Clashes broke out between People's Defense Units (YPG) and ISIL (Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant) near the Efrin city of west Kurdistan on Thursday.

Groups affiliated to the al-Qaeda linked ISIL, deployed at three separate points near the Meerin village between Efrin and al-Qaeda controlled Azzaz city, and in the regions of Azzaz-Meerin and Yazibxane, attempted to attack the YPG control points in the Qestel Cindo village.

Clashes reportedly broke out at three points after YPG fighters responded to the attacks, killing many members of the gang groups, including an emir (leader) Ebu Usame El Urduni, and destroying a vehicle carrying anti-aircraft weapons.

The tank forces of the YPG launched an attack targeting a petrol station the al-Qaeda linked groups use as their base. Clashes in the area are reported to be continuing.

A large number of al-Qaeda militants and emirs have been killed in clashes with YPG fighters since mid July.