Serekani (Raʾs al-ʿAyn): Heavy fighting between PYD and FSA
Posted: Thu Nov 29, 2012 11:55 am
KURDWATCH, November 23, 2012—On November 19, 2012, armed confrontations between the Free Syrian Army (FSA) and units of the Democratic Union Party (PYD) took place in the eastern part of the city of Raʾs al‑ʿAyn (Serê Kaniyê). An activist from Raʾs al‑ʿAyn told KurdWatch that prior to the fighting, FSA representatives demanded that all PYD flags between Raʾs al‑ʿAyn and al‑Malikiyah (Dêrik) be removed. FSA representatives explained that this was an order from the Turkish government, who supports them. The chief negotiator for the PYD wanted to discuss the matter first. The activist from Raʾs al‑ʿAyn further stated: »At first [on November 8,2012] approximately five hundred FSA fighters came from Turkey. Around a hundred stayed at the border; the remaining four hundred marched into the city. Later, around two hundred additional fighters came from ar‑Raqqah; they were joined by other people from the area. It isn't really very many, but they are Islamists and they have come to die.« According to his estimates, the PYD has around one thousand armed fighters in the region.
ʿAfrin: Fighting near Qastal Jindu
KURDWATCH, November 28, 2012—On October 28, 2012, armed conflicts broke out near the Yazidi village of Qastal Jindu near ʿAfrin. The conflicts occurred between units of the Democratic Union Party (PYD) and the Free Syrian Army's (FSA) Storm of the North Brigade, led by ʿAmmar al‑Dadikhi alias Abu Ibrahim. Fighters for the Storm of the North Brigade conquered the PYD checkpoint and arrested two PYD supporters. Shortly thereafter fighters for the ʿAmr ibn al‑ʿAs unit led by Ahmad ʿUbaid forced the Storm of the North Brigade out of Qastal Jindu; the PYD returned to the village. The exact reasons for the conflicts between the PYD and the various FSA units are unclear, but it is certain that the conflicts were not, as the PYD claims, anti-Yazidi attacks by the FSA on Qastal Jindu. Kurdwatch.org
ʿAfrin: Fighting near Qastal Jindu
KURDWATCH, November 28, 2012—On October 28, 2012, armed conflicts broke out near the Yazidi village of Qastal Jindu near ʿAfrin. The conflicts occurred between units of the Democratic Union Party (PYD) and the Free Syrian Army's (FSA) Storm of the North Brigade, led by ʿAmmar al‑Dadikhi alias Abu Ibrahim. Fighters for the Storm of the North Brigade conquered the PYD checkpoint and arrested two PYD supporters. Shortly thereafter fighters for the ʿAmr ibn al‑ʿAs unit led by Ahmad ʿUbaid forced the Storm of the North Brigade out of Qastal Jindu; the PYD returned to the village. The exact reasons for the conflicts between the PYD and the various FSA units are unclear, but it is certain that the conflicts were not, as the PYD claims, anti-Yazidi attacks by the FSA on Qastal Jindu. Kurdwatch.org