Al-Qaeda linked ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and ash-Sham) and al-Nusra Front have launched a new attack on the villages of Çava, densely populated by Êzidî Kurds, and Elok, 7 km in the east of Serêkaniyê, at around 5 a.m. this morning.

Clashes broke out in the region as YPG (People's Defense Units) fighters responded to the attacks which were carried out by the groups deployed in Misrafa region on Haseke way.

According to local sources, clashes have intensified in the Elok village.

It is said that at least 20 members of the al-Qaeda linked groups have crossed into the Kurdish region over Turkish border and under the supervision of Turkish soldiers.

Groups deployed in the Til Xelef city bordering Turkey are also reported to be carrying out artillery attacks targeting the Serêkaniyê region where clashes are reported to be continuing in an area between the Kurdish city and Til Xelef.

Following the attack gang groups launched to take the control of Serêkaniyê on 16 July, YPG cleared the region of the armed Islamist groups within the next two days. The ISIS and al-Nusra groups are since attacking the western Kurdistan territory, joined in some areas by brigades affiliated to the FSA (Free Syrian Army).

In late August, YPG forces launched "Martry Çekjîn Revolutionary Operation" which was aimed at driving the jihadist groups out of western Kurdistan and other areas populated by Kurds. Hundreds of gang members have since been killed in clashes which expanded to an area extending from the Serêkaniyê city bordering Turkey (northern Kurdistan) to the Til Koçer city bordering Iraq (Mosul).

In an interview to ANF about the recent developments in the region, YPG General Commander Siban Hamo called attention to the strategic importance of the Serêkaniyê city which he described as the "Stalingrad of Rojava". Hamo said it was the military achievement in Serékaniyê that has enabled the recognition of the "Kurds" in Rojava. Hamo remarked that it was again after this achievement that representatives of the Syrian opposition had talks with him, adding that those people did not even pay regard to Kurds until then.