Rojava–Islamist conflict

Since the end of the Battle of Ras al-Ayn, the city was divided between an Arab-controlled western part and a Kurdish-controlled eastern part.{{cite web|url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/talking-disneyworld-with-terrorists-in-syria/|title=Chatting About 'Game of Thrones' with Syria's Most Feared Islamic Militants - VICE United States|work=VICE|date=7 May 2013 |access-date=5 November 2014}} On 16 July, members of the al-Nusra Front attacked a Women's Protection Units (YPJ) patrol. They detained the driver; two female fighters managed to escape. In response to this attack, the People's Protection Units (YPG) brought reinforcements from al-Derbasiya while al-Nusra had sent 200 fighters as reinforcements a few days before.{{cite web|url=http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2013/07/fighting-al-qaeda-kurdish-forces-in-syria.html|title=Clashes Re-Erupt|access-date=19 September 2014|publisher=Al Monitor|date=16 July 2013|author=Wladimir van Wilgenburg}}

{{Further|YPG–FSA relations}}

{{See also|Inter-rebel conflict during the Syrian Civil War}}

On 28 January, Arab tribesmen attacked the homes of Christian Armenians and Assyrians in the village of ad-Dalawiyah ({{convert|25|km|mi}} south of Qamishli) and attempted to steal their harvest. The Assyrian Democratic Organization condemned the attacks, characterising them as "foreign deeds". Islamist rebels repeatedly called for Christians in the province to leave.{{cite news|url=http://www.kurdwatch.org/?aid=2751&z=en&cure=1009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130728080626/http://www.kurdwatch.org/?aid=2751&z=en&cure=1009|url-status=usurped|archive-date=July 28, 2013|title=Al-Hasakah: Arab tribe members attack Christians|date=9 February 2013|publisher=KurdWatch|access-date=10 February 2013}}

On 16 July, the Kana'is street (where the YPG was positioned) and the al-Mahatta neighborhood (where al-Nusra was positioned) witnessed clashes. A few hours later, the YPG took control of the headquarters of al-Nusra and released the fighter al-Nusra had kidnapped.{{cite web |url=http://supportkurds.org/news/tuesday-16-july-2013/|title=Serekaniye Clashes |access-date=25 January 2017 |quote=Support Kurds in Syria – SKS |date=16 July 2013}}

On 17 July, Kurdish fighters expelled the jihadists from the town of Ras al-Ayn after a night of fighting{{cite news|url=https://now.mmedia.me/lb/en/nowsyrialatestnews/jihadists-expelled-from-flashpoint-kurdish-syrian-town-ngo-says|title=Jihadists expelled from flashpoint Kurdish Syrian town, NGO says|date=17 July 2013|access-date=19 September 2014|agency=AFP|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141026090931/https://now.mmedia.me/lb/en/nowsyrialatestnews/jihadists-expelled-from-flashpoint-kurdish-syrian-town-ngo-says|archive-date=26 October 2014}} and soon after took control of the border crossing with Turkey.AFP, [http://www.lorientlejour.com/article/824072/syrie-les-kurdes-infligent-une-cuisante-defaite-aux-jihadistes.html "Syrie: les Kurdes infligent une cuisante défaite aux jihadistes"], L'Orient le Jour, 17 July 2013. Islamist forces retreated from Ras al-Ayn to Tal Half, Asfar and Najar which were under rebel control.{{cite web|url=http://supportkurds.org/news/wednesday-17-july-2013/|title=YPG clears Serekaniye of armed groups|access-date=19 September 2014|publisher=Support Kurds in Syria|date=17 July 2013}} Eleven people were killed during the fighting, including nine jihadist and two Kurdish fighters.{{cite web|url=http://www.businessweek.com/news/2013-07-17/syrian-kurds-expel-radical-islamists-from-town-activist-says|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130822020151/http://www.businessweek.com/news/2013-07-17/syrian-kurds-expel-radical-islamists-from-town-activist-says|url-status=dead|archive-date=August 22, 2013|title=Syrian Kurds Expel Radical Islamists From Town|work=BusinessWeek|date=17 July 2013|access-date=19 September 2014}}

On 19 July, the YPG captured the village of Tal A'lo.{{cite web|url=http://supportkurds.org/news/friday-19-july-2013/|title=Friday 19 July 2013|date=20 July 2013 |access-date=21 September 2014|publisher=Support Kurds in Syria}} Fighting was still continuing in Karhouk and A'li Agha.{{cite web|url=http://vvanwilgenburg.blogspot.com/2013/07/syrian-observatory-for-human-rights.html|title=Syrian Observatory for Human Rights Reports On PKK-Qaida Fight|access-date=21 September 2014}} The next day, Kurdish fighters captured an al-Nusra checkpoint near the contested villages. By this point, 35 jihadist and 19 YPG fighters had been killed in the fighting.{{cite web|url=https://www.foxnews.com/world/syria-kurds-expel-jihadists-seize-weapons-ngo/|title=Syria Kurds expel jihadists, seize weapons: NGO|publisher=Fox News|date=20 July 2013|access-date=21 September 2014}}

By the end of July 2013, IS and al-Nusra expelled Jabhat al-Akrad and the YPG from the border town of Tell Abyad after weeks of fighting which displaced thousands of civilians.{{cite web|url=http://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/A-HRC-27-CRP1_en.pdf|title=Selected testimonies from victims of the Syrian conflict|work=Human Rights Council|date=16 September 2014}}

