The People's Defence Units (YPG) are continuing their operations against the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), linked to Al Qaeda, in the Til Hemis and Til Berek area. While the YPG has liberated 3 more villages from armed groups, it is reported that these gangs have murdered three civilians.  

The operations launched by the YPG on 26 December are continuing, with intense clashes occurring on the evening of 30 December to the west of Til Hemis. The villages of Xerbi, Itfehi Şerqi and Ibêtix passed into the control of the YPG during these clashes.

Between 26 and 30 December 17 villages had been liberated in the Til Hemis area. This figure has now reached 20 with the liberation of the 3 further villages.

According to information provided by the inhabitants of Ibêtix village the Al Qaeda gangs killed 3 civilians for assisting the YPG, leaving the corpses outside the village. Most of the villagers had been forced to leave their homes when it was taken over by Al Qaeda. Two of those killed were named as Xizir El Teyf and Ebdilbari Mihemed El-Berho. The bodies were buried by the YPG.

It is reported that there are fierce clashes continuing around the villages of Qurtoba and El-Xerbiyê to the south. The Al Qaeda groups are said to have workshops in these villages which are used for the repair and modification of weapons.