Following the US decision to withdraw troops from Syria, the Turkish state has increased invasion attempts targeting Kurds. Invasion preparations around Manbij have been picked up by international press as well.

According to the AFP, Turkish government backed gangs have been fortifying their positions around Manbij. A gang spokesperson said they are making their final preparations against Manbij and argued that they are waiting for the political deals between Ankara and Washington.

Manbij Military Council Spokesperson Shervan Dervish said their forces have come to attention and added: “We are monitoring the increase in back up forces along the border.”

Dervish said “The International Coalition patrols are still in place, and nothing has changed,” and added: “We are ready to push back any and all attacks.”

Jaysh al-Thuwar General Command Deputy Ehmed el Sultan (Ebu Al-Arac) spoke to ANHA and said the Turkish state is preparing their gangs to attack Manbij, adding that they are ready to resist any and all attacks.

Ebu Al-Arac said a majority of Jaysh al-Thuwar has participated in the fight against ISIS alongside the SDF and stressed that the rest have been taking precautions against a possible Turkish state attack alongside the Manbij Military Council.

Ebu Al-Arac said the Turkish state is preparing the gangs in Idlib, Bab, Azaz and Afrin to attack Manbij and added that the people and defense forces in Manbij are ready for resistance.

Ebu Al-Arac said: “The people of the region have great faith in the Jaysh al-Thuwar and the Manbij Military Council for the defense of the region. We will defend the people, like we liberated the city from ISIS gangs. The people also insist on resisting alongside the defense forces.”