On January 5, 2025, ongoing clashes between Turkish-backed factions and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in the countryside of Manbij, northern Syria, have resulted in over 100 fatalities within two days. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, the casualties include 85 from Turkish-backed factions and 16 from the SDF and its affiliated military formations.
The fighting has primarily concentrated in the southern and southeastern rural areas of Manbij in Aleppo province. The SDF announced that it has thwarted all attacks supported by Turkish airstrikes on regions east and south of Manbij.
In parallel, a Turkish-backed offensive against Kurdish forces has been ongoing since late November, with the aim of capturing strategic areas including Tel Rifaat and Manbij. Despite a declared ceasefire, clashes continue in the region.
Meanwhile, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan stated that the new Syrian leadership is committed to eliminating separatists, emphasizing the need for unity within the country. The Turkish Ministry of Defense reported that its operations in northern Syria have neutralized 32 members of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK).
In a separate development, Syrian Finance Minister Mohammad Abazeid announced on January 5, 2025, that the new government plans to increase public sector salaries by 400% next month as part of administrative restructuring aimed at enhancing efficiency and accountability. The salary increase is estimated to cost approximately 1.65 trillion Syrian pounds (around $127 million) and will be funded through the current state budget, regional aid, and new investments.
Abazeid described these measures as a first step towards addressing the economic crisis that has plagued Syria for over a decade. The government also aims to recover frozen assets abroad to support initial government expenses.
Additionally, the new Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Sheibani called for the lifting of US sanctions imposed on Syria, arguing that they hinder recovery efforts. He made these comments during a visit to Qatar, where he met with officials to discuss cooperation and support for Syria's stability.
In a related security incident, explosions were reported in ammunition depots previously belonging to the Syrian army near Damascus. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights suggested that these explosions may have been caused by Israeli airstrikes, although the Israeli military denied involvement.