The Free Syrian Army (FSA), a rebel coalition backed by Turkey in northern Syria, has announced the initiation of a four-day ceasefire in the vicinity of Manbij, located northeast of Aleppo. The ceasefire, which commenced at 5 p.m. local time on Thursday and is scheduled to last until Monday, aims to de-escalate tensions in the region where the FSA has been engaged in conflict with the predominantly Kurdish Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).
As per the FSA, the terms of the agreement include the withdrawal of the SDF from Manbij city and its surrounding areas, with control to be handed over to a local council. Emphasizing the significance of all parties honoring the ceasefire, the FSA underscores the need for maintaining security and stability in the region during this period.
Following a delicate ceasefire brokered with the assistance of the United States on Tuesday, the SDF has begun its withdrawal from Manbij. The SDF expressed its commitment to the ceasefire agreement, citing the primary objective of safeguarding the safety and security of civilians in the area.
Despite the ceasefire in Manbij, clashes persist in other areas. The SDF reported ongoing confrontations near the Tishreen dam southeast of Manbij on Thursday. The SDF highlighted the intensity of the clashes, attributing them to Turkish warplanes, tanks, and allied groups, which they refer to as mercenaries.
The United States has expressed concerns over the conflict in northern Syria, fearing that the ongoing battles could jeopardize efforts to prevent the resurgence of the Islamic State terror organization in the region.
