Opposition factions affiliated with the Ankara-backed Syrian National Army (SNA) have assigned recently formed military councils in the Aleppo countryside cities of Tel Rifaat and Manbij to lead military operations, in cooperation with Turkish forces, to liberate the two cities from the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). “In line with important military developments in northern Aleppo and preparations for the new military operation by SNA factions and Turkish forces to liberate Tal Rifaat and Manbij from the (SDF), the task of commanding military operations was entrusted to the recently formed military councils in these two cities,” said Adnan Abu Faisal, the leader of Manbij’s military council. According to Faisal, the military councils of Manbij and Tal Rifaat were given the task for their knowledge of the nature of the region. “The main objective is to lead the battle to liberate Tal Rifaat and Manbij from SDF forces in cooperation with ally Turkish forces,” said Faisal, adding that opposition forces will also seek protecting the two cities and their civilians from any sabotage operations or violations that may be carried out by groups or sabotage cells affiliated with unknown parties. Moreover, opposition forces will direct engineering teams to remove the remnants of war. Faisal pointed out that the population of Manbij is about 120,000 people, “most of whom are Arabs.” “All SNA factions have announced during the last hours their combat readiness, and they are waiting for the zero hour to launch the military operation, jointly with the Turkish forces, against the SDF,” said an opposition leader. Planned military operations against the SDF will take place in Manbij, Tal Rifaat and neighboring villages, the leader revealed. Local activists reported that “hundreds of civilians in the village of Awn al-Dadat in the northern countryside of Manbij, protested against the SDF.” Protesters denounced SDF practices and its continued planting of landmines in civilian areas.