The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the Women’s Defense Units (YPJ) have responded to attacks on their retreating units. In Deir Hafer and Maskana, where fighters are currently retreating as part of an agreement, fierce clashes are taking place with troops and militias of the Syrian transitional government.
The SDF reported in the morning that their units had been attacked as they left Maskana. At the same time, members of the so-called Syrian army entered Deir Hafer before the SDF’s withdrawal had not yet been completed. This led to heavy fighting on several sections of the front.
Video footage from the region shows destroyed vehicles belonging to the attacking groups as well as scenes of intense fighting. According to the SDF, several government troops’ vehicles were put out of action. The SDF also reported “significant losses” on the part of the attackers.