YPG–FSA relations

{{See|Syrian Kurdish–Islamist conflict (2013–present)}}

{{Politics of Rojava}}

The earliest incident of YPG–FSA fighting happened between 29 June and 2 July 2012. FSA groups and the PYD clashed in the town of Afrin, during which two rebel fighters and one ex-PYD member were killed.[http://www.nowlebanon.com/NewsArticleDetails.aspx?ID=453196&MID=0&PID=0 "The impending Syrian-Kurdish conflict"] {{dead link|date=May 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}

On 25 October, some 200 rebels moved into the district of Ashrafiyeh in the YPG-controlled area of Sheikh Maqsud of Aleppo city. It was the first time that government or rebel forces moved in a substantial way into the Kurdish areas. Previously the area had been regarded as neutral with Kurdish militia clashing with both rebel and army units. The rebel unit responsible is allegedly the Liwa al-Tawhid brigade who reportedly told the locals "We are here to spend Eid with you." Ashrafiyeh is important as a part of the city heights and controls routes between the north and south of Aleppo.[http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/1704757/Syrian-rebels-take-Aleppo-Kurdish-area Syrian rebels take Aleppo Kurdish area] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121101174554/http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/1704757/Syrian-rebels-take-Aleppo-Kurdish-area |date=November 1, 2012 }}{{cite web|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2012/10/201210258572215445.html|title=Syria violence flares ahead of possible truce|publisher=Al Jazeera|access-date=24 October 2014}} Previous rebel attempts to move into the district had been repelled.{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-syria-crisis-clashes-idUSBRE88R0MJ20120928|title=Syria rebels struggle to advance in new Aleppo offensive|date=28 September 2012|work=Reuters|access-date=24 October 2014|last1=Solomon|first1=Erika}}

File:The situation in Afrin district.svg Rebel activists have claimed that Kurdish forces had either reached agreement with rebels to allow their rapid advance or assisted the rebels by simply leaving their checkpoints overnight.{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/holiday-cease-fire-announced-in-syria/2012/10/25/8d262e60-1ec0-11e2-8817-41b9a7aaabc7_story_1.html|title=Skirmishes reported as holiday cease-fire begins in Syria 26 October 2012|newspaper=Washington Post|access-date=24 October 2014}} One rebel spokesman has even gone as far as to indicate that Kurdish forces may join the Free Syrian Army.{{cite web|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2012/10/25/world/meast/syria-civil-war/index.html|title=Syria agrees to cease-fire, sort of |author=Salma Abdelaziz and Joe Sterling|date=25 October 2012|publisher=CNN|access-date=24 January 2015}}

On 26 October, rebels clashed with Kurdish militias that tried to stop them entering the Sheikh Maqsud neighbourhood. 19 rebels and 3–5 Kurdish fighters were killed.{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2012/oct/27/syrian-rebels-kurds-clash-aleppo?newsfeed=true|title=Syrian rebels and Kurdish militiamen clash in Aleppo|work=The Guardian|access-date=24 October 2014}}{{cite web|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2012/10/29/world/meast/syria-kurdish-militia/|title=Syria rebels, Kurdish militia discuss cease-fire|date=29 October 2012|publisher=CNN|access-date=24 October 2014}} One Kurdish leader said that they had "a gentlemen's agreement" with the rebels that they would not enter Kurdish areas and that the rebels had violated it when they entered Ashrafiyeh.{{cite web|url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5gLlvuj-tB8QlRejs5vScUWgY1IVQ?docId=CNG.5e118ae81608e63640977de861396ba9.8c1 |title=AFP: Fears of new front as Syria rebels clash with Kurds |date=31 October 2012 |url-status=bot: unknown |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121031235302/https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5gLlvuj-tB8QlRejs5vScUWgY1IVQ?docId=CNG.5e118ae81608e63640977de861396ba9.8c1 |archive-date=31 October 2012 }} According to another report, by activists who organised a Kurdish protest at a PYD militant checkpoint between the Kurdish areas of Ashrafiyeh and al-Sheikh Maqsoud, rebel fighters opened fire on the protesters, leaving eight dead and five wounded. The Kurds warned that this may lead to clashes between Arab and Kurdish fighters in the area.{{cite web|url=http://www.facebook.com/syriahroe/posts/292476340860711|title=Aleppo province|website=Facebook |access-date=24 October 2014}} Overall, the PYD stated that 10 Kurds were killed during the clashes, including the three fighters. SOHR put the Kurdish toll at 11, for a total of 30 dead, when including the 19 rebels. 200 people were kidnapped or captured as a result of the fighting. The PYD captured 20 rebel fighters, while the rebels detained 180 Kurds, civilians and fighters,[http://www.khaleejtimes.com/kt-article-display-1.asp?xfile=data/middleeast/2012/October/middleeast_October346.xml§ion=middleeast "Fears of new front as Syria rebels clash with Kurds"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150128070441/http://www.khaleejtimes.com/kt-article-display-1.asp?xfile=data%2Fmiddleeast%2F2012%2FOctober%2Fmiddleeast_October346.xml§ion=middleeast |date=2015-01-28 }}, Khaleej Times, October 2012. 120 of them near the town of Hayyan.{{cite web|url=http://www.facebook.com/syriahroe/posts/252127711576446|title=More than 120 Syrian-Kurd civilians freed after being kidnapped by rebel fighters|website=Facebook |access-date=24 October 2014}} SOHR said that the PYD was still in control of the Ashrafiyeh neighbourhood. A PYD statement published after the fighting blamed both the Syrian army and the FSA for the violence. "We have chosen to remain neutral, and we will not take sides in a war that will only bring suffering and destruction to our country," the statement said.{{cite news|title=Fears of new front as Syria rebels clash with Kurds |url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5gLlvuj-tB8QlRejs5vScUWgY1IVQ?docId=CNG.5e118ae81608e63640977de861396ba9.8c1 |last=Assir |first=Serene |agency=Agence France-Presse |date=27 October 2012 |access-date=27 October 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121031235302/https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5gLlvuj-tB8QlRejs5vScUWgY1IVQ?docId=CNG.5e118ae81608e63640977de861396ba9.8c1 |archive-date=October 31, 2012 }} The rebels said that the clashes started after their forces attacked a security compound in Ashrafieh, which was defended by both PKK fighters and government troops.{{cite news|url=http://in.reuters.com/article/syria-idINDEE89R06H20121028?feedType=RSS&feedName=globalCoverage2|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160307155137/http://in.reuters.com/article/syria-idINDEE89R06H20121028?feedType=RSS&feedName=globalCoverage2|url-status=dead|archive-date=7 March 2016|title=Syria airforce bombs cities, truce 'practically over'|date=28 October 2012|work=Reuters|access-date=24 October 2014|last1=Oweis|first1=Khaled Yacoub}}

