The Syrian Observatory For Human Rights

Did a Syrian opposition spokesperson just call the YPG Assad-aligned ‘extremists’?

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A Syrian Coalition official accused the Kurdish militia Peoples Protection Units (YPG) of being a ‘radical extremist group’ alligned with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, according to a report on National Coaltion of Syrian Revolution and Opposition Forces’ website.

 

 

A Syrian Coalition official accused the Kurdish militia Peoples Protection Units (YPG) of being a ‘radical extremist group’ alligned with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, according to a report on National Coaltion of Syrian Revolution and Opposition Forces’ website. 

 

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The comments reportedly came from the Coalition’s secretary general, Yahya Maktabi, during an interview with Arabi21 newspaper. But there’s a different story on the ground. 

Certain Free Syrian Army brigades have fought alongside the YPG since last year. They worked together in Tal Abyad in June, and in claims last week, the YPG said both their fighters and allied FSA troops were hit by Turkish forces from across the border. 

But it’s also partially true that the YPG have worked with Syrian government forces in the past. 

Think back to the battle of Hasakah last month.

Since earlier this year, Daesh has pushed against regime forces and Kurdish groups for control of the northeastern city. But back when heavy clashes took hold in July, conflicting reports emerged of the YPG either working with — or at least not against — regime forces to drive Daesh fighters out of the city. Accusations of forcing Arab civilians out of the area have also been raised against the Kurds.

Even before, the YPG and government forces coexisted in Hasakah. 

Meanwhile, the Opposition Coalition has been accused meddling in the conflict without actually being on the ground. And with the Opposition Coalition headquartered in Turkey, the comments even murkier, reminding us that while the Syrian war’s players may be clear, the alliances never really are.

AL BAWABA