Commander says US- and Turkish-backed forces in Syria agree to truce
A high-ranking commander has announced that US- and Turkish-backed armed groups in Syria have come to a ceasefire agreement. Read Full Article at RT.com
TroibNews 
The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have committed to withdrawing from Manbij following a deal facilitated by the United States.
In an announcement, top SDF commander Mazloum Abdi stated that the US-backed SDF and the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army (SNA) have established a ceasefire after days of conflict over the northern city of Manbij.
The SDF, primarily composed of Kurdish fighters, previously reported that the SNA had been launching attacks on Manbij, located northeast of Aleppo, since November 27. The SNA was advancing toward Kobani, a key Kurdish stronghold near the Turkish border.
Turkish media have indicated that the SNA's operations were directed against Kurdish militias affiliated with the SDF, which Turkey designates as terrorist groups.
“We have reached a ceasefire agreement in Manbij with US mediation, in order to preserve the security and safety of civilians,” Abdi noted on X in the early hours of Wednesday. He also mentioned that local SDF fighters “will be withdrawn from the area as soon as possible.”
“Our goal is a ceasefire across Syria and to enter into a political process for the future of the country,” Abdi added.
The offensive from the SNA coincided with a broader campaign by Syrian armed opposition groups, culminating in the weekend capture of Damascus and the ouster of former President Bashar Assad.
Since the onset of civil conflict in 2011, Syria has remained divided. The fragile balance established by a 2020 truce was significantly disrupted earlier this month when opposition groups, primarily led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham jihadists, launched a rapid offensive that resulted in the capture of several major cities, including Damascus and Aleppo. In response, the SDF initiated its own offensive in the eastern region, aiming to take advantage of the Syrian government army's disarray.
Allen M Lee contributed to this report for TROIB News
In an announcement, top SDF commander Mazloum Abdi stated that the US-backed SDF and the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army (SNA) have established a ceasefire after days of conflict over the northern city of Manbij.
The SDF, primarily composed of Kurdish fighters, previously reported that the SNA had been launching attacks on Manbij, located northeast of Aleppo, since November 27. The SNA was advancing toward Kobani, a key Kurdish stronghold near the Turkish border.
Turkish media have indicated that the SNA's operations were directed against Kurdish militias affiliated with the SDF, which Turkey designates as terrorist groups.
“We have reached a ceasefire agreement in Manbij with US mediation, in order to preserve the security and safety of civilians,” Abdi noted on X in the early hours of Wednesday. He also mentioned that local SDF fighters “will be withdrawn from the area as soon as possible.”
“Our goal is a ceasefire across Syria and to enter into a political process for the future of the country,” Abdi added.
The offensive from the SNA coincided with a broader campaign by Syrian armed opposition groups, culminating in the weekend capture of Damascus and the ouster of former President Bashar Assad.
Since the onset of civil conflict in 2011, Syria has remained divided. The fragile balance established by a 2020 truce was significantly disrupted earlier this month when opposition groups, primarily led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham jihadists, launched a rapid offensive that resulted in the capture of several major cities, including Damascus and Aleppo. In response, the SDF initiated its own offensive in the eastern region, aiming to take advantage of the Syrian government army's disarray.
Allen M Lee contributed to this report for TROIB News
