SDF forces continue to battle against the militias of the SNA, but little territory has changed hands. Discussions at various levels are ongoing, between each of the many players in this complicated and delicate situation. Mobilisation across the DAANES, too, continues apace, as people who have become used to free life prepare to take up arms to defend it if necessary.
However, for the time being, things have quietened down somewhat, so we will be reducing the frequency of these updates to fortnightly for now.
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Crisis in Syria
- Heavy fighting has continued between the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and Turkish-backed jihadist militias of the so-called ‘Syrian National Army’ (SNA), primarily in the countryside around the city of Manbij (a.k.a. Minbic). DAANES (a.k.a. Rojava) casualty figures as of the end of the week were reportedly 281: 178 SDF, 28 Asayish, 6 HRE, 69 civilians. The SDF managed to down a Turkish Bayraktar drone in remarkably good condition.
- The SNA continues to shell the countryside and main roads around the city of Kobane (a.k.a. Kobanî), but have so far not made an advance on the city itself. Turkish/SNA attacks have left the Tishreen Dam inoperable, with over 400,000 people now with limited or no water and electricity.
- SNA morale is reportedly low, and some groups have left the group to align with the new HTS-led government in Damascus.
- SDF–HTS negotiations about the role of the DAANES in the new Syria are ongoing.
- The US-led coalition has intensified its bombing against Daesh (a.k.a. ISIS, ISIL, Islamic State) targets in the deserts of central Syria, where they have been increasingly active.
- Rumours spread that US forces were planning to build a base within the city of Kobane, but these have been denied.
- A new campaign entitled “Drones for Rojava” has been launched, following demonstrations of how effective commercial and hobbyist drones can be militarily, both in this and other recent conflicts. Donations are only accepted via cryptocurrency, but instructions are provided at the link above.
- Heyva Sor continue to call for donations to support IDPs within Rojava.
- The DAANES continues to call for international reporters to visit Rojava and witness scenes on the ground. The ‘People’s Tribunal on Rojava v. Turkey’, which will take place in Brussels in February, is also inviting journalists to register to attend.
- Tekoşîna Anarşist (Anarchist Struggle) have launched an announcements-only Signal group for regular updates on the ground in Rojava. These updates are also published on their website.