On 1 August, IS declared the start of the siege of Kobanî, or Ayn al-Arab where the headquarters of the YPG is located. The area surrounding Kobani was then blocked on all sides by IS and the Turks.{{cite web |url=http://www.rihabnews.com/%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AC%D9%8A%D8%B4-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AD%D8%B1-%D9%8A%D8%B9%D9%84%D9%86-%D8%A8%D8%AF%D8%A1-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AD%D8%B5%D8%A7%D8%B1-%D9%84%D9%85%D8%AF%D9%8A%D9%86%D8%A9-%D8%B9%D9%8A%D9%86/ |title="اŮ"Řźůšř´ اŮ"ŘŘą" Ůšřšů"ن بؿřą اŮ"ŘŘľř§Řą Ů"Ů…Řżůšů†Řš "Řšůšů† Řšřąř¨".. ŮˆŘłůš ءعů Ůšř¨Řąů… Řľřşů اŮ'Ůšř§Řş Ů…Řš اŮ"Ů€Pkk Ů‡Ůˆ Řžř§Řśů† Ů"Ů"ه ŮˆŘ§Ů"ŘąřłůˆŮ" ŮˆŮ"Řźů…اؚřš اŮ"Ů…Řłů"Ů…Ůšů† | Řąřاب نٚůˆŘ˛ Rihab News |publisher=Rihabnews.com |date=2013-08-01 |access-date=2013-11-08 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20131028004447/http://www.rihabnews.com/%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AC%D9%8A%D8%B4-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AD%D8%B1-%D9%8A%D8%B9%D9%84%D9%86-%D8%A8%D8%AF%D8%A1-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AD%D8%B5%D8%A7%D8%B1-%D9%84%D9%85%D8%AF%D9%8A%D9%86%D8%A9-%D8%B9%D9%8A%D9%86/ |archive-date=2013-10-28 }}

By August 28, Islamist and Kurdish forces were battling for control of the town of Yarubiya on the Iraq–Syria border. Islamists had captured further territory from the Kurds in Aleppo and Raqqa provinces; while in Aleppo, Islamists alongside rebel forces were ethnically cleansing Kurds from towns in the countryside and massacring them, leading to a mass migration of civilians to the town of Afrin.{{cite web|url=https://foreignpolicy.com/articles/2013/08/28/the_civil_war_within_syria_s_civil_war_kurdish_fighters |title=The Civil War Within Syria's Civil War|first1=Harald|last1=Doornbos|author-link1=Harald Doornbos|first2=Jenan |last2=Moussa |author-link2=Jenan Moussa| work=Foreign Policy |date=2013-08-28 |access-date=2013-11-08}}

On 17 September, in the Al-Hasakah Governorate, Fighting broke out between Kurdish fighters and Islamist fighters in A'louk village that lies east of Ras al-A'in while fighting still took place near the town of al-Ya'rubiya. On 18 September, YPG took control of A'louk after four days of fighting that killed 20 people.{{cite news|url=http://www.lorientlejour.com/article/833671/syrie-les-kurdes-chassent-des-jihadistes-dun-village-du-nord-est.html |title=Syrie: les Kurdes chassent des jihadistes d'un village du nord-est |work=L'Orient-Le Jour |date=2013-09-18 |access-date=2013-11-08}}

On 26 September, rebels from the Free Syrian Army and Trotskyists of the Leon Sedov Brigade{{cite web|url=https://medium.com/@badly_xeroxed/the-trotskyist-le%C3%B3n-sedov-brigade-in-the-syrian-revolution-bf6ebf5ae851|title=The Trotskyist León Sedov Brigade in the Syrian Revolution|first=Cody|last=Roche|date=5 December 2017|publisher=Medium|accessdate=5 November 2018|archive-date=15 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190415040207/https://medium.com/%40badly_xeroxed/the-trotskyist-le%C3%B3n-sedov-brigade-in-the-syrian-revolution-bf6ebf5ae851|url-status=dead}} joined IS in clashes with YPG forces around the town of Atma, on the Turkish border. FSA units were said to have brought heavy artillery to the battle to push back Kurdish snipers while Kurdish tanks were firing at Atma. Arab rebel artillery was launched at the town of Jindires.{{cite web|url=http://in.reuters.com/article/syria-crisis-kurds-idINL5N0HM3M220130926 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160307034738/http://in.reuters.com/article/syria-crisis-kurds-idINL5N0HM3M220130926 |url-status=dead |archive-date=March 7, 2016 |title=Arabs battle Syrian Kurds as Assad's foes fragment |publisher=Reuters |date=27 September 2013}}

On 29 September, multiple bombers attacked Erbil, the capital of Iraqi Kurdistan. Six people were killed and more than 40 were injured. The IS later claimed responsibility and stated the attacks were retaliation for Masoud Barzani's stated intention of intervening in Syria on behalf of the Syrian Kurds.{{cite web|url=http://rudaw.net/english/kurdistan/290920131|title= 6 Killed and Dozens Injured in Erbil Suicide Attacks |publisher=Rudaw |date=29 September 2013}}

On 26 October the YPG took control of the al-Yaarubiyah border crossing with Iraq{{cite news|title=Kurds rout Syria jihadists on Iraq border: activists |url=http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2013/Oct-26/235860-syria-kurds-take-iraq-border-post-from-jihadists-monitor.ashx|access-date=26 October 2013|newspaper=The Daily Star|date=26 October 2013}} as well as the town itself.[http://rudaw.net/english/kurdistan/26102013 "Kurdish Fighters Gain Control of Syria-Iraq Border Town"], Rudaw.net

On 28 October, IS front in the oil-rich Çil Axa region completely collapsed. The YPG captured the villages of Girhok, Yusufiyê, Sefa, Cinêdiyê, Girê Fatê, Ebû Hecer and Mezraa Kelem while remnants of IS forces fled to Tal Hamis and Tal Brak.{{cite web|url=http://www.hawarnews.com/kurdi/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=5405:operasyona-ypge-didome-5-gund-hatin-rizgarkirin-lezgin&catid=39:manet|title=Operasyona YPG'ê didome: 6 gund hatin rizgarkirin – HATE NÛKIRIN|website=Hawar News Agency|access-date=5 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141223125036/http://www.hawarnews.com/kurdi/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=5405:operasyona-ypge-didome-5-gund-hatin-rizgarkirin-lezgin&catid=39:manet|archive-date=23 December 2014|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}

On 2 November, Kurdish forces launched an offensive called the "Serekeniye Martyrs' Offensive", with the aim of consolidating their control of Hasaka province by pushing jihadist forces out of the area surrounding Ras al-Ayn.{{cite web|url=https://www.iswresearch.org/2013/11/the-serekeniye-martyr-offensive-kurds.html|title=The Serekeniye Martyr's Offensive: Kurds Consolidate Control in Hasaka|access-date=9 January 2025}}

