The battle of Qarqozak Bridge and Tishreen Dam was fighting between the Kurdish-led and US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) loyal to the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) and the Turkish-backed former Syrian opposition fighters of the Syrian National Army (SNA) loyal to the Syrian Interim Government.

It occurred because of the strategic importance of the Qarqozak Bridge and Tishreen Dam.^{[citation needed]} Turkish-backed forces aimed to gain control of these critical infrastructure points to strengthen their position in the region. The SDF defended these areas to maintain their control and protect their territory. International interests and ongoing regional conflicts also influenced the battle, despite attempts at a ceasefire.

The battle erupted as the Turkish-backed fighters launched a comprehensive attack on the Qarqozak Bridge and Tishreen Dam from multiple axes, supported by air strikes. The SDF, supported by the Special Defense Force, defended these critical infrastructure points against the offensive.^[2]

Despite an armistice agreement brokered under American auspices and significant air support from over 20 Turkish AKINCI UCAVs, Kurdish sources reported that the SDF forces managed to hold their ground, repel the soldiers of Syrian National Army, and claimed to have inflict heavy losses on the attacking forces.^[3]

On 11 December 2024, the Turkish-backed forces initiated a large-scale attack, targeting the Tishreen Dam and Qarqozak Bridge with air and ground support. The SDF forces fought back, leading to heavy clashes.^{[4][non-primary source needed]}

Civilian impact; 1 civilian death reported, no specific names were provided.

On 12 December, intense fighting continued with the Turkish-backed fighters employing tanks, armored vehicles, and drones.^{[5][non-primary source needed]}

Civilian impact; 1 civilian injured reported due to Turkish airstrikes, no specific names were provided.

On 13 December, despite the ceasefire announcement, the SDF stated that its forces repelled the final wave of attacks, causing significant losses to the Turkish-backed forces and maintaining control over 'strategic locations'.^[6]

The battle was ongoing on 13 December, with Turkish artillery and airstrikes continuing to target the Qarqozak Bridge and Tishreen Dam. The SDF said its forces had prevented the Turkish-backed fighters from seizing control of these critical infrastructure points.^[7]

Civilian impact; 1 civilian death reported, no specific names were provided.

On 14 December, International Coalition forces moved towards Kobani Subdistrict, near Kayfun and Sirrin ash Shamaliyah.^{[8][non-primary source needed]}

Civilian impact; 1 civilian death, 3 civilian injuries reported, no specific names were provided.

On 15 – 17 December, the area was untouched by both sides as the International Coalition Force entered the area to patrol with armed vehicles and military trucks.

Civilian impact; 2 civilians killed in a cross fire, no specific names were provided. 5 civilians were possibly injured during the cross fire, however identities were unknown.

On 18 December, the SDF used snipers to target SNA figthers, while Turkish artillery continued to strike areas near Qaraqozak Bridge and Tishreen Dam.

Civilian impact; 1 civilian death confirmed, name was unknown.

On 19 December, clashes escalated as the SDF launched counterattacks against SNA positions near Qaraqozak Bridge, with Turkish air and artillery strikes continuing.

Civilian impact; 3 civilians injured, specific names were not provided.

On 20 - 23 December, the SNA launched a series of attacks on Tishreen Dam and Qaraqozak Bridge, but the SDF successfully repelled them, preventing any significant advances, while Turkish drones provided air support for the SNA.

Civilian impact; 4 civilians killed, including 2 children, and 8 civilians were injured. As for the deceased, no specific names were provided.

In December, the SDF said that the conflict had resulted in substantial casualties on both sides.^[9] The SDF said that the fighting highlights the strategic importance of the Qarqozak Bridge and Tishreen Dam to Kurdish forces.^[10]