MESOP FLASH : PKK/PYD FORCES FIGHTING OPENLY ALONGSIDE WITH ASSAD’S TROOPS

Kurdish Militia Openly Ally with Pro-Regime Forces for 1st Time

In another twist in the ongoing battle for Aleppo, the Kurdish militia YPG openly allied with the Syrian army and foreign militias for the first time on Saturday. The YPG joined the pro-Assad forces in the takeover of the Infantry School and nearby villages east of Aleppo city, as the Islamic State appeared to withdraw without a fight.

The Infantry School is near the Sheikh Najjar industrial area. The Islamic State had held the area since last year; however, it is facing pressure from three sides — a Turkish supported rebel advance, the YPG, and the regime — to hold on to its main position in Aleppo Province, the town of al-Aab to the northeast of Aleppo city. The Syrian opposition has accused the YPG of collusion with the Assad regime this year, including the capture of the Castello Road to the north of Aleppo which imposed the initial siege in late July.The YPG have also taken territory from rebels in northern Aleppo Province and have battled rebel factions in the Sheikh Maqsoud area of Aleppo city.

However, the Kurdish militia have not fought alongside pro-Assad forces in the field until now. www.mesop.de