Daesh claimed responsibility on Saturday for an attack near the city of Manbij in Syria’s northeastern Aleppo province, an assault that the Syrian Defense Ministry said killed two soldiers. The militant group made the claim in a statement on its Telegram channel, though Reuters could not independently verify the assertion.
Attack Details and Official Response
Earlier on Saturday, the Syrian Defense Ministry reported that two soldiers had been killed by unidentified assailants near Manbij but provided no further details. The attack is the latest in a series of assaults claimed by Daesh since February, when the militant group announced what it described as a new phase of operations against the government of President Ahmed Al-Sharaa.
The Syrian government has expanded its control in parts of northern and eastern Syria, while US forces have begun withdrawing from some positions in the country’s northeast, according to Syrian military and security sources.
Context of Increasing Violence
Since February, Daesh has intensified its attacks, targeting Syrian military positions and checkpoints. The group’s claim of responsibility for the Manbij attack underscores its continued operational capability despite territorial losses in previous years. The Syrian government, backed by allies, has been working to consolidate control in regions previously held by opposition forces and extremist groups.
The US withdrawal from some positions in northeastern Syria has raised concerns about a security vacuum that could benefit militant groups. Syrian military sources indicate that government forces are stepping up patrols and security measures in areas near the Turkish border, including Manbij.
Impact on Regional Stability
The attack near Manbij highlights the fragile security situation in northern Syria. The region has seen sporadic violence since the end of major combat operations against Daesh, with sleeper cells occasionally carrying out hit-and-run attacks. The Syrian government’s efforts to assert control have been met with resistance from various armed groups, including remnants of Daesh and other factions.
According to local sources, the two soldiers were killed when their vehicle was ambushed on a road outside Manbij. The attackers fled the scene before security forces arrived. No other casualties were reported.