On 28 October, near the Kurdish village of Yazi Bah, close to the Turkish border in the Aleppo countryside, rebel forces reportedly tried to storm the town of Qastal Jindo (al-Kastal). During the fighting that followed between the PYD and the rebels, 4–5 rebel fighters were killed. Among the dead was also Abou Ibrahim, the leader of the rebel Northern Storm Brigade. He previously claimed responsibility for the kidnapping of 11 Lebanese Shiite pilgrims. The next day, SOHR reported that a Kurd, taken prisoner by the rebels near Hayan, was tortured to death.{{cite web|url=http://www.sundaytimes.lk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=26207:rebel-kurd-tensions-boil-over-in-syrias-north-by-jennie-matthew&catid=83:analysis&Itemid=561|title=Rebel-Kurd tensions boil over in Syria's north – By Jennie Matthew|work=Sunday Times|access-date=24 October 2014|archive-date=25 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121125233009/http://sundaytimes.lk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=26207:rebel-kurd-tensions-boil-over-in-syrias-north-by-jennie-matthew&catid=83:analysis&Itemid=561|url-status=dead}}

On 30 October, the third consecutive day of clashes at al-Kastal, the town was shelled with mortars from the rebel stronghold of Azaz. Sporadic gunfire also occurred near the village.{{cite web|url=http://www.facebook.com/syriahroe/posts/293831354058543|title=Aleppo province|website=Facebook |access-date=24 October 2014}} Meanwhile, in a new round of clashes in the Kurdish areas of Aleppo city, rebels opened fire on Kurdish protesters killing three of them.{{cite web|url=http://www.facebook.com/syriahroe/posts/293945500713795|title=Preliminary death toll for Tuesday 30/10/2012: More than 120 Syrians have been killed so far today|website=Facebook |access-date=24 October 2014}} The day after, PYD fighters ambushed rebels near the rebel-held Turkish border crossing of Bab al-Salameh, killing one fighter and wounding two.{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/fighting-erupts-between-syrian-rebels-and-kurds/2012/10/31/fedd811a-239e-11e2-92f8-7f9c4daf276a_story_1.html|title=Fighting erupts between Syrian rebels and Kurds|newspaper=Washington Post|access-date=24 October 2014}} On 2 November, the rebels reportedly executed Shaha Ali Abdu, a Kurdish PYD militia leader, who they previously captured in Aleppo city while she was on a mission to return the bodies of rebel fighters that were killed during the clashes between the FSA and the Kurdish militia.{{cite web|url=http://www.nowlebanon.com/NewsArticleDetails.aspx?ID=453283 |title=Lebanon news - NOW Lebanon -Syria rebels kill Kurd militia leader, NGO says |date=3 November 2012 |url-status=bot: unknown |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121103224441/http://www.nowlebanon.com/NewsArticleDetails.aspx?ID=453283 |archive-date= 3 November 2012 }} Reports of Shaha Ali Abdu's execution were later found to be untrue as she turned up unharmed in the town of Afrin 9 days later.{{cite web|url=http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/11/11/3092608/female-kurdish-militia-leader.html|title=Female Kurdish militia leader widely reported as killed by Syrian rebels turns up alive|work=Miami Herald|access-date=24 October 2014}} The next day, a government airstrike on Ras al Ain killed 7 rebels.{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-syria-crisis-turkey-idUSBRE8AB0RN20121112 |title=Syrian jets, helicopters hit rebel town near Turkey |date=12 November 2012 |work=Reuters |access-date=2013-11-08|last1=Burch |first1=Jonathon }}

On 5 November, both YPG and FSA signed a truce, promising release of detainees and closer cooperation in fight against the Assad government.{{cite web|url=http://www.rudaw.net/english/news/syria/5383.html |title=Rudaw in English....The Happening: Latest News and Multimedia about Kurdistan, Iraq and the World - Syrian Rebels and Kurdish Group Sign Truce |date=6 November 2012 |url-status=bot: unknown |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106075312/http://www.rudaw.net/english/news/syria/5383.html |archive-date= 6 November 2012 }}

File:People's Defense Units defending Ras al-Ayn against al-Nusra Front terrorists (8).jpg fighting al-Nusra Front]]

