SDF warns against an increasing risk of the collapse of Tishrin Dam due to intense Turkish attacks

The Media Center of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) released a statement providing information about the latest developments in the ongoing battle at the Tishrin Dam.

Located in the Manbij region, Tishrin Dam is 115 kilometres from Aleppo province and 80 kilometres from the Turkish border.  The dam, which is of vital importance as a source of electricity generation, has been under intensive attack by the Turkish state for weeks and its service capacity has been reduced to a minimum.

The SDF stated that Turkish warplanes have conducted multiple airstrikes on the Tishrin Dam and its surrounding areas. These attacks, it said, coincide with ground attacks by Turkish-backed mercenary factions on villages located north of the Tishrin Dam and southeast of Manbij. Intense clashes are ongoing between the Manbij Military Council forces and the mercenary groups.

According to the SDF statement, the mercenary attacks are supported by Turkish aerial bombardments using warplanes and UCAVs, as well as heavy artillery shelling. The clashes are continuing across multiple axes.

In Kobani, Turkish UCAVs targeted a civilian car in the village of Girik, while the village of Aslanki, located south of Kobani, was subjected to artillery shelling.

“The risk of a catastrophic collapse of the Tishrin Dam is increasing. The Turkish state will bear full responsibility for any disaster that may occur at the Dam or other areas in Syria due to the ongoing Turkish air and artillery strikes. These attacks reached a peak intensity earlier this morning and are continuing at this time,” the SDF warned.