The YPG (People's Protection Units) Press Centre has issued a written statement regarding the conclusions of the operation YPG forces launched in the Qamışlo (Qamishli), Tirbespiye and Tel Hamis triangle on 13 September.

According to the statement which announced the outcome of the Tel Hamis operation that went on for three days, 19 villages and 7 hamlets were cleansed of gangs and 53 gang members were killed, including 2 commanders. 4 YPG fighters also died.

The statement stressed that YPG forces had inflicted serious blows on ISIS terror with its epic resistance in Rabia, Sinjar and Jazaa in August, adding: “the most effective blow to the gangs, whose attacks began in   Zumar on 2 August and continued with the occupation of Sinjar, was inflicted after the 13-day resistance in Jazaa which concluded on 3 September.”

‘Region where ISIS plans attacks was targeted'

The YPG emphasised that 10 days after this resistance their forces had launched an operation in the Qamışlo, Tirbespiye and Tel Hamis triangle, which was under the control of gangs, and called 'ISIS fortresses' by them.  

The YPG gave important details regarding the reason for this operation:  “This area close to Qamişlo has played a role in the organisation of many previous gang attacks that have caused loss of life. This includes the attack on the tomb of Sheikh Khaznawi, which is considered holy by the people. Our forces launched this operation on 13 September in order to remove the terror threat to Qamişlo and Tirbespiye, to prevent preparations for further attacks and to call the ISIS gangs to account for the murders and massacres they have carried out in the past.”

ISIS targeted Arab and Kurdish civilians

After the operation started the gangs turned on Arabs who refused to fight the YPG. The YPG statement said: “the terrorist gangs massacred 11 people, including women and children. The gangs also fired long range rockets they seized from the Iraqi and Syrian regimes at Qamişlo, killing 5 civilians. On being routed by the YPG, the gangs burnt the houses of Arab and Kurd alike, and fired missiles in revenge.”

19 villages and 7 hamlets cleansed of gangs

The YPG Press Centre statement continued: "After 2 days of battles, the area in the Qamişlo, Tirbespiye and Tel Hamis triangle was liberated. Despite the efforts of the gangs to hold on to this strategic area, the operation of our forces was successfully completed on 16 September. 19 villages and 7 hamlets were cleansed of gang elements."

53 gang members, 2 of them commanders, killed

The YPG ascertained that 53 gang members were killed during this operation, 2 of them 'amirs' (commanders), one of them nicknamed Abubakir, with 8 bodies being in the possession of YPG forces.

Weapons seized

The YPG Press Centre said it had seized the following weapons: "2 vehicles, 2 anti-aircraft guns, 11 AK 47s, 2 machine guns, 2 B7 rocket propelled grenade launchers, 1 Bruno rifle, 1 pistol and ammunition and military equipment."

4 fighters died

The YPG said 4 of its fighters had died during the 3-day operation.

The statement concluded: "We would like all communities in the Cizire (Jazireh) region to know that as long as the threat of ISIS terror exists, the YPG resistance to protect the region and its people will grow in strength. The hands of YPG fighters will be at the throats of these blood suckers."