{{main|Battle of Ras al-Ayn}}

{{cleanup split|Battle of Ras al-Ayn|date=December 2012}}

On 8 November 2012, the FSA attacked Syrian army positions in town of Ras al-Ayn ({{langx|ku|Serêkanî}}) and later released video showed FSA fighters in control of the town. Al-Kurdiya News correspondent on the ground also said that local Kurds aided the FSA in the attack.{{cite web|url=http://www.alkurdiyanews.net/%D9%85%D8%B1%D8%A7%D8%B3%D9%84-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%83%D8%B1%D8%AF%D9%8A%D8%A9-%D9%86%D9%8A%D9%88%D8%B2-%D9%85%D9%82%D8%A7%D8%AA%D9%84%D9%88%D9%86-%D9%83%D8%B1%D8%AF-%D9%8A%D8%AD%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%A8%D9%88%D9%86-%D8%A5%D9%84%D9%89-%D8%AC%D8%A7%D9%86%D8%A8-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AC%D9%8A%D8%B4-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AD%D8%B1-%D9%81%D9%8A-%D9%85%D8%AF%D9%8A%D9%86%D8%A9-%D8%B3%D8%B1%D9%8A-%D9%83%D8%A7%D9%86%D9%8A%D9%87|title=مراسل الكردية نيوز: مقاتلون كرد يحاربون إلى جانب الجيش الحر في مدينة "سري كانيه"|access-date=24 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160204074230/http://www.alkurdiyanews.net/%D9%85%D8%B1%D8%A7%D8%B3%D9%84-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%83%D8%B1%D8%AF%D9%8A%D8%A9-%D9%86%D9%8A%D9%88%D8%B2-%D9%85%D9%82%D8%A7%D8%AA%D9%84%D9%88%D9%86-%D9%83%D8%B1%D8%AF-%D9%8A%D8%AD%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%A8%D9%88%D9%86-%D8%A5%D9%84%D9%89-%D8%AC%D8%A7%D9%86%D8%A8-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AC%D9%8A%D8%B4-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AD%D8%B1-%D9%81%D9%8A-%D9%85%D8%AF%D9%8A%D9%86%D8%A9-%D8%B3%D8%B1%D9%8A-%D9%83%D8%A7%D9%86%D9%8A%D9%87|archive-date=2016-02-04|url-status=dead}} According to Turkish journalist Mehmet Aksakal two Turks have been injured in the border town of Ceylanpınar. He also suggested that clashes may be result of growing dissatisfaction between KNC (ENKS) and PYD. However, another Kurdish activist claimed that even though PYD had their armed wing in the city, it was controlled fully by the government and PYD did not participate in clashes. Around 10 rebels and 20 Syrian soldiers were killed in the fighting, while about 8000 residents fled to Ceylanpınar as fighting raged.[http://gulf-times.com/site/topics/article.asp?cu_no=2&item_no=542801&version=1&template_id=37&parent_id=177 Thousands flee heavy clashes on Syria border]{{dead link|date=March 2017|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}{{cite web|author=Matthew Weaver |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/middle-east-live/2012/nov/08/syria-cameron-review-arms-embargo-live |title=Assad vows to 'live and die' in Syria |work=The Guardian |date=2012-11-08 |access-date=2013-11-08}}

On 10 November, YPG militiamen aided by local Kurds stormed the last government security and administrative stations in the towns of Al-Darbasiyah ({{langx|ku|Dirbêsî}}) and Tel Tamer. This attack was prompted by violence in Ras al-Ain where the FSA stormed the town because of the presence of government security units. It also left only 2 major towns in hands of government in Al-Hasakah Governorate – Al-Hasakah and Qamishli.[https://web.archive.org/web/20210517111406/https://www.nowlebanon.com/NewsArticleDetails.aspx?ID=455325 Kurds seize two towns in Syria's northeast, watchdog says] The following day, an airstrike conducted on Ras al-Ayn by the Syrian Air Force killed at least 16 individuals in the town.

On 13 November, YPG militia forced out remaining security units from the town of Al-Malikiyah ({{langx|ku|Dêrika Hemko}}), in order to prevent FSA from having an excuse to launch an attack like in Ras al-Ayn.{{cite web|url=http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2012/Nov-13/194848-syrian-regime-withdraws-from-malikieh.ashx#axzz2C5nZafGZ|title=Kurdish militia seizes key Syrian city|work=The Daily Star Newspaper|location=Lebanon|access-date=24 October 2014|archive-date=16 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181116112432/http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2012/Nov-13/194848-syrian-regime-withdraws-from-malikieh.ashx#axzz2C5nZafGZ|url-status=dead}} On 14 November, FSA fighters took control of an army post near Ras Al Ain, reportedly killing 18 soldiers based there.{{cn|date=November 2019}} On 15 November, FSA announced that they had taken full control of Ras Al Ain capturing or killing the last remaining Syrian Army soldiers stationed there. There were also no government airstrikes in the town for the first time in the past 3 days as Government forces appeared to have given up in trying to retake the city.{{Cite web |url=http://www.sunherald.com/2012/11/15/4306949/rebels-capture-ras-al-ayn-1st.html |title=The Sun Herald Gulfport, MS |access-date=16 August 2015 |archive-date=14 July 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130714222743/http://www.sunherald.com/2012/11/15/4306949/rebels-capture-ras-al-ayn-1st.html |url-status=bot: unknown }}

On 19 November, the FSA launched an assault on a PYD checkpoint in Ras al-Ayn{{cite web|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2012/11/2012111917551517843.html|title=Syria rebels clash with armed Kurds|publisher=Al Jazeera|access-date=24 October 2014}} that initially left six rebels dead. The rebels also assassinated Abed Khalil, the president of the local Kurdish PYD council, when a sniper shot him dead.{{cite web|url=http://www.facebook.com/syriahroe/posts/300699616705050|title=Final death toll for Monday 19/11/2012: Approximately 134 Syrians were killed|website=Facebook |access-date=24 October 2014}} The next day it was reported by SOHR that the death toll in the rebel-PYD fighting in the town had reached 34. 29 of the dead were members of the rebel Islamist Al-Nusra Front and the Gharba al-Sham battalion. The other five included four Kurdish fighters and the Kurdish official.{{cite web|url=http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/2/8/58712/World/Region/Syria-troops-besiege-town-near-Damascus.aspx|title=Syria troops besiege town near Damascus|work=Al-Ahram Weekly|access-date=24 October 2014}}{{cite web|url=http://www.facebook.com/syriahroe/posts/301367636638248|title=Hasakah province|website=Facebook |access-date=24 October 2014}} The four Kurdish fighters were reportedly executed after being captured by the rebels.{{cite web|url=http://www.facebook.com/syriahroe/posts/300709840037361|title=Preliminary death toll for Tuesday 20/11/2012: Approximately 60 Syrians have been killed so far today.|website=Facebook |access-date=24 October 2014}} The opposition activist group the LCC put the number of dead at 46: 25 Kurdish and 20 FSA fighters and the official.Ivan Watson and Ammar Cheikh Omar, [https://edition.cnn.com/2012/11/20/world/europe/turkey-syria-violence/ "Dozens dead after clashes in Syrian border town"], CNN, 20 November 2012 35 Kurds and 11 FSA fighters were captured by both sides.{{cite web|url=http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/2/8/58675/World/Region/Dozens-die-as-Kurds,-rebels-clash-in-northern-Syri.aspx|title=Dozens die as Kurds, rebels clash in northern Syria: NGO|work=Al-Ahram Weekly|access-date=24 October 2014}}