On 6 November, in Hasakah province, the YPG took over two villages west of Tall Tamer, on the highway to Aleppo, after clashes with IS, Jabhat Al-Nusra and allied rebel groups. The towns the YPG had taken over were Ghebesh and Tal Shemarin, which are inhabited by Assyrians.{{cite web|url=http://supportkurds.org/news/thursday-7-november-2013/|title=Thursday 7 November 2013|date=8 November 2013 |access-date=5 November 2014}} By this point, YPG forces had captured a total of 40 towns and villages in the offensive.{{cite web|url=http://en.firatajans.com/news/news/ypg-liberated-two-villages-in-til-temir.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131201021642/http://en.firatajans.com/news/news/ypg-liberated-two-villages-in-til-temir.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=1 December 2013|title=YPG liberated Til Temir|access-date=20 September 2014}}

On 13 November, following major gains by the YPG, the PYD announced plans to create an autonomous transitional government to run the Kurdish-majority northeast of Syria. The plans were announced after a meeting in Qamishli that also involved Christian and Arab groups. The plan called for the creation of a parliament of 82 members elected from three cantons across the region. Kurdish officials also stated that the region would continue to be managed autonomously regardless of events elsewhere. In Raqqa province, rebel fighters launched domestically manufactured rockets on the villages of Kandar and Abdi Kawi which were under the control of the YPG.{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/syrias-kurds-move-towards-autonomy-with-announcement-of-transitional-government-8935441.html|title=Syria's Kurds move towards autonomy with announcement of transitional government|access-date=20 September 2014}}

On 28 November, in Al-Hasakah province, YPG fighters took of three villages (Rokoba, A'wja, and Tal Maghas) which lie on the Tal Tamer-Hasaka road after violent clashes with IS, al-Nusra and several rebel battalions.{{cite web|url=http://syriahr.com/en/index.php?option=com_news&nid=1217&Itemid=2&task=displaynews#.UqcUbVO0zXQ|title=YPG fighters took hold of 3 more villages|access-date=20 September 2014}}

During the night of 26/27 December, the YPG launched an offensive on jihadist-controlled areas between Hasakah and Qamishli, during which they took Tell Brak District.

On 1 January 2014, the YPG battled the Islamists in Tell Brak, but were not able to capture the town. The battle caused 39 YPG and 21 Islamist fatalities.{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-syria-crisis-town-idUSBREA1L0IJ20140222|title=Tal Brak Takeover|newspaper=Reuters|date=22 February 2014|access-date=19 September 2014}}

On 24 January, jihadist forces attacked the YPG-held town of Manajeer in the Al-Hasakah Governorate. However, after four days of fighting, their attack was repelled. Twenty-three Islamist and three Kurdish fighters were killed. During the fighting, the YPG also captured at least one tank from the jihadists.{{cite web|url=http://vvanwilgenburg.blogspot.co.at/2014/01/ypg-captures-manajir-from-isis.html|title=YPG successfully defends Manajir from ISIS|access-date=20 September 2014}}

On 1 February, it was reported that the YPG launched an offensive against IS bases in Tell Abyad.{{cite web|url=http://www.hawarnews.com/english/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=951:ypg-launches-operation-against-isis-in-til-ebyed&catid=1:news&Itemid=2|title=YPG Til Ebeyd Operation|publisher=Hawar News Agency|access-date=20 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140323033741/http://www.hawarnews.com/english/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=951:ypg-launches-operation-against-isis-in-til-ebyed&catid=1:news&Itemid=2|archive-date=23 March 2014|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}

On 3 February, the YPG claimed to have killed 8 IS fighters, including a commander, during clashes in Girê Spî.{{cite web|url=http://www.hawarnews.com/english/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=957:clashes-in-gire-spi-8-isis-members-killed&catid=1:news&Itemid=2|publisher=Hawar News Agency|title=Gire Spi Clashes|access-date=20 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140323033858/http://www.hawarnews.com/english/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=957:clashes-in-gire-spi-8-isis-members-killed&catid=1:news&Itemid=2|archive-date=23 March 2014|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}

On 15 February, the YPG (supported by the Shammar tribe) launched an offensive against IS in the Tell Hamis area. Two days later, the YPG claimed to have killed "many" IS fighters and captured 30 of them, in addition to capturing five military vehicles and a large amount of weaponry during the operation.{{cite web|url=http://www.hawarnews.com/english/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1047:ypg-30-gang-members-captured-in-operations&catid=1:news&Itemid=2|publisher=Hawar News Agency|title=30 ISIS Fighters Captured|access-date=20 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141220084956/http://www.hawarnews.com/english/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1047:ypg-30-gang-members-captured-in-operations&catid=1:news&Itemid=2|archive-date=20 December 2014|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}

On 23 February, a predawn raid by the YPG captured Tell Brak, which lies in a strategic position between Al-Hasakah and Qamishli.

On 26 February, the YPG announced it had halted all its military operations in the Kurdish-controlled regions but warned its enemies that it would respond to every hostile action on Kurdish soil.{{cite web|url=http://www.hawarnews.com/english/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1094:gang-groups-attacking-til-meruf-&catid=1:news&Itemid=2|title=Til Meruf Under Attack|publisher=Hawar News Agency|access-date=20 September 2014|date=27 February 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140408014656/http://www.hawarnews.com/english/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1094:gang-groups-attacking-til-meruf-&catid=1:news&Itemid=2|archive-date=8 April 2014|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}} The next day, IS launched an attack on Til Merûf which was eventually repelled by the YPG. According to the YPG, 16 IS fighters were killed in the clashes.{{cite web|url=http://www.hawarnews.com/english/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1106:ypg-pushed-back-gangs-in-til-meruf-13-gangs-killed&catid=1:news&Itemid=2|title=Til Meruf Fighting|publisher=Hawar News Agency|access-date=20 September 2014|date=2 March 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141220085006/http://www.hawarnews.com/english/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1106:ypg-pushed-back-gangs-in-til-meruf-13-gangs-killed&catid=1:news&Itemid=2|archive-date=20 December 2014|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}

On 1 March, IS attacked villages around Tell Abyad but the attack was repelled and left one IS fighter killed, according to the YPG.{{cite web|url=http://www.hawarnews.com/english/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1101:isis-attacked-til-ebyeds-villages&catid=1:news&Itemid=2|publisher=Hawar News Agency|date=1 March 2014|title=2 ISIS attacked Til Ebyed's villages|access-date=20 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140924044730/http://www.hawarnews.com/english/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1101:isis-attacked-til-ebyeds-villages&catid=1:news&Itemid=2|archive-date=24 September 2014|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}} On 6 March, the YPG claimed to have killed 16 IS fighters and destroyed a "military vehicle" in Tell Abyad.{{cite web|url=http://www.hawarnews.com/english/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1138:16-isis-gangs-killed-in-til-ebyad&catid=1:news&Itemid=2|title=16 ISIS gangs killed in Til Ebyad|date=6 March 2014|publisher=Hawar News Agency|access-date=20 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140924050821/http://www.hawarnews.com/english/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1138:16-isis-gangs-killed-in-til-ebyad&catid=1:news&Itemid=2|archive-date=24 September 2014|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}

