The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) Media Center issued a statement confirming that they "successfully thwarted a large-scale attack by the Turkish occupation and its mercenaries on the southeastern countryside of Manbij."

The statement added: "On Thursday, 26 December, at 01:00 am, the Turkish occupation forces and their mercenaries launched a large-scale attack on the southeastern countryside of Manbij. The attack was supported by a large convoy of military vehicles, including two Turkish 'Panzer' armored vehicles, two armored military vehicles, a Toyota military vehicle, and a tank."

The statement continued: "Our forces showed strong resistance against the mercenaries. Fierce clashes erupted, lasting until 05:30 am, during which our forces destroyed an armored vehicle and a Toyota vehicle. The tank and other armored vehicles were also damaged. At least 12 mercenaries were confirmed eliminated, with four bodies of them remaining on the battlefield.

Under intense pressure from our forces, the mercenaries were forced to flee. Some sought refuge in an abandoned poultry building in the village of Tal Arish, in the southeastern countryside of Manbij. Our forces subsequently targeted this site with heavy weapons, inflicting further casualties among the mercenaries' ranks. The exact number of mercenaries casualties remains unknown.

In parallel with these clashes, our Martyr Haroun Units conducted four targeted strikes against mercenary gatherings and positions, resulting in additional casualties. Footage of these operations will be released later."