Syria's SDF and government trade blame over Manbij attack
The defence ministry accused the SDF of launching a rocket barrage on an army outpost in the city's countryside, injuring four troops and three civilians, according to state news agency SANA. It called the attack 'irresponsible and without justification.'
In response, the U.S.-backed SDF stated it was retaliating against 'an unprovoked artillery assault targeting civilian-populated areas with more than ten shells' from factions linked to the Syrian government. The SDF did not report any casualties.
The March agreement aimed to unify Syria after 14 years of war, integrating Kurdish-led forces and regional governing bodies with Damascus. However, key details, such as how the SDF would merge with Syria's armed forces, remain unresolved. The SDF insists on joining as a bloc, while Damascus prefers individual integration.
A Turkish defence ministry source recently urged the SDF to demonstrate compliance with the deal, as Ankara views the group as tied to the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party.
'While we reaffirm our commitment to respecting the current de-escalation arrangements, we call on the relevant authorities in the Syrian government to take responsibility and bring the undisciplined factions under their control,' the SDF said. - Reuters
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Malaysiakini
3 hours ago
- Malaysiakini
Malaysia in a shifting world order
COMMENT | The global geopolitical landscape is undergoing a seismic shift. For decades, American dominance economically, militarily, and diplomatically has defined the post–Cold War international order. Today, that dominance is increasingly challenged by emerging powers and shifting global alignments. The rise of competing powers, growing distrust of US intentions, and the resurgence of nationalist economic policies, particularly under Donald Trump's second term, are accelerating the fragmentation of global power. In place of a US-led unipolar order, a multipolar world is emerging, one increasingly defined by the rivalry between the United States, an emerging axis of Russia-China-India (RCI), and a recalibrated European Union. Trump's recent moves to impose tariffs on a wide swath of countries, including traditional allies like the European Union, Canada, South Korea, and India, mark a decisive...
The Sun
4 hours ago
- The Sun
Syria's SDF and government trade blame over Manbij attack
MANBIJ: Syria's defence ministry and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have traded blame over an attack in the northern city of Manbij, straining relations after a landmark integration agreement signed in March. The defence ministry accused the SDF of launching a rocket barrage on an army outpost in the city's countryside, injuring four troops and three civilians, according to state news agency SANA. It called the attack 'irresponsible and without justification.' In response, the U.S.-backed SDF stated it was retaliating against 'an unprovoked artillery assault targeting civilian-populated areas with more than ten shells' from factions linked to the Syrian government. The SDF did not report any casualties. The March agreement aimed to unify Syria after 14 years of war, integrating Kurdish-led forces and regional governing bodies with Damascus. However, key details, such as how the SDF would merge with Syria's armed forces, remain unresolved. The SDF insists on joining as a bloc, while Damascus prefers individual integration. A Turkish defence ministry source recently urged the SDF to demonstrate compliance with the deal, as Ankara views the group as tied to the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party. 'While we reaffirm our commitment to respecting the current de-escalation arrangements, we call on the relevant authorities in the Syrian government to take responsibility and bring the undisciplined factions under their control,' the SDF said. - Reuters
The Sun
6 hours ago
- The Sun
Malaysia hosts trilateral defence meeting ahead of Cambodia-Thailand GBC talks
KUALA LUMPUR: Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin held a trilateral video conference with Cambodian and Thai counterparts to finalise preparations for the upcoming General Border Committee (GBC) meeting. The session included Cambodia's Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister General Tea Seiha and Thailand's Acting Defence Minister General Natthaphon Narkphanit. Mohamed Khaled emphasised Malaysia's commitment to facilitating peaceful dialogue, stating, 'This meeting is an important step in preparing for the Cambodia-Thailand GBC meeting scheduled for August 7 in Kuala Lumpur. In the spirit of ASEAN, Malaysia is fully committed to supporting an ASEAN-led peaceful resolution process.' The August 7 meeting will include observers from Malaysia, the US, and China. Preliminary discussions between Cambodian and Thai representatives are set for August 4–6. Mohamed Khaled added, 'These discussions reflect the commitment of all parties to peaceful negotiation and constructive dialogue. We hope it will contribute to our shared responsibility to preserve peace and stability in the ASEAN region.' The GBC talks aim to resolve a border dispute under a ceasefire agreement signed in Malaysia on July 28. Initially planned for Phnom Penh, Thailand later requested Malaysia as a neutral venue, extending discussions from one day to four. – Bernama
