Shengal Resistance Units (YBŞ) Command released a statement concerning the brief clash that erupted between their forces and Shia militia Hashd al-Shaabi (Popular Mobilization Units, PMU) on Friday.

The statement recalled that YBŞ and YJŞ (Shengal Women’s Units) have liberated hundreds of areas at the cost of hundreds of martyrs in a great struggle they have waged against ISIS in Shengal territory since 2014. The statement said YBŞ/YJŞ forces have maintained security in the areas under their control, and established an environment of confidence without engaging in any troubles with other forces.

The statement continued;

“At 10:30 on September 22nd, a group affiliated to Hashd al-Shaabi attempted to violate the asayish (public security) rules and enter our areas without permission in Sikiniye-Xeyale area of Shengal.

YBŞ forces repeatedly warned the Hashd al-Shaabi-affiliated group which, however, insisted on violating the rules in the mentioned area that YBŞ/YJŞ had taken with the blood of their martyrs. The erupting quarrel turned into a brief clash which came to an end when both sides took their forces under control.

We announce once again that we as YBŞ don’t take sides with such conflicts. Without taking any steps back, YBŞ forces will continue to protect the areas they liberated from ISIS until the very end. No force should ever attempt to test us in this way.

We state that our people should not heed any misinformation or fabricated news spread outside of our command’s statements, and call on them to enhance the struggle in YBŞ-YJŞ ranks.”