On 11 March, IS captured the town of Sîrîn{{cite web|url=http://www.hawarnews.com/english/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1162:isis-seizes-sirin&catid=1:news&Itemid=2|date=11 March 2014|title=ISIS seizes Sîrîn|publisher=Hawar News Agency|access-date=20 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140924051746/http://www.hawarnews.com/english/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1162:isis-seizes-sirin&catid=1:news&Itemid=2|archive-date=24 September 2014|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}} and attacked the Al-Hadaya Hotel in the city of Qamishli with suicide bombs, killing nine Kurdish civilians.{{cite web|url=http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2014/03/isis-attacks-kurdish-capital.html|title=ISIS suicide attacks target Syrian Kurdish capital|publisher=Al Monitor|author=Wladimir van Wilgenburg|date=13 March 2014|access-date=21 September 2014}} SOHR also reported that IS executed 25 Kurds (including 14 fighters) in the Al-Sheyokh area, near Jarabulus.{{cite web|url=http://syriahr.com/en/index.php?option=com_news&nid=1977&Itemid=2&task=displaynews#.Uy4gDPldWkE|title=Violent clashes between ISIS and YPG taking place in Raqqa|date=22 March 2014|access-date=20 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140323021159/http://syriahr.com/en/index.php?option=com_news&nid=1977&Itemid=2&task=displaynews#.VES-osmQjzI|archive-date=March 23, 2014}} On 13 March, IS (according to local sources) captured the Qereqozak Bridge and some strategic areas near the Tomb of Suleyman Shah in Kobanê after clashes with Kurdish fighters.{{cite web|url=http://www.hawarnews.com/english/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1177:isis-gangs-seized-qereqozaq-bridge-in-kobane&catid=1:news&Itemid=2|title=ISIS gangs seized Qereqozaq Bridge in Kobanê|access-date=20 September 2014|publisher=Hawar News Agency|date=13 March 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140924054505/http://www.hawarnews.com/english/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1177:isis-gangs-seized-qereqozaq-bridge-in-kobane&catid=1:news&Itemid=2|archive-date=24 September 2014|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}} On 14 March, Kurdish sources claimed that the YPG and allied forces killed 35 IS fighters in clashes in the countryside of southern Kobanî Canton, which erupted after IS launched an unsuccessful attack towards the Serriin silos.{{cite web|url=http://www.hawarnews.com/english/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1182:y-p-g-35-daesh-elements-killed&catid=1:news&Itemid=2|title=Y P G: 35 Daesh elements killed|access-date=20 September 2014|publisher=Hawar News Agency|date=14 March 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140924055103/http://www.hawarnews.com/english/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1182:y-p-g-35-daesh-elements-killed&catid=1:news&Itemid=2|archive-date=24 September 2014|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}

On 17 March, heavy clashes erupted between the YPG and IS near the Qereqozak Bridge in Kobanê. The YPG claimed to have killed 40 IS fighters.{{cite web|url=http://www.hawarnews.com/english/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1192:clashes-continue-in-kobane-40-isis-members-killed&catid=6:manet|title=Clashes continue in Kobanê: 40 ISIS members killed|publisher=Hawar News Agency|access-date=20 September 2014|date=17 March 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140924051030/http://www.hawarnews.com/english/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1192:clashes-continue-in-kobane-40-isis-members-killed&catid=6:manet|archive-date=24 September 2014|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}} On 19 March, the YPG captured Tell Henzir village.{{cite web|url=http://www.hawarnews.com/english/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1204:ypg-liberated-til-xenzir&catid=1:news&Itemid=2|title=YPG liberated Til Xenzîr|access-date=20 September 2014|publisher=Hawar News Agency|date=19 March 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140924044813/http://www.hawarnews.com/english/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1204:ypg-liberated-til-xenzir&catid=1:news&Itemid=2|archive-date=24 September 2014|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}} The next day, the YPG also took control of Tell Henzir, Tell Xezal Miço, Ferisa Şerabiyan, Ferisa Sofiyan, Ferisa Dişo, Tell Boğan and Tell Meha. It was also stated that 32 IS fighters were killed in the clashes.{{cite web|url=http://www.hawarnews.com/english/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1207:another-town-liberated-by-ypg-forces&catid=1:news&Itemid=2|date=20 March 2014|title=Another town liberated by YPG Forces|publisher=Hawar News Agency|access-date=20 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140924054237/http://www.hawarnews.com/english/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1207:another-town-liberated-by-ypg-forces&catid=1:news&Itemid=2|archive-date=24 September 2014|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}

On 22 March, SOHR reported heavy clashes between IS and the YPG around many villages in the western countryside of Tell Abyad, which resulted in the fleeing of mainly Kurdish refugees from the western countryside of Tell Abyad and surrounding areas to Turkey.

On 1 April, IS laid siege to Kobanê from three flanks, and launched an artillery attack from Zor Mughar. The YPG ambushed IS forces at Kendal, east of Kobanê, killing 12 Azeri IS fighters and their Kurdish commander.{{cite web|url=http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/security/2014/04/isis-kurd-syria-fighting-fall-kobani-ain-al-arab.html|title=Syrian Kurds appeal for help to prevent fall of Ain al-Arab|access-date=20 September 2014|publisher=Al Monitor|date=4 April 2014|author=Fehim Tastekin}} Fighting raged in Zor Mughar and Kharab Atto while YPG fighters cut off all the roads leading to Kobanê from the western side, starting from the villages of Ta'lk, Derbazin and al-Qanaya, to prevent potential attacks by IS fighters against the city.{{cite web|url=https://exp.eurosptp.com/page.php|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140406004752/http://www.aranews.org/en/home/kurdish-region/1205-fresh-surge-of-violence-hit-kobane-city,-north-syria.html|url-status=dead|title=EurosPTP - Gagnez de l'argent facilement EXP|archive-date=April 6, 2014|website=exp.eurosptp.com}} Despite YPG control of the hills around Sirrin, IS forces, backed up by tanks, captured two grain silos and seized the village of Tal al-Bawgha.

