Battle of Qarqozak Bridge and Tishreen Dam

The Battle of Qaraqozak Bridge and Tishreen Dam
Part of the Syrian Civil War
DateDecember 11, 2024 – present
Location
Qaraqozak Bridge and Tishreen Dam, southeast of Manbij, Syria
Result Ongoing conflict
Belligerents

Syrian Democratic Forces

Syrian National Army

Turkish Armed Forces

Commanders and leaders
Mazloum Abdi Numerous Unknown Leaders
Strength
Unknown Numerous mercenary factions with significant air and ground support
Casualties and losses
  • 8 SDF fighters killed
  • 13 SDF fighters injured
  • 210 Turkish-backed mercenaries eliminated, including 13 leaders
  • Hundreds wounded
  • 39 military vehicles destroyed (28 at Tishreen Dam, 11 at Qarqozak Bridge)
  • 6 tanks destroyed (2 at Tishreen Dam, 4 at Qarqozak Bridge)
  • 5 suicide drones shot down
  • 20 motorcycles destroyed at Tishreen Dam

The battle of Qarqozak Bridge and Tishreen Dam

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The battle occurred because of the strategic importance of the Qarqozak Bridge and Tishreen Dam. Turkish-backed forces aimed to gain control of these critical infrastructure points to strengthen their position in the region. The Syrian Democratic Forces (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]

Background

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The battle erupted as the Turkish-backed mercenaries 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, the SDF forces managed to hold their ground, repel the mercenaries, and inflict heavy losses on the attacking forces.[3]

Battles

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Day 1 (December 11, 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 responded with fierce resistance, leading to heavy clashes.[4]

Day 2 (December 12, 2024)

Intense fighting continued with the Turkish-backed mercenaries employing tanks, armored vehicles, and drones. The SDF forces employed advanced tactics to outmaneuver and ambush the attackers, sustaining heavy casualties on the enemy side.[5]

Day 3 (December 13, 2024)

The SDF forces repelled the final wave of attacks, causing significant losses to the Turkish-backed mercenaries and maintaining control over the strategic locations.[6]

Day 4 (December 14, 2024)

Not much has happened ever since the International Coalition Forces (ICF) moved towards Kobani Subistrict, near kayfun and Sirrin ash Shamaliyah.[7]

Aftermath

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The battle is ongoing, with Turkish artillery and airstrikes continuing to target the Qarqozak Bridge and Tishreen Dam. The SDF forces, demonstrating significant resilience, have managed to prevent the Turkish-backed mercenaries from seizing control of these critical infrastructure points.[8]

The conflict has resulted in substantial casualties on both sides, with the SDF successfully defending against the offensive and inflicting heavy losses on the attacking forces.[9] The ongoing resistance by the SDF highlights the strategic importance of the Qarqozak Bridge and Tishreen Dam and the determination of the Kurdish forces to maintain control over these areas.[10]

Sources

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  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. ^ "ICF Moves Towards Kobani". SDF Press. December 2024.
  8. ^ "Ongoing Conflict". SDF Press. December 2024.
  9. ^ "Heavy Losses Inflicted". SDF Press. December 2024.
  10. ^ "Strategic Importance". SDF Press. December 2024.