As a result of the fighting, there has been a buildup in the number of forces deployed by both sides in Ras al-Ayn. By 22 November, Kurdish forces had strengthened their numbers to around 400 militiamen, who faced 200 fighters from the Al-Nusra Front and 100 fighters from Ghuraba al-Sham, supported by three captured Syrian Army tanks.{{Cite web |url=http://english.alarabiya.net/articles/2012/11/22/251219.html |title={title} |access-date=2015-08-16 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121207031035/http://english.alarabiya.net/articles/2012/11/22/251219.html |archive-date=2012-12-07 |url-status=dead }}

On 19 November, members of the al-Nusra Front and Ghuraba al-Sham opened fire on a YPG checkpoint, sparking clashes that killed dozens of people, including at three rebel leaders. A Kurdish activist stated that the presence of hostile Islamist fighters had alienated Kurdish locals. Both the Kurdish National Council and top FSA commander General Riad al-Asaad condemned the clashes, with the KNC calling the presence of rebel fighters in the town "pointless and unjustifiable", and al-Asaad attributing the violence to "some groups trying to exploit the situation in order to blow up relations between Kurds and Arabs" while expressly denying any FSA affiliation with Ghuraba al-Sham.{{cite news|url=http://www.rudaw.net/english/news/syria/5446.html |title=Syrian Rebel Commanders Killed in Clashes with Kurdish Fighters |last=van Wilgenburg |first=Wladimir |author2=Adib Abdulmajid |date=20 November 2012 |publisher=Rudaw |access-date=27 November 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121127191427/http://www.rudaw.net/english/news/syria/5446.html |archive-date=November 27, 2012 }}

On 22 November, SOHR reported that eight members of the al-Nusra Front and one PYD fighter were killed in fighting for Ras al-Ayn. The fighting had claimed an estimated 54 lives to date. The next day, however, a tenuous two-day ceasefire was announced between Kurdish fighters and Islamist militants of the al-Nusra Front and Ghuraba a- Sham in order to determine terms of a possible permanent agreement between the two sides. Prior to this announcement, the PYD claimed that its forces had killed 25 rebels, wounded 20 more, and destroyed three vehicles.{{cite news|url=http://www.rudaw.net/english/news/syria/5463.html |title=Kurdish Fighters and Syrian Rebels Announce Fragile Ceasefire |last=van Wilgenburg |first=Wladimir |date=24 November 2012 |publisher=Rudaw |access-date=27 November 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121203082416/http://www.rudaw.net/english/news/syria/5463.html |archive-date=December 3, 2012 }}

On 3 December, air raids conducted by the Syrian Air Force on a police station and old post office in the Mahatta neighbourhood killed twelve and injured dozens more. Among the dead were six Kurds, three of them children. Ambulances from Turkey took at least 21 of the wounded to a hospital in the predominantly Kurdish town of Ceylanpınar across the border. Turkey scrambled a number of F-16 fighter jets based at Diyarbakir in response to the strikes.{{cite news|url=http://www.rudaw.net/english/news/syria/5505.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130222011543/http://www.rudaw.net/english/news/syria/5505.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=22 February 2013 |title=12 Killed, Dozens Wounded In Serekaniye Air Raid |last=van Wilgenburg |first=Wladimir |date=5 December 2012 |publisher=Rudaw |access-date=7 December 2012 }}

On 22 January 2013, at least 56 people were killed in a week of fighting in northeast Syria between anti-government rebels as hostilities re-opened in Ras al-Ayn.{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-syria-crisis-idUSBRE90L0DJ20130122 |title=Syrian rebels clash with Kurds in northeast: activists |publisher=Reuters |date=2013-01-22 |access-date=2013-11-08}}

On 17 February, an agreement was reached between the Kurdish Supreme Committee and FSA groups in Ras al-Ayn. The terms of agreement include the withdrawal of all foreign fighters from Ras al-Ayn, joint checkpoints between the YPG and the FSA, the establishment of a joint city council in Ras al-Ayn, the creation of a local police force, and cooperation between the two groups to fight the Syrian government.{{Cite web|url=http://rojhelat.info/en/?p=5132|title=AGREEMENT IN SERÊKANIYÊ BETWEEN YPG AND FSA|work=Firat News Agency|date=18 February 2013}}

On 14 February 2013, FSA-affiliated fighters tried unsuccessfully to storm a cattle farm in Tal Tamr, sparking a firefight with YPG units in which several of the attackers were killed.{{cite news|url=http://www.kurdwatch.org/?aid=2764&z=en&cure=1009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130728081747/http://www.kurdwatch.org/?aid=2764&z=en&cure=1009|url-status=usurped|archive-date=28 July 2013|title=Tall Tamr: Fighting between YPG and FSA|date=26 February 2013|publisher=KurdWatch|access-date=27 February 2013}}

{{main|Siege of Kobanî}}

File:Kobani Canton post-siege, April 29, 2015.jpg after breaking the siege in April 2015; some towns at the outskirts are jointly controlled by FSA and YPG