The YPG, the Euphrates Islamic Liberation Front, Liwa Ahrar Souriya and the Liwa Thuwwar al-Raqqa worked together against IS in Kobanê.{{cite web|url=http://the-arab-chronicle.com/dialogue-collaboration-syria-kurds-rebels/|title=A new dialogue and collaboration in northern Syria between kurds and rebels|work=The Arab Chronicle|date=5 March 2014|access-date=22 May 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141012110623/http://the-arab-chronicle.com/dialogue-collaboration-syria-kurds-rebels/|archive-date=12 October 2014}} The YPG also co-operated with the Farouq Brigades and the Liwa Thuwwar al-Raqqa in Raqqa Governorate in operations against IS.

On 29 May, it was reported that IS killed dozens of civilians in raids on several villages in the Ras al-Ayn region of Al-Hasakah province, with the retrieval of at least 15 bodies, including seven children.{{cite web|url=http://en.firatajans.com/news/news/isis-raid-serekaniye-villages-new.htm|title=ISIS raid Serêkaniyê villages|access-date=20 September 2014|publisher=Firatnews.com}}

On 30 May, IS kidnapped 193 Kurdish civilians between the ages of 17 and 70 from the village of Qabasin near al-Bab. On the same day, they seized up to 186 Kurdish students who had been traveling from the Kobani region to Aleppo to complete exams.{{cite web|url=http://www.iol.co.za/news/world/nearly-200-kurds-kidnapped-in-syria-1.1696707#.VBx0YFeM1uR|title=Nearly 200 Kurds kidnapped in Syria|access-date=19 September 2014|publisher=iol news|date=30 May 2014}} The teenagers were reportedly sent to religious schools in Minjeb where they were subjected to Salafist indoctrination.{{cite web|author=James Harkin|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jun/26/186-kurdish-students-kidnapped-isis-syria|title=Up to 186 Kurdish students kidnapped by Isis in northern Syria|work=The Guardian|date=26 June 2014|access-date=20 September 2014}}

On 4 July, using weapons captured in Iraq, IS seized the villages of Zor Maghar, Al-Zyara, and Bayadiyah, near the city of Kobanî, after three days of fighting with YPG forces.{{cite news|url=https://news.yahoo.com/jihadists-control-main-syria-oilfields-ngo-153817349.html|agency=AFP|date=4 July 2014|publisher=Yahoo! News|title=Jihadists control all main Syria oilfields: NGO|access-date=20 September 2014}}

On 9 July, IS advanced towards Kobanî from the east, forcing the YPG to withdraw from the villages of Abdi, Kwi, Kendal, Kri and Sor.{{cite web|url=http://syriahr.com/index.php?option=com_news&nid=20846&Itemid=2&task=displaynews#.U74y0fldWSq|title=المرصد السورى لحقوق الإنسان - المرصد السورى لحقوق الإنسان|work=المرصد السورى لحقوق الإنسان|date=30 September 2024 }} The clashes led to the deaths of 18 Kurdish fighters.{{cite web|url=http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2014/Jul-11/263481-isis-steps-up-assault-on-kurds-in-syrias-north.ashx#axzz37PLIjESg|title=ISIS steps up assault on Kurds in Syria's north|work=Daily Star|date=11 July 2014|access-date=20 September 2014}}

On 14 July, the PYD issued a regional call to arms for all Kurds to assist in defending Kobanî. Kurdish militants from the PKK crossed from Turkey to reinforce YPG defensive positions. By this time, at least 10 villages had fallen to IS, who had begun to lob mortars at Kobanî. At least two PKK fighters were killed while defending the canton.{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-syria-crisis-kurds-idUSKBN0FJ2A820140714|title=Kurds go to Syria from Turkey to fight Islamists|publisher=Reuters|date=14 July 2014|access-date=20 September 2014}}

By the end of July, according to the PYD, IS offensive against Kobanî had been repelled, with 685 IS fighters being killed.{{cite web|url=http://rudaw.net/english/middleeast/syria/03082014|title=YPG: Nearly 700 Islamic Militants Killed in Kobanê Fighting in July|publisher=Rudaw.net|date=3 August 2014|access-date=20 September 2014}}

{{Main|Siege of Kobanî}}

File:Siege of Kobane.svg

File:Wien - Kobane-Demo 2014-10-10 - V.jpg, Austria, 10 October 2014]]

On 17 September, following the capture of a strategic bridge over the Euphrates,{{cite web|url=https://online.wsj.com/articles/thousands-of-syrian-kurds-flee-islamic-state-fighters-into-turkey-1411151657|title=Thousands of Syrian Kurds Flee Islamic State Fighters Into Turkey|access-date=20 September 2014|work=Wall Street Journal|date=19 September 2014|author1=Ayla Albayrak |author2=Joe Parkinson |author3=David Gauthier-Villars}} IS launched a large offensive using tanks, rockets and artillery in the direction of Kobanî, and within 24 hours captured 21 Kurdish villages. The advance left Kobanî encircled by IS forces.{{cite web|url=https://www.voanews.com/a/islamic-state-fighters-seize-syrian-villages/2453910.html|title=In Major Assault, IS Fighters Seize Kurdish Villages in Syria|work=VOA|date=18 September 2014 |access-date=5 November 2014}}

On 19 September, IS captured 39 more villages,{{cite web|url=http://q13fox.com/2014/09/19/syrian-kurds-warn-of-mounting-crisis-as-isis-advances-takes-more-villages/|title=Syrian Kurds warn of mounting crisis as ISIS advances, takes more villages|date=19 September 2014|access-date=20 September 2014}} bringing their forces within 20 kilometers of Kobanî.{{cite web|url=http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/kurdish-leader-urges-world-to-protect-syrian-town-from-islamic-state/40789514|title=Kurdish leader urges world to protect Syrian town from Islamic State|access-date=20 September 2014|archive-date=24 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140924041535/http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/kurdish-leader-urges-world-to-protect-syrian-town-from-islamic-state/40789514|url-status=dead}} Forty-five thousand refugees crossed into Turkey, fearing the region would become part of IS,{{cite web|url=http://www.euronews.com/newswires/2699412-turkish-deputy-pm-says-45000-syrian-kurds-enter-turkey-fleeing-islamic-state-advance/|title=45.000 Refugees|access-date=20 September 2014}} while a number of refugees were stopped at the border and ordered to return to Kobanî by Turkish authorities.{{cite web|url=http://www.euronews.com/2014/09/19/thousands-of-syrians-seek-refuge-from-isil-in-turkey/|title=Refugees Stopped at the border|access-date=20 September 2014|publisher=Euronews|date=19 September 2014}}

