Turkish-backed rebels clash with Kurdish-led forces in Northeastern Syria

In an escalation further complicating the protracted Syrian conflict, Syrian rebels allied with Turkey clashed with Kurdish-led forces in northeastern Syria, the Wall Street Journal reported.

The rebels were backed by Turkish tanks and reported airstrikes, the newspaper added.

A Kurdish-affiliated group said their forces were the target and called the attack an “unprecedented and dangerous escalation.” 

The escalation highlights concerns that Turkey’s incursion into Syria this week could lead to an all-out confrontation between Ankara and Syrian Kurds, both of which are American allies, and hinder the war against Daesh militants by diverting resources.

Sherwan Darwish, a spokesman for Kurdish-led forces in the village of Manbij, said via a Twitter message on Saturday night that while his group was fighting Daesh extremists, Turkish-backed militias were attacking Kurdish positions.

The clashes underscored Ankara’s determination to push back Kurdish forces from along its border and curb their ambitions to form a contiguous entity in northern Syria. Kurdish groups have already declared a semiautonomous administration in Syria and control most of the border area.

Jarablus, and Manbij to the south were liberated from Daesh fighters by Kurdish-led forces earlier this month and are essential to connecting the western and eastern semiautonomous Kurdish areas in Syria.

Turkish officials said they would continue their offensive in Syria until there is no longer any “terror” threat to Turkey from its war-torn neighbor. 

Ankara backed Syrian rebels to gain control of Jarablus last week. They are now pushing their way south.

Source: MENA