{{legend|#e2d974|Controlled by the People's Protection Units}}

{{legend|#cae7c4|Controlled by the Syrian opposition}}

{{legend|#b4b2ae|Controlled by Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant}}]]

In September 2014, the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant launched the Siege of Kobanî and entered the city by October. This partly contributed to the beginning of the American-led intervention in Syria, which launched airstrikes and airdropped supplies and weapons to the YPG in Kobanî, some of which have been captured by ISIL.{{cite news|url=http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2014/Oct-21/274842-isis-fighters-seize-weapons-airdrop-meant-for-kurds.ashx#axzz3GNeXxGTV|title=ISIS fighters seize weapons airdrop meant for Kurds|date=21 October 2014|publisher=The Daily Star}} The FSA was divided in its position on the YPG, with one of the FSA commanders, Malik al-Kurdi, a former Syrian Navy colonel, describing the US support for the YPG as "disgusting".{{cite news|url=http://www.dailysabah.com/mideast/2014/10/23/fsa-disappointed-with-us-airdropping-weapons-to-kurds|title=FSA disappointed with US airdropping weapons to Kurds|date=23 October 2014|publisher=Daily Sabah}} However, the FSA groups Northern Sun Battalion, Liwa Thuwwar al-Raqqa, and Jabhat al-Akrad cooperated with the YPG and formed the Euphrates Volcano joint operations room in fighting ISIL and lost 70 fighters in the fighting.{{cite web|url=http://civiroglu.net/2014/12/22/ypg-chief-commander-in-kobane-berxwedan-kobane-is-resisting-for-humanity/|title=YPG Chief Commander in Kobane Berxwedan: Kobane is Resisting for Humanity|date=22 December 2014|publisher=Civiroglu}} After ISIL was expelled from the city in late January 2015 the FSA's Dawn of Freedom Brigades jointly raised their flag along with the YPG and YPJ above the hills of Kobanî.{{cite news|url=http://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2015/01/islamic_state_defeat.php|title=Islamic State is forced from Kobane|newspaper=FDD's Long War Journal |date=27 January 2015|publisher=The Long War Journal}}

{{main|Tell Abyad offensive}}

File:ASL et YPG Tall Abyad juin 2015.PNG

The YPG launched an offensive in May–July 2015 to capture Tell Abyad and to link up Kobanî Canton and the Jazira Canton. Under Euphrates Volcano, two FSA groups, the Raqqa Revolutionaries Brigade and the Liberation Brigade, took part in the offensive.{{cite web|url=http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2015/06/turkey-syria-tel-abyad-aleppo-raqqa-kurds-isis.html#|title=After Tell Abyad, what's next for PYD?|date=22 June 2015|publisher=Al-Monitor}}

{{main|Syrian Democratic Forces}}

On 10 October 2015, components of the Euphrates Volcano established the Syrian Democratic Forces. The founding groups are the YPG, the YPJ, al-Sanadid Forces, the Syriac Military Council, Liwa Thuwar al-Raqqa, al-Jazeera Brigades, and the recently formed Army of Revolutionaries, which includes the Northern Sun Battalion, Jabhat al-Akrad, Seljuk Brigade, al-Tehrîr Brigade, and the 99th Brigade.{{cite web|url=http://kurdishquestion.com/index.php/kurdistan/west-kurdistan/declaration-of-establishment-by-democratic-syria-forces/1179-declaration-of-establishment-by-democratic-syria-forces.html|title=DECLARATION OF ESTABLISHMENT BY DEMOCRATIC SYRIA FORCES|date=15 October 2015|publisher=Kurdish Question|access-date=2016-03-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160224085811/http://kurdishquestion.com/index.php/kurdistan/west-kurdistan/declaration-of-establishment-by-democratic-syria-forces/1179-declaration-of-establishment-by-democratic-syria-forces.html|archive-date=2016-02-24|url-status=dead}}

Some more FSA units would join the SDF later. These included the Free Jarabulus Battalion{{cite web|url=http://hawarnews.com/%D9%83%D8%AA%D9%8A%D8%A8%D8%A9-%D8%A3%D8%AD%D8%B1%D8%A7%D8%B1-%D8%AC%D8%B1%D8%A7%D8%A8%D9%84%D8%B3-%D8%AA%D9%86%D8%B6%D9%85-%D8%A5%D9%84%D9%89-%D9%82%D9%88%D8%A7%D8%AA-%D8%B3%D9%88%D8%B1%D9%8A%D8%A7/|title=Free Jarabulus battalion to join the Syrian Democratic Forces|date=20 January 2016|publisher=Hawar News Agency|language=ar|access-date=25 March 2016|archive-date=25 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160325233814/http://hawarnews.com/%D9%83%D8%AA%D9%8A%D8%A8%D8%A9-%D8%A3%D8%AD%D8%B1%D8%A7%D8%B1-%D8%AC%D8%B1%D8%A7%D8%A8%D9%84%D8%B3-%D8%AA%D9%86%D8%B6%D9%85-%D8%A5%D9%84%D9%89-%D9%82%D9%88%D8%A7%D8%AA-%D8%B3%D9%88%D8%B1%D9%8A%D8%A7/|url-status=dead}} and the Euphrates Martyrs Battalion, a former member of al-Tawhid Brigade,{{cite web|url=http://www.hawarnews.com/%D9%85%D8%A7-%D9%87%D9%8A-%D9%83%D8%AA%D9%8A%D8%A8%D8%A9-%D8%B4%D9%87%D8%AF%D8%A7%D8%A1-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%81%D8%B1%D8%A7%D8%AA%D8%9F/|title=Who are the Euphrates Martyrs Battalion?|date=14 January 2016|publisher=Hawar News Agency|language=ar}} and the Martyrs of Dam Brigade in January 2016,{{cite web|url=http://dckurd.org/2016/02/04/martyrs-of-dam-brigade-join-syrian-democratic-forces-sdf/|title=MARTYRS OF DAM BRIGADE JOIN SYRIAN DEMOCRATIC FORCES (SDF)|date=February 2016|publisher=Washington Kurdish Institute|access-date=25 March 2016|archive-date=9 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160309205404/http://dckurd.org/2016/02/04/martyrs-of-dam-brigade-join-syrian-democratic-forces-sdf/|url-status=dead}} and the Soldiers of the Two Holy Mosques Brigade, a former member of the 19th Division of the Army of Mujahedeen in March 2016.{{cite tweet |user= QSD00963|number= 707950225260937216|date= 10 March 2016|title= A new brigade"Liwa Jund Al Haramayn" announced it is joining to our forces #SDF. #QSD #Syria Press Office10-3-2016 }} Most of these groups joined the Northern Sun Battalion.