By 21 September, IS captured 64 villages[http://www.themalaymailonline.com/world/article/kurds-issue-new-call-to-arms-against-islamic-state-in-syria "Kurds issue new call to arms against Islamic State in Syria"], The Malay, 21 September 2014. as their forces came within 10 kilometers of the city, and continued to advance{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/EjmAlrai/status/513593965426524160|title=Elijah J Magnier|access-date=5 November 2014}} with fighting concentrated on the southern and eastern suburbs of Kobanî, 13 kilometers from the town.[https://web.archive.org/web/20140924040337/http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/security-clash-with-kurds-on-turkey-syria-border/2014/09/21/0ceeab0c-416c-11e4-8042-aaff1640082e_story.html "Syria refugee flood to Turkey hits 100,000"], The Washington Post, 21 September 2014.

On 28 September, after violent clashes with the Kurdish forces of the YPG, IS militants captured the villages of Kenana, Qadaa, and Hamadaneh in the Tel Kocher (Yarubiyah) countryside.[https://web.archive.org/web/20141001000846/http://aranews.net/2014/09/syria-isil-islamists-attack-kurdish-border-city/ "Syria: ISIL Islamists attack Kurdish border city"], ARA News, 18 September 2014.

Iraqi Kurdish Peshmerga fighters, with the aid of troops from the Syria-based Kurdish Democratic Union Party (PYD), took control of the Rabia border crossing between the two countries,{{cite web|url=http://www.todayszaman.com/latest-news_kurds-seize-iraqsyria-border-post-sunni-tribe-joins-anti-isil-fight_360384.html|title=Kurds seize Iraq/Syria border post; Sunni tribe joins anti-ISIL fight|date=1 October 2014|work=TodaysZaman|access-date=5 November 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141110101355/http://www.todayszaman.com/latest-news_kurds-seize-iraqsyria-border-post-sunni-tribe-joins-anti-isil-fight_360384.html|archive-date=10 November 2014}} marking the first major battle to straddle both. On 31 October, Iraq-based Peshmerga troops crossed into Syria via Turkey to aid in the defense of the border city of Kobane.{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-idUSKBN0IK15M20141031|title=Kurdish peshmerga forces enter Syria's Kobani after further air strikes|work=Reuters|date=31 October 2014}}

File:Rojava june 2015.png territory controlled by the YPG in June 2015]]

{{See also|Eastern al-Hasakah offensive|Western al-Hasakah offensive}}

The war dragged on, as both IS and the YPG gained and lost territory to each other, other rebel groups and loyalists. YPG successes alarmed the Turks, who threatened invasion.{{cite web|url=https://news.yahoo.com/turkey-never-allow-kurdish-state-syria-warns-erdogan-133603673.html|title=Turkey will 'never allow' Kurdish state in Syria warns Erdogan|date=27 June 2015|work=Yahoo News}} In June, militants attacked Kobanî, killing over 200 people in gun battles.

On 31 July 2015, clashes erupted between YPG and al-Nusra forces in the south of the Efrin Canton, targeting the town of Cindires.{{cite web|url=http://aranews.net/2015/07/clashes-erupt-between-ypg-and-nusra-near-syrias-afrin/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150731155659/http://aranews.net/2015/07/clashes-erupt-between-ypg-and-nusra-near-syrias-afrin/|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 31, 2015|title=Clashes erupt between YPG and Nusra near Syria's Afrin - ARA News|work=ARA News|date=31 July 2015}}

On 26 September 2015, clashes erupted between YPG and al-Nusra forces in the YPG-held district of Sheikh Maqsood. The clashes resulted in YPG forces advancing and capturing Castello Road, a key rebel supply line in the rebel-held Eastern Areas of Aleppo city. Tensions continued after the YPG allegedly violated clauses of a truce with the rebels concerning Castello Road. On 1 October Nusra forces again attacked YPG positions in Sheikh Maqsood; however this was repelled, with the YPG remaining in control of the key rebel supply route.{{cite web|url=http://aranews.net/2015/09/kurds-clash-with-qaeda-militants-in-aleppo/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150929001442/http://aranews.net/2015/09/kurds-clash-with-qaeda-militants-in-aleppo/|url-status=dead|archive-date=September 29, 2015|title=Kurds clash with Qaeda militants in Aleppo|work=ARA News|date=27 September 2015}}{{cite web|url=http://syriadirect.org/news/victory-army-and-ypg-trade-accusations-over-sheikh-maqsoud-crossing/|title=Victory Army and YPG trade accusations over Sheikh Maqsoud crossing|work=Syria Direct|date=30 September 2015}}{{cite web|url=http://ypgrojava.com/en/index.php/statements/799-oct-2-isis-assault-repelled-by-the-defense-units-near-mount-abd-al-aziz-clashes-with-al-nusra-in-northern-aleppo|title=YPG - Kurdish|access-date=7 December 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151004161156/http://ypgrojava.com/en/index.php/statements/799-oct-2-isis-assault-repelled-by-the-defense-units-near-mount-abd-al-aziz-clashes-with-al-nusra-in-northern-aleppo|archive-date=4 October 2015}}

Clashes between YPG-Al Nusra were renewed in the vicinity of Sheikh Maqsood on 3 October, with Al Nusra suffering 15 casualties.{{cite web|url=http://ypgrojava.com/en/index.php/statements/800-oct-4-isis-al-nusra-attempts-effectively-thwarted-in-aleppo-and-rural-hasakah|title=YPG - Kurdish|access-date=7 December 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151007214825/http://ypgrojava.com/en/index.php/statements/800-oct-4-isis-al-nusra-attempts-effectively-thwarted-in-aleppo-and-rural-hasakah|archive-date=7 October 2015}}

File:Northern Syria offensive (2015).png

{{main|2015 al-Hawl offensive}}

File:YPGBatailleAlHol2015(4).JPG, December 2015]]

During November 2015, the YPG and its allies in the Syrian Democratic Forces captured the town of al-Hawl, along with more than 200 villages and towns from IS in the surrounding areas in Al-Hasakah Governorate near the border with Iraq in the month-long offensive.

