In a devastating incident on Friday, two members of an all-woman force in the northern Syrian city of Manbij were tragically killed in a Turkish drone strike. The Kurdish-led military council, associated with the Manbij Military Council, confirmed the incident, underscoring the increasing tensions in the region.

Reports indicate that a Turkish drone targeted a vehicle near Manbij, resulting in the tragic loss of two members of the Women’s Protection Units (YPJ). Additionally, two other individuals who were in the vehicle, including one man, sustained injuries in the attack. Initial reports had mistakenly indicated that three YPJ fighters had lost their lives in the attack.

As of now, Turkish authorities have not provided immediate comments or official statements regarding the drone attack.

The Women’s Protection Units (YPJ) are the all-female counterpart to the People’s Protection Units (YPG), which forms the backbone of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). These groups have played a crucial role in the fight against terrorism and the stabilization of the region.

Tensions have been escalating as Turkey and its Syrian mercenaries have intensified their attacks against Kurdish-led forces in Syria. The Kurds have accused Turkey of seizing the opportunity presented by recent clashes between some Arab tribes and the SDF in the eastern province of Deir ez-Zor to launch attacks on Kurdish-led forces in Manbij and other areas. Manbij, situated at a critical crossroad in northern Syria, has become a focal point in this ongoing conflict.

Turkey's stance on the YPG is rooted in its belief that the group is a Syrian offshoot of the Kurdistan Peoples’ Party (PKK), an armed organization advocating for increased Kurdish rights in Turkey. The PKK is designated as a terrorist organization by Ankara. Since 2016, Turkey has conducted three military operations in northern Syria, resulting in the occupation of key border towns, including Afrin, Sari Kani (Ras al-Ain), and Gire Spi (Tal Abyad).

The tragic loss of two YPJ fighters in the recent drone strike underscores the volatility of the situation in northern Syria, where Kurdish-led forces continue to face external pressures, raising concerns about regional stability and the safety of those involved in the conflict.