Since then, the SDF launched the 2015 Al-Hawl offensive in October–November, the Tishrin Dam offensive in December, and the Al-Shaddadi offensive (2016) in February.

File:Northern Aleppo offensive (2016).svg

{{main|Battle of Aleppo (2012–2016)|Northern Aleppo offensive (2016)|Turkish involvement in the Syrian civil war}}

The YPG-controlled neighborhood of Sheikh Maqsood in Aleppo have been under constant siege by both Syrian government forces and the rebels for more than a year. In September 2015 the Army of Victory accused the YPG of having a border crossing with the regime, while the YPG accused the Victory Army of shelling the neighborhood.{{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|date= 30 September 2015|publisher= Syria:direct}} The conflict between Fatah Halab and the SDF in Aleppo escalated in November as Ahrar ash-Sham, Liwa Ahrar Souriya, and the Mountain Hawks Brigade battled the YPG and the FSA-SDF group Army of Revolutionaries for control of the village of Maryamin.{{cite web |url= http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/ypg-and-allies-clashes-syrian-opposition-groups-aleppo-633986086|title= YPG, allies clash with Syrian opposition groups in Aleppo|date= 29 November 2015|publisher= Middle East Eye}}

In late November 2015, there were clashes between the Army of Revolutionaries, supported by the YPG, and the FSA-dominated Mare' Operations Room in the northern Aleppo Governorate, backed by Ahrar ash-Sham and the al-Nusra Front. However, both the YPG and al-Nusra denied involvement in the conflict.{{cite web|url=https://now.mmedia.me/lb/en/NewsReports/566293-fsa-group-battles-nusra-amid-russia-strikes|title=FSA group battles Nusra amid Russia strikes|work=Now News|date=27 November 2015|access-date=5 June 2017|archive-date=27 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160327044825/https://now.mmedia.me/lb/en/NewsReports/566293-fsa-group-battles-nusra-amid-russia-strikes|url-status=dead}}

In December the government of the Afrin Canton declared a state of emergency due to threats of attacks from Ahrar ash-Sham and al-Nusra Front and increased cooperation with Jaysh al-Thuwar.{{cite web|url= https://now.mmedia.me/lb/en/NewsReports/566318-kurds-in-northwest-syria-declare-state-of-emergency|title= Kurds in northwest Syria declare state of emergency|date= 2 December 2015|publisher= Now|access-date= 26 March 2016|archive-date= 15 November 2018|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20181115215125/https://now.mmedia.me/lb/en/NewsReports/566318-kurds-in-northwest-syria-declare-state-of-emergency|url-status= dead}} On 3 December 2015, a truce was signed between the YPG and the Mare' Operations Room in Aleppo, although the Army of Revolutionaries refused to recognize the treaty and announced that they will continue to fight the rebels.{{cite web |url= http://eaworldview.com/2015/12/syria-daily-free-syrian-army-kurds-sign-truce-in-aleppo-province/|title= Syria Daily, Dec 4: Free Syrian Army & Kurds Sign Truce in Aleppo Province|date= 4 December 2015|publisher= EA Earthview}} However, another agreement was signed between the Mare' Operations Room and Jaysh al-Thuwar on 19 December 2015, which permitted Jaysh al-Thuwar to join the operations room.{{cite tweet |user= ALAMAWI|number= 678206891386884096|date= 19 December 2015|title= The Army of Rebels joined the Mare' Operations Room!!}}

Clashes between the SDF and the rebels erupted again in February 2016 when the YPG and the Army of Revolutionaries followed the offensives of the Syrian Armed Forces, backed by Russian air strikes. The SDF then captured the villages of al-Ziyara and Khuraybika from Islamist rebels, reportedly with the support of the locals.{{cite web|url= https://now.mmedia.me/lb/en/NewsReports/566572-syria-kurds-advance-in-north-aleppo-following-regime-victory|title= Syria Kurds advance in north Aleppo following regime victory|date= 4 February 2016|publisher= Now|access-date= 26 March 2016|archive-date= 27 August 2018|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180827122135/https://now.mmedia.me/lb/en/NewsReports/566572-syria-kurds-advance-in-north-aleppo-following-regime-victory|url-status= dead}} The YPG and YPJ later seized the Menagh Military Airbase.{{cite news |url= https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/syria/12151367/Syrian-air-base-seized-by-Kurds-and-their-allies.html|title= Syrian air base 'seized by Kurds and their allies'|date= 11 February 2016|publisher= The Telegraph}}

The next day, Turkey retaliated by shelling the air base and other Kurdish forces in Afrin. The United States subsequently condemned both the shelling and the advances made by the YPG, although both groups continued their attacks.{{cite web |url= https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-35571663|title= Syria conflict: Turkey shells Kurdish militia|date= 13 February 2016|publisher= BBC}}

Since then, the 13th Division of the FSA have joined the fight against the SDF in Kaljibrin, Azaz District, who they all label as "PKK".{{cite web |url= http://syria.liveuamap.com/en/2016/17-february-fsa-division-13-trying-to-resist-sdfypg-on-kaljibrin|title= FSA Division 13 trying to resist SDF/YPG on Kaljibrin - Ayn Daqnah front|date= 17 February 2016|publisher= Youtube}}

