YPG General Command issued a statement on the attacks of SNC gangs supported by the Turkish Intelligence that began on April 27. In its statement, YPG said that its forces repelled the attacks and captured the bodies of 66 of the 83 gang members killed during the clashes. YPG noted that injured gangs were transported to Turkey for treatment.

WE USED OUR RIGHT TO SELF DEFENSE

YPG stated that as YPG/YPJ forces under the umbrella of SDF, they have always abided by the ceasefire in Syria but used their legitimate right to self-defense when attacked by gang groups.

TURKISH INTELLIGENCE ORGANIZED THE GANGS’ ATTACKS

YPG emphasized that its forces used their right to self defense when Jabhat Al-Nusra, Ahrar Al-Sham, Feyleq Al-Sham, Jaysh As-Sunne, Selahaddin’s Grandchildren and Sultan Murad groups attacked YPG/YPJ positions around Afrin Canton and the Shehba region. The Command noted that gang groups used the ceasefire as an opportunity to intensify their attacks, and transformed their headquarters in Azaz as the operation base for the attacks on Shehba. YPG stated that the gangs have always attacked towns and villages where SDF forces kept peace and security, and underlined that Turkish Intelligence has been organizing the gangs’ attacks from Azaz and supporting the gangs with arms and ammunition.

ATTACKS REPELLED, 83 GANGS KILLED

YPG Central Command stated that gang groups attacked its forces under the umbrella of Democratic Syrian Forces (SDF) on April 27, and were aiming to capture the town of Erfat (Til Rifat) and the region of Beradê located between Erfat and Eyn Deqnê. YPG said that more than 500 gangs attacked YPG/YPJ positions with tanks, armored vehicles and heavy weaponry, but were met with a strong resistance. YPG announced that 83 gang members were killed and YPG/YPJ forces captured the bodies of 66 gangs. The gangs injured during this offensive have been transported to hospitals in Turkey for medical treatment.

YPG underlined that its forces inflicted heavy blows upon the gangs, and captured the following military equipment:

4 B-7 rocket propellers

66 Kalashnikovs

254 Kalashnikov clips

6 rockets

9 radio equipments

17 hand grenades

DAMAGED MILITARY VEHICLES

YPG stated that its forces damaged 1 BMB-type armored vehicle and destroyed 2 military vehicles, 1 BKC rifle and 8 B-7 rocket propellers.

11 YPG FIGHTERS LOST THEIR LIVES

YPG Central Command said that 11 of its fighters fell as martyrs as they heroically repelled the gangs’ attacks and gained victory. YPG offered condolences to the families of the martyrs, and warned the gangs that heavier losses awaited them if they continued to attack YPG/YPJ positions in the future.