{{main|Tishrin Dam offensive}}

In the week-long offensive, the SDF captured Tishrin Dam and surrounding villages from IS.

{{main|Northern Aleppo offensive (February 2016)}}

During February 2016, Syrian government forces and allied militias, backed by Russian and Syrian airstrikes, launched an offensive to capture areas in Northern Aleppo. The YPG-led SDF followed their advances and captured the city of Tell Rifaat and the Menagh Military Airbase.

{{main|Al-Shaddadi offensive (2016)}}

On 16 February 2016, the SDF, supported by airstrikes from the US-led coalition, launched an offensive to capture the strategic city of al-Shaddadi from IS.

{{main|Manbij offensive (2016)}}

File:Raqqa Syrian Democratic Forces 1.jpg fighters during the Battle of Raqqa against IS in 2017]]

On 31 May 2016, the SDF, supported by airstrikes from the US-led coalition, launched an offensive to capture the strategic city of Manbij from IS.

On 11 September 2016 Jabhat Fateh al-Sham, the renamed al-Nusra Front, fired over 20 mortar shells at the town of Jindires in the southwestern Afrin Canton, destroying several residential buildings and causing a number of casualties, mostly women and children.{{cite web|url=http://aranews.net/2016/09/islamist-rebels-attack-kurdish-town-northwest-syria/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160913153755/http://aranews.net/2016/09/islamist-rebels-attack-kurdish-town-northwest-syria/|url-status=dead|archive-date=September 13, 2016|title=Islamist rebels attack Kurdish town northwest Syria|work=ARA News|date=12 September 2016}}

{{main|Raqqa campaign (2016–2017)}}

{{See also|Battle of Raqqa (2017)}}

{{Main|Turkish involvement in the Syrian Civil War#Plans to invade or interfere in Syria}}

{{See also|Turkish military operation in Afrin}}

File:FSA Captures Bursaya Mountain And Begin The Battles To Reach Afrin-4.jpg during the Turkish military operation in Afrin in January 2018]]

During the summer of 2015, Turkey began bombing YPG and PKK positions in Syria and Iraq.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-33675760|title=Syrian Kurds accuse Turkey of attacking their forces|work=BBC News|date=27 July 2015}}

On 13 February 2016, Turkey began shelling the Kurdish-held areas in northern Syria.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/feb/13/turkey-shells-kurdish-forces-in-syria-in-retaliation-for-attack-on-border-posts|title=Turkish PM confirms shelling of Kurdish forces in Syria|agency=Reuters|date=13 February 2016|access-date=7 December 2016|newspaper=The Guardian}}

{{Update section|date=January 2022}}

{{Main|Eastern Syria insurgency}}

The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), supported by the US, launched the Second Battle of Raqqa against the Islamic State on 6 June 2017 and declared victory in the city on 17 October 2017. Bombardment by the US-led coalition led to the destruction of most of the city, including civilian infrastructure.[https://time.com/syria-raqqa-liberated/ The Islamic State Is Gone. But Raqqa Lies in Pieces] Time, October 2017.[https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-41714754 Raqqa: US coalition 'wiped city off Earth', Russia says] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180705215619/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-41714754 |date=5 July 2018 }} BBC, 22 October 2017.{{cite news|title=Raqqa: IS 'capital' falls to US-backed Syrian forces|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-41646802|work=BBC News|date=17 October 2017|access-date=21 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180727005020/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-41646802|archive-date=27 July 2018|url-status=live}} Some 270,000 people were said to have fled Raqqa.[https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/raqqa-liberated-isis-defeat-latest-mine-clearance-sdf-camp-residents-medicine-aid-a8005881.html Raqqa: Isis 'capital' liberated by US-backed forces - but civilians face months of hardship with city left devastated] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171109085234/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/raqqa-liberated-isis-defeat-latest-mine-clearance-sdf-camp-residents-medicine-aid-a8005881.html |date=9 November 2017 }} The Independent, 17 October 2017.

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On 20 January 2018, Turkey launched Operation Olive Branch alleging that the Government ruling in Afrin were terrorists. The operation was to be spearheaded by the Turkish Armed Forces and their allies in the Turkish-backed Free Syrian Army.{{Cite web|last=Barwari|first=Rawa|date=3 February 2019|title=Turkey trains 'Syrian' teachers at Islamic school in Afrin, Turkifies curriculum|url=https://www.kurdistan24.net/en/news/d4f063fb-d139-42ee-b804-33aac81aa0e9|access-date=2020-07-02|website=Kurdistan24}} On the same day, the Turkish Air Force bombed more than 100 targets in Afrin.{{cite news |last1=Gall |first1=Carlotta |title=72 Turkish Jets Bomb U.S.-Backed Kurdish Militias in Syria |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/01/20/world/middleeast/turkey-bombs-kurds-syria.html |work=The New York Times |date=20 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180120220635/https://www.nytimes.com/2018/01/20/world/middleeast/turkey-bombs-kurds-syria.html |archive-date=20 January 2018 |url-status=live }} On 28 January 2018, Syria's antiquities department and the British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said that Turkish shelling had seriously damaged the ancient temple of Ain Dara at Afrin. Syria called for international pressure on Turkey "to prevent the targeting of archaeological and cultural sites".{{Cite news|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/ancient-syrian-temple-damaged-in-turkish-raids-against-kurds/|title=Ancient Syrian temple damaged in Turkish raids against Kurds|work=timesofisrael|access-date=28 January 2018|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180130091827/https://www.timesofisrael.com/ancient-syrian-temple-damaged-in-turkish-raids-against-kurds/|archive-date=30 January 2018|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|title=Syrian government says Turkish shelling damaged ancient temple|language=en|work=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-turkey-temple/syrian-government-says-turkish-shelling-damaged-ancient-temple-idUSKBN1FH08F/|url-status=live|access-date=28 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180128111242/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-turkey-temple/syrian-government-says-turkish-shelling-damaged-ancient-temple-idUSKBN1FH08F|archive-date=28 January 2018}}{{Cite news|date=2018-01-29|title=Syria war: Turkish air strikes 'damage ancient Afrin temple'|language=en-GB|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-42858265|access-date=2021-07-10}} On 20 February 2018, a Syrian army convoy consisting of 50 vehicles had arrived in Afrin through the Ziyarat border crossing and were deployed to different areas. Five vehicles reached the center of the city of Afrin.{{cite news |url=http://www.kurdistan24.net/en/news/884b4237-f09d-4730-b503-a7a2485bc493 |title=Pro-Syrian government forces reach central Afrin despite Turkish shelling |publisher=Kurdistan 24 |date=20 February 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180221004404/http://www.kurdistan24.net/en/news/884b4237-f09d-4730-b503-a7a2485bc493 |archive-date=21 February 2018 |url-status=live }}

