Clashes broke out between YPG (People's Defense Units) and al-Qaeda affiliated armed groups which launched attacks targeting Serêkaniyê and the village of Sefa in Çilaxa early Thursday.

According to reports by local sources, the gang groups positioned in Tel Halaf launched an attack against Serêkaniyê early in the morning. Clashes broke out as YPG fighters responded to the attack of the gang groups attempting to take control of the city.

A number of gang members have been reported killed in clashes which are still continuing in the region between Tel Halaf and Serêkaniyê.

According to the reports, the gang groups also launched artillery attacks targeting Serêkaniyê as of early Wednesday evening, also hitting Urfa's Ceylanpınar (Serêkaniya Serxetê) district where a fire was started by the attacks yesterday evening.

Militants of the armed groups were seen using the Turkish border while launching the attacks.

The groups launched another attack against the Çilaxa town of Girke Lege late Wednesday evening. Clashes broke out in the region as YPG fighters responded to the attack and lasted till early morning hours. Clashes are reported to be continuing in some places.