Despite an existing ceasefire, intense fighting has continued between the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and Turkish-backed Syrian National Army (SNA) groups, with Turkish airstrikes providing support to the SNA.

Fighting has remained concentrated near the Euphrates, in the region separating Manbij and Kobani, especially around the Tishreen Dam. The Dam provides water and electricity to a significant number of people in the region, especially in and around Kobani, the symbolic birthplace of the relationship between the SDF and the US-led Coalition.

Following the Syrian National Army’s occupation of Manbij, attacks against the Tishreen Dam began quickly. The SDF has responded by using newly developed drone capabilities, and deploying thousands of soldiers to defend the region. The SNA has suffered significantly higher casualties as a result, and has failed to make progress in capturing the dam, despite Turkish fighter jets and drones providing near-constant air support and striking both military and civilian targets across North-East Syria.

Through their official channels, the SDF have released a significant number of photos and videos of their resistance against Turkish-backed militias attacking the dam, especially of their anti-drone unit’s activities.

The air attacks have put the integrity of the dam at immense risk, with local and international groups calling on international and regional intervention to avoid the collapse of the dam. Dozens of civilians in the region, including journalists covering the ongoing fighting, and supporters of the SDF, have also been killed and wounded.

Turkish-backed groups have continued their assaults despite the recent agreement between the SDF and the interim Syrian government to integrate their military forces. While some SNA groups have moved to integrate into the new Syrian government, others have so far refused and continued their attacks against the SDF on behalf of the Turkish government. As recently as Saturday, Turkish drones struck the dam’s vicinity, targeting workers’ housing. Turkish artillery also targeted villages in the Manbij countryside, resulting in heavy material damage to civilian homes.

The partnership between the SDF and US-led Coalition has continued despite the escalation in engagement between the SDF and the SNA in the north. Two thousand US troops remain in North-East Syria, and the SDF and Coalition continue to carry out anti-ISIS activities. The US has also continued to conducted strikes against Al-Qaeda’s Syrian branch, Hurras al-Din, in Idlib province, despite the group’s public announcement of its dissolution in January.