File:Demonstration in Afrin against Turkish military operation.png against the Turkish invasion, 19 January 2018]]

File:Claimed and de facto territory of Rojava.png-controlled territory (green) and Turkish-occupied territory (red) in October 2019]]

On 14 March 2018, Redur Xelil, the senior official of the Syrian Democratic Forces accused Turkey of settling Arab and Turkmen families in the villages captured by Turkish army. A senior Turkish official denied the accusations.{{Cite news|last=Perry|first=Tom|title=Syrian SDF accuses Ankara of ethnic cleansing in Afrin, Turkey denies|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-turkey-populatio-idUSKCN1GP13F|url-status=live|access-date=2021-07-11|website=Reuters|date=13 March 2018 |language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181213095552/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-turkey-populatio-idUSKCN1GP13F |archive-date=13 December 2018 }}

On 18 March 2018, on the 58th day of Operation Olive Branch, the Syrian National Army and the Turkish Armed Forces captured Afrin from the YPG and the YPJ.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-43447624|title=Syria war: Turkey-backed forces oust Kurds from heart of Afrin|date=18 March 2018|work=BBC|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180625163036/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-43447624|archive-date=25 June 2018|url-status=live}} Shortly after its capture, SNA fighters looted parts of the city and destroyed numerous Kurdish symbols, including a statue of Kāve, as Turkish Army troops solidified control by raising Turkish flags and banners over the city.{{cite news|url=https://sg.news.yahoo.com/pro-turkish-forces-pillage-afrin-taking-syrian-city-195451166.html|title=Pro-Turkish forces pillage Afrin after taking Syrian city|date=18 March 2018|agency=Yahoo news|language=en-SG|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180318211748/https://sg.news.yahoo.com/pro-turkish-forces-pillage-afrin-taking-syrian-city-195451166.html|archive-date=18 March 2018|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|date=2018-03-19|title=Syria war: Afrin looted by Turkish-backed rebels|language=en-GB|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-43457214|access-date=2021-04-04}} In areas which were captured by the Olive Branch forces, the Turkish Red Crescent (TRC) has provided population with help which covered the basic needs between 15 February and 15 March 2018.{{Cite web|title=Turkey {{!}} Syria: Latest Developments in Afrin District (as of 19 Mar 2018)|url=https://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/latest_developments_in_afrin_district_20180319_final.pdf|website=OCHA}}

After the capture of Afrin by the Turkish led forces, the city came under the control of the Government of Turkey, which provides the administration.{{Cite web|last=Aydıntaşbaş|first=Asli|date=2020-05-28|title=A new Gaza: Turkey's border policy in northern Syria – European Council on Foreign Relations|url=https://ecfr.eu/publication/a_new_gaza_turkeys_border_policy_in_northern_syria/|access-date=2021-07-04|website=ECFR|language=en-GB}}

On 12 April 2018, a Turkish-backed interim council was elected in Afrin, consisting of 20 "elders from the city" – 11 Kurds, eight Arabs, and one Turkmen, Turkish state media reported.{{cite news|date=12 April 2018|title=Interim local council established in Syria's Afrin|url=http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/interim-local-council-established-in-syrias-afrin-130227|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180906040455/http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/interim-local-council-established-in-syrias-afrin-130227|archive-date=6 September 2018}} The council is headed by a Kurd named Zuhair Haider who, in an interview with the state-run Anadolu Agency, expressed his gratitude to Turkey and vowed to "serve" the local citizens.{{cite news|url=http://www.rudaw.net/english/middleeast/syria/120420183|title=Turkish-backed interim council elected in Afrin: state media|access-date=12 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180413043639/http://www.rudaw.net/english/middleeast/syria/120420183|archive-date=13 April 2018|url-status=live}}

In June 2018, the United Nations published a report stating that the security situation under Turkish-backed rebel control remains volatile. The OHCHR had received reports of lawlessness and rampant criminality, such as theft, harassment, cruel treatment and other abuse, and murders committed by several Turkish-backed armed groups, especially by the Sultan Murad and Hamza Divisions. The OCHR stated that civilians, particularly ethnic Kurds from Afrin, are being targeted for discrimination by the same Turkish-backed fighters.{{Cite magazine|date=June 2018|title=Between a Rock and a Hard Place – Civilians in North-western Syria|url=https://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/ohchr_-_syria_monthly_human_rights_digest_-_june_2018.pdf|url-status=live|magazine=Monthly human rights digest Syria|publisher=United Nations|pages=11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180718011510/https://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/ohchr_-_syria_monthly_human_rights_digest_-_june_2018.pdf|archive-date=18 July 2018}}

On 2 August 2018, Amnesty International reported that the Turkish forces were giving Syrian armed groups free rein to commit serious human rights abuses against civilians in the northern city of Afrin.{{Cite web|title=Syria: Turkey must stop serious violations by allied groups and its own forces in Afrin|url=https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2018/08/syria-turkey-must-stop-serious-violations-by-allied-groups-and-its-own-forces-in-afrin/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181121091635/https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2018/08/syria-turkey-must-stop-serious-violations-by-allied-groups-and-its-own-forces-in-afrin/|archive-date=21 November 2018|access-date=2018-12-06|website=Amnesty International|date=2 August 2018 |language=en}} The research had found the Turkish-backed fighters have involved in arbitrary detentions, torture, forced displacement, enforced disappearances, confiscation of property, and looting.

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{{See also|Battle of al-Hasakah (2022)}}

{{Portal|Asia}}

• Rojava conflict
• Rojava
• Six Days: Three Activists, Three Wars, One Dream
• A Modern History of the Kurds by David McDowall

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{{Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant |state=collapsed}}

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