A car bomb explosion in northern Syria has killed at least 20 people, most of them women, according to the Syrian presidency. The attack occurred on a main road in southern Manbij, targeting a flatbed truck carrying agricultural workers. The Syria Civil Defence, also known as the White Helmets, reported that at least 15 others were injured, some critically.
Attack Details and Rising Violence
The explosion took place as a truck carrying around 30 farmworkers passed by a vehicle filled with explosives. Among the victims were 11 women and three young girls. The Syrian government condemned the attack, calling it a “terrorist act” and promising to bring those responsible to justice.
No group has claimed responsibility for the bombing, which is the deadliest attack in the region since rebel forces overthrew President Bashar al-Assad in December. The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), a Kurdish-led alliance backed by the U.S., strongly condemned the attack, calling it a threat to Syria’s stability.
Tensions Between Rival Factions
Tensions remain high in Manbij, which has seen months of clashes between the SDF and the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army (SNA). The SDF has accused the SNA of using car bombings as a tactic in their ongoing battle. However, the SNA has not responded to the allegation. In contrast, the Turkey-based Syrian Islamic Council has blamed the SDF for the attack.
This bombing is the second in Manbij in just three days. A previous explosion on Saturday killed four people, including a woman and two children. The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that the blast occurred near an SNA military position and claimed nine lives, including several pro-Turkish fighters.
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Struggle for Control in Northern Syria
Manbij has been a focal point in the struggle for control in northern Syria. After the fall of the Assad regime, the SNA launched an offensive to seize territory west of the Euphrates River. The SDF had controlled the area since 2016 after driving out the Islamic State (IS). However, the SNA captured Manbij on December 9, forcing the SDF-affiliated Manbij Military Council to retreat.
Since then, the SDF has attempted to reclaim the city through a counteroffensive. Turkey, which views the Kurdish People’s Protection Units (YPG) as an extension of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), is determined to push the SDF away from its border. The conflict has led to ongoing violence, with both sides locked in fierce battles.
Talks Between SDF and Transitional Government
As violence escalates, Syria’s transitional government and the SDF are engaged in negotiations regarding the militia alliance’s future. SDF commander Mazloum Abdi recently met with President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Damascus. According to Abdi, discussions—mediated by Western diplomats—are focused on a decentralized, democratic Syria that respects the rights of all ethnic and religious groups.
When asked about disbanding the SDF, Abdi stated that the alliance wants to be integrated into Syria’s national defense strategy. However, the details remain unresolved. President Sharaa has previously emphasized the need for all armed groups to surrender their weapons under state control.
Uncertain Future for Syria
The recent bombings highlight the instability gripping northern Syria. As rival factions continue to battle for control, civilians remain caught in the crossfire. Whether diplomatic efforts can bring lasting peace remains uncertain, but for now, the region faces a dangerous and volatile future.
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