SDF warns of dangerous military escalation in Syria

The Media Center of the Syrian Democratic Forces issued a statement today regarding recent developments in Deir Hafir, Maskanah, and the Tishreen Dam areas, stating: “Since dawn today, the areas of Deir Hafir, Maskanah, and the Tishreen Dam have been experiencing continuous military escalation, amid heavy attacks carried out by Damascus-affiliated factions, alongside intensified Turkish drone assaults. This situation raises serious concerns about the safety of civilians and vital facilities in the region.

During the early morning hours, Damascus factions launched repeated attacks on the surroundings of the Tishreen Dam, using suicide drones, artillery, and mortar shells. The number of attacks exceeded 12 strikes, which also targeted the villages of Al-Mahshiya, Sheikh Hassan, and the Qashla villages. Shelling around the dam continues at the time of writing this report.

These factions also escalated their targeting of infrastructure and service facilities in the town of Deir Hafir. The Deir Hafir post office building was shelled with artillery and suicide drones without causing casualties, while the civilian Deir Hafir bakery was targeted by a suicide drone, leading to a suspension of services and posing a direct threat to the population’s food security.

These attacks were accompanied by clear attempts to paralyze daily life by targeting all movement in the area, including preventing farmers from accessing their lands and workplaces, which has negatively affected civilians’ living conditions.

On the ground, our forces repelled an infiltration attempt carried out by Damascus factions on the axis of Zubaida village in the southern countryside of Deir Hafir. The attempt failed, and the attackers were forced to retreat, despite being carried out under drone cover and with the use of machine guns.

At the same time, the area witnessed intense activity by Turkish Bayraktar drones. A Turkish drone targeted a military point belonging to our forces in the city of Maskanah without causing casualties—this being the second such strike on the same day. Another point was also targeted in the village of Al-Bouassi in the countryside of Tabqa.

Turkish drones continued to target the city of Maskanah for the fourth time since the escalation began, clearly indicating an intensification of aerial attacks in the region.

This simultaneous escalation since dawn today comes as military operations continue up to this moment, increasing the likelihood of a wider confrontation and its dangerous repercussions for civilians, infrastructure, and vital facilities. Damascus factions bear full responsibility for this escalation and the resulting humanitarian and security consequences in the region.”

a.k

ANHA