In March 2016 the Turkish-backed and US-armed Kurdish FSA group Grandsons of Saladin, supported by Turkish shelling, captured several villages between Jarabulus and Azaz from ISIL and threatened to attack the YPG, accusing them of working with the regime. The US and the Kurdish National Council denied that they supplied the group.{{cite web |url= http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/fears-kurdish-civil-war-syria-turkey-backs-rivals-ypg-1552586608|title= Kurd turns on Kurd as Turkey backs new faction in Syria|date= 16 March 2016|publisher= Middle East Eye}}

Since 6 March, Fatah Halab, including the Syrian Turkmen Brigades, Harakat Nour al-Din al-Zenki, the Levant Front, and Fastaqim Kama Umirt have intensified shellings and other attacks against civilians and militants alike in Sheikh Maqsoud, using weapons such as hell cannons{{cite web |url= https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IvuGJoEZRLw|title= Syrian Turkmen Brigades-our revenge for Istanbul and Ankara|date= 24 March 2016|publisher= Youtube}} and rockets containing yellow phosphorus as chemical weapons.{{cite web|url= http://aranews.net/2016/03/syrian-islamist-rebels-renew-chemical-attack-kurdish-district-aleppo/|title= Syrian Islamist rebels renew chemical attack on Kurdish district in Aleppo|date= 14 March 2016|publisher= Ara News|access-date= 2016-03-26|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160516001625/http://aranews.net/2016/03/syrian-islamist-rebels-renew-chemical-attack-kurdish-district-aleppo/|archive-date= 2016-05-16|url-status= dead}} As of 10 March 2016, 16 civilians and 4 Asayish forces have been killed from the attacks.{{cite web|url= http://kurdishquestion.com/index.php/kurdistan/north-kurdistan/ypg-reports-further-attacks-on-sheikh-maqsoud-4-killed.html|title= YPG REPORTS FURTHER ATTACKS ON SHEIKH MAQSOUD: 4 KILLED|date= 10 March 2016|publisher= Kurdish Question|access-date= 26 March 2016|archive-date= 15 March 2016|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160315141134/http://kurdishquestion.com/index.php/kurdistan/north-kurdistan/ypg-reports-further-attacks-on-sheikh-maqsoud-4-killed.html|url-status= dead}} As of early April the civilian casualties caused by the shellings increased to 70, most of which are women and children.{{Cite web|url=http://aranews.net/2016/04/syrian-rebels-massacre-kurdish-civilians-aleppo/|title=Syrian rebels massacre Kurdish civilians in Aleppo|work=ARA News|date=6 April 2016|access-date=2016-04-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160609232252/http://aranews.net/2016/04/syrian-rebels-massacre-kurdish-civilians-aleppo/|archive-date=2016-06-09|url-status=dead}}

On 7 April, another chemical attack was reported in Sheikh Maqsoud, injuring 2 YPG fighters and two others. Jaysh al-Islam, one of the groups involved in the attack, confirmed the use of unconventional weapons, although it did not specify the type.{{Cite web|url=https://now.mmedia.me/lb/en/NewsReports/566845-syria-kurds-accuse-rebels-of-toxic-gas-attack|title=Syria Kurds accuse rebels of toxic gas attack|work=Now.|date=8 April 2016|access-date=8 April 2016|archive-date=23 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160423075059/https://now.mmedia.me/lb/en/NewsReports/566845-syria-kurds-accuse-rebels-of-toxic-gas-attack|url-status=dead}}

On 29 March, the Mountain Hawks Brigade destroyed a YPG T-72 near Azaz using a US-made BGM-71 TOW.{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eIqwwK9Og3A|title=Mountain Hawks Brigade destroy tank of PKK-affiliated party while trying to advance through the northern Aleppo countryside|work=Youtube|date=29 March 2016}}

On 28 May, the SDF took over the town of Sheikh Issa to prevent an ISIL takeover and negotiated an agreement in Mare'. The SDF created a humanitarian corridor for wounded rebels and displaced civilians from the town to Afrin.{{Cite web|url=http://stepagency-sy.net/archives/91175|title=Battle of northern Aleppo: changing events and alliance against Daesh|work=Step Agency|date=28 May 2016|access-date=29 May 2016|archive-date=30 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160530122237/http://stepagency-sy.net/archives/91175|url-status=dead}}

On 18 October 2016, the Northern Thunder Brigade issued an ultimatum to the YPG and the Army of Revolutionaries, warning them to leave Tell Rifaat within 48 hours after which they will attack the town, though the threat was never acted on{{cite web|url=https://www.alaraby.co.uk/english/news/2016/10/19/fsa-poised-for-showdown-with-kurdish-forces-in-aleppo|title=FSA poised for showdown with Kurdish forces in Aleppo|work=The New Arab|date=19 October 2016}}

{{update section|date=December 2024}}

File:SDF fighters in Raqqa stadium.png, 6 March 2018.]]

On 24 August Turkey and pro-Turkish FSA forces launched Operation Euphrates Shield, a large-scale military operation against ISIL in and near the border city of Jarabulus, obstructing the SDF's Manbij offensive further south. The next day Turkish and allied FSA forces attacked the SDF and eventually forced them south across the Sajur River several days later.

