzat Division.” Civilians have called for the withdrawal of these armed groups to end the theft and abuses being inflicted on the population.
A local merchant, who chose to remain anonymous, reported that civilian losses over the past two weeks have exceeded $200,000. Numerous shops, homes, and public facilities have been looted by members of these militias. On the night of Monday, December 16, mobile phone stores in the main market were targeted, with stolen goods estimated at $20,000. Additionally, cars and personal belongings of civilians have been systematically stolen.
Residents have reported that armed militiamen continue to break into homes under the pretext of “searching for wanted individuals,” further exacerbating the climate of fear and insecurity.
The city and its surrounding countryside are grappling with dire living conditions, including power outages and the loss of basic services that were previously available. Many merchants have expressed plans to relocate to Aleppo due to the prolonged security chaos, mirroring the deteriorating situation in Afrin over recent years.
Several theft gangs reportedly operate in the villages and towns surrounding Manbij, composed largely of members from the Amshat and Hamzat factions. Villagers have managed to apprehend some of these individuals, uncovering their involvement in theft and looting.
One viral video on social media showed villagers capturing a member of the Amshat militia after he and others attempted to steal a transformer and electric cables supplying the area. In the video, the captured militant admitted that multiple groups within these factions are engaged in organized theft across the region.
In response to the security breakdown, several Arab tribes in the Manbij area have issued warnings, stating that they will take measures to protect their villages. The Bani Asid tribe, for instance, authorized its members to shoot anyone attempting to steal private or public property, as stated in a declaration issued on December 21, 2024.
The situation escalated further with reports of an SNA member allegedly raping a seven-year-old girl, although the claim remains unverified. Meanwhile, clashes have erupted between Arab tribes in northern Manbij and SNA factions. These confrontations have led to the withdrawal of some militia members toward Aleppo’s countryside as the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) advanced on the outskirts of Manbij.
The SDF released footage earlier today, December 24, 2024, showing destroyed vehicles and tanks belonging to the joint Amshat and Hamzat forces along the Aleppo-Manbij road, confirming reports of their retreat.
Meanwhile, fierce battles continue in the Tishrin Dam area and near the Qaraqozak Bridge. According to an SDF commander, the area witnessed heavy clashes last night following a two-pronged attack by Turkey-backed militias on the dam. The SDF successfully repelled the assault, reportedly killing dozens of militia fighters.
Despite 13 days of fighting around Tishrin Dam, Turkey-backed forces have failed to make significant advances, even with logistical and military support from Turkey. The situation remains tense, with ongoing hostilities and escalating violence threatening the stability of the region.
