US-Backed PKK/YPG Forces Kill 14 Opposition Fighters in Northern Syria: Activists
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The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) Kill Opposition Fighters in Northern Syria
According to activists, the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which is affiliated with the PKK/YPG, have killed at least 14 opposition fighters in northern Syria.
Attack on Tal Batal
The SDF attempted to infiltrate the opposition-controlled city of Tal Batal in northern Aleppo Governorate and launched an attack on its positions.
Casualties and Details
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that 14 opposition fighters were killed during the attack, which took place at dawn. The attack involved mines exploding, and it was carried out by SDF fighters with artillery support.
Reason for the Conflict
The attack occurred during a dispute between the SDF and opposition fighters over control and influence in the area.
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Confirmation and Faction Split
The leader of the factions in the opposition-controlled area confirmed the death toll but stated that the fighters who were killed belonged to a group that had split from pro-Turkish groups.
About the Syrian Democratic Forces and YPG
The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) is dominated by the YPG, the Syrian wing of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party. The YPG is recognized as a terrorist group by the United States, Turkey, and the European Union. The SDF has been the main partner of the United States in Syria and has played a significant role in ousting ISIS from the northern and eastern parts of the country over the past four years.
Exploitation and Controversy
With the support of the United States, the YPG/PKK has taken advantage of the power vacuum created by the Syrian civil war to invade several Syrian provinces, including Deir ez-Zor. They have forced local residents to emigrate and have brought in their own fighters, altering the demographics of the region.
Resistance against Repressive Policies
Local tribes have been fighting against the repressive policies of the YPG/PKK, which include arbitrary arrests, kidnappings, and the assassination of tribal leaders to subjugate local groups.