HTS and Turkey launch attacks on US-backed Kurds in northeastern Syria

Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and Turkey have launched attacks against US-backed Kurdish forces in northeastern Syria after the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime. The offensive began over the weekend and has targeted at least three towns, including Manjib and Kobani. Turkey, which opposes Kurdish groups, has supported the Syrian National Army (SNA) in these attacks. The SNA claims its goal is to eliminate Kurdish autonomy, which it views as a separatist threat. HTS has also captured the city of Deir Ezzor from the Kurds. Kurdish forces, who are key allies of the US in the fight against ISIS, are concerned about potential ethnic cleansing as Turkish military movements toward Kobani intensify. Kurdish leaders are calling for US assistance to counter the advancing Turkish forces.