On 28 August 2016, 10 FSA groups in the SDF released a statement condemning Turkish airstrikes on villages north of Manbij that killed more than 20 civilians.{{cite web|url=https://sg.news.yahoo.com/turkish-bombardment-kills-20-civilians-syria-monitor-075502991.html|title=Turkish bombardment kills 20 civilians in Syria|work=AFP|date=28 August 2016}}{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/video-10-free-syrian-army-groups-condemn-turkeys-incursion-syria/|title=10 Free Syrian Army groups condemn Turkey's incursion into Syria|work=Al-Masdar News|author=Paul Antonopoulos|date=30 August 2016|access-date=20 August 2017|archive-date=17 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170517053235/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/video-10-free-syrian-army-groups-condemn-turkeys-incursion-syria/|url-status=dead}} The groups declared their support for the SDF's Jarabulus Military Council against Turkey and are as follows:{{cite web|url=http://www.hawarnews.com/%D9%81%D8%B5%D8%A7%D8%A6%D9%84-%D9%85%D9%86-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AC%D9%8A%D8%B4-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AD%D8%B1-%D8%AA%D8%B9%D9%84%D9%86-%D9%88%D9%82%D9%88%D9%81%D9%87%D8%A7-%D8%A5%D9%84%D9%89-%D8%AC%D8%A7%D9%86/|title=Factions of the Free Army declares to stand by the Military Council Jarablos generally Turkish occupation|work=Hawar News Agency|date=29 August 2016}}

• Army of Revolutionaries
• Kurdish Front
• Tell Rifaat Revolutionaries Battalions
• Seljuk Brigade
• Northern Democratic Brigade
• Tribal Forces of Aleppo Countryside
• 99th Infantry Brigade
• Homs Commandos Brigade
• Special Tasks Brigade
• Hamza Brigade

In January 2018, Turkey commenced military operations against the SDF and the YPG in the Afrin region of Syria.{{cite web|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/01/free-syrian-army-launches-ground-operation-afrin-180121062038046.html|title=Turkey's troops cross over into Syria's Afrin|work=Al Jazeera|date=21 January 2018}} The Turkish force was comprised partly of pro-Turkish FSA units. Turkey claimed that the operation is also directed against ISIL, though this is disputed by both the SDF and the YPG.{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-turkey/u-s-backed-syria-force-denies-islamic-state-in-area-targeted-by-turkey-idUSKBN1FC12J|title=U.S.-backed Syria force denies Islamic State in area targeted by Turkey|work=Reuters|date=23 January 2018}} According to Rami Abdulrahman, who heads the Syrian Observatory of Human Rights, Turkey has begun a military alliance with the ex-militants of IS and Al Qaeda and incorporated many of them into the FSA. There appeared to be footage where FSA fighters threatened the Kurdish population in Afrin with beheading if they do not comply with their demands and accept a fundamental Islam as their religion.{{cite web|last1=Abdurrahman|first1=Rami|title=How the Syrian conflict became a war of ethnic cleansing on an epic scale |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/syria-civil-war-assad-regime-turkey-afrin-kurds-eastern-ghouta-us-allies-militia-a8252456.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220507/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/syria-civil-war-assad-regime-turkey-afrin-kurds-eastern-ghouta-us-allies-militia-a8252456.html |archive-date=2022-05-07 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|work=The Independent|date=12 March 2018 }}{{cbignore}}

Rebel groups in the Supreme Military Council of the Syrian Revolutionary Command Council tend to be in direct conflict with YPG. Some former FSA groups however merged into Euphrates Volcano, joining the Syrian Democratic Forces.

• {{Flagicon image|Flag of Jaysh al-Thuwar.svg}} Army of Revolutionaries{{cite web|url=http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/politics/2016/02/syria-jaysh-thuwar-mission-accusations-links-immunity.html#|title=Why Jaish al-Thuwar was bombarded by Turkey|work=Al-Monitor|date=18 February 2016|access-date=2016-03-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160222224629/http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/politics/2016/02/syria-jaysh-thuwar-mission-accusations-links-immunity.html|archive-date=2016-02-22|url-status=dead}}
• Jabhat al-Akrad
• Northern Sun Battalion{{cite web|url=https://besacenter.org/perspectives-papers/turkey-syria-quagmire/ |title=Turkey's Syrian Quagmire |author=Burak Bekdil |work=Begin–Sadat Center for Strategic Studies |date=10 October 2018 |access-date=17 February 2019}}
• Northern Democratic Brigade
• {{flagicon image|Flag of Liwa Thuwar al-Raqqa.svg}} Jabhat Thuwar al-Raqqa,{{cite web|url=http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2016/03/syria-raqqa-revolutionaries-brigade-liberation-isis.html#|title=Raqqa brigade continues to raise flag of Syrian revolution|work=Al-Monitor|date=18 March 2016|access-date=2016-03-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160408114327/http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2016/03/syria-raqqa-revolutionaries-brigade-liberation-isis.html|archive-date=2016-04-08|url-status=dead}} including its sub-groups
• Raqqa Hawks Brigade
• Liberation Brigade
• Syrian Elite Forces
• Free Raqqa Brigade
• Euphrates Liberation Brigade
• Manbij Turkmen Battalion
• Manbij Revolutionaries Battalion
• Euphrates Jarabulus Battalions, including its sub-groups
• Jarabulus Company (defunct)
• Revolutionaries of Tal Abyad Front

• {{Flagicon image|}} Syrian National Army
• {{Flagicon image|Flag of the Sultan Murad Brigade.png}} Sultan Murad Division
• {{flagicon image|}} Free Idlib Army
• Mountain Hawks Brigade
• {{flagicon image|Flag of the Northern Division (Syrian rebel group).jpg}} Northern Division
• {{flagicon image|Insignia of the 13th Division.svg}} 13th Division
• 23rd Division
• Levant Front
• {{flagicon image|Logo of the Hamza Division.jpg}} Hamza Division
• {{flagicon image|Logo of Jaish al-Tahrir.jpg}} Elite Army
• {{flagicon image|Flag of the Jaysh al-Nasr.svg}} Army of Victory
• Ahrar al-Sharqiya

{{Portal|Asia}}

• Rojava conflict
• Turkish military intervention in Afrin

{{Reflist|30em}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:YPG-FSA relations}}

Category:Free Syrian Army

Category:Kurdish–Turkish conflict (2015–present)

Category:People's Defense Units

Category:Politics of the Syrian civil war

Category:Syrian opposition