Wave of terrorist attacks in Syria’s Manbij kills 28 civilians since late December
A view of the scene after a terrorist attack with a bomb-laden vehicle, which killed at least 17 and injured 15 others, in Manbij, Aleppo, Syria on February 03, 2025. (AA Photo)
A series of terrorist attacks in Syria’s northern city of Manbij resulted in the deaths of at least 28 civilians, including women and children, since late December 2024.
The attacks, suspected to be carried out by the PKK/YPG terrorist group, have targeted civilian areas, including a kindergarten and local businesses, leaving at least 45 others injured.
Manbij under repeated attacks despite security efforts
Although Manbij was cleared of PKK/YPG terrorists in Operation Dawn of Freedom, led by the Syrian National Army (SNA) in December 2024, the city remains a target for ongoing terrorist attacks.
The first major incident occurred on Dec. 24, when a car bomb exploded in the city center, killing two people and injuring two others. Three days later, another car bomb attack near the Grand Mosque caused further casualties, though specific figures were not disclosed.
On Dec. 31, a mortar attack on Koshke village, near the Tishrin Dam, killed a woman and a child. In a separate incident, a landmine explosion in the same area claimed the life of a driver.
The attacks continued into January 2025, when two civilians were killed, and five were injured in a rocket attack on Arsh village on Jan. 21. Local sources attributed the attack to PKK/YPG terrorists operating from Tishrin Dam.
On Jan. 23, a car bomb explosion in southern Manbij left one civilian dead and seven others injured.
Escalation: 20 civilians killed in 2 days
The violence escalated further in February, with two major attacks occurring within 48 hours.
On Feb. 1, a bomb-laden vehicle detonated near a kindergarten in Rabita district, killing three civilians and wounding 15 others. Although no group claimed responsibility, local security forces pointed to the PKK/YPG as the likely perpetrators.
The most devastating attack came a day later when a car bomb explosion killed 17 civilians and injured 16 others. The victims included women working in agriculture and children.
Residents expressed fear and frustration as their city remains under threat. Khalid Denkez, a local resident, described the repeated attacks. “Civilians are dying constantly. We are suffering. They keep sending car bombs. They have no fear of God,” he said.
Survivors call for international attention
Among the affected residents, Muhammed Assaf, a shop owner in Rabita district, highlighted the devastating impact of the attacks.
Pointing to drawings on the kindergarten walls, “These pictures were drawn to make children smile. Now, they have turned into images of sorrow,” he said.
Assaf, whose store was damaged in the attack, explained how his business was destroyed while female customers were inside. “This place, where terrorists detonated a car bomb, was a workplace where people earned a living. We no longer feel safe here,” he said.
He also criticized the international community’s lack of response, “Look at this kindergarten. Even children are being targeted. Just look at the destruction here. Are we forgotten people?” he added.
With residents leaving Manbij due to increasing violence, Assaf issued a plea to the United Nations and international organizations for immediate intervention.
Qatar condemns terrorist attack in Manbij
The latest attack has drawn international condemnation, with Qatar’s Foreign Ministry issuing a statement on Feb. 3 denouncing the bombing in Manbij.
We strongly condemn the bombing in the city of Manbij in the Syrian Arab Republic,” the statement read.
Qatar Foreign Ministry
The ministry reaffirmed Qatar’s stance against all forms of violence and terrorism and expressed solidarity with the Syrian people while supporting efforts to restore peace and stability in the country.
