With Russian air cover, PYD, Daesh gain ground in N. Syria

ANKARA

The Daesh militant group and the PYD, the terrorist PKK organization’s Syrian affiliate, have recently stepped up attacks -- with Russian air support -- on a strategic corridor between Syria’s northern Aleppo province and the Turkish border.

Since the downing by Turkey of a Russian warplane that violated its airspace on Nov. 14, Russia has provided air cover for both groups, which are currently trying to capture the corridor.

On Wednesday, local sources said Daesh had captured the villages of Kafra and Jarez southeast of Azaz after advancing west through Soran with Russian air support.

Local sources also reported that clashes were ongoing some 5 kilometers from Azaz between moderate opposition groups and Daesh militants.

Local sources in Aleppo, meanwhile, said Russian warplanes had struck the villages of Kaljibrin and Karam al-Turab in the northern part of Aleppo province, which constitutes the frontline between the PYD and moderate opposition groups.

Russian warplanes also reportedly struck opposition-held areas in southern Aleppo.

- PYD vs. Daesh in Jarablus

The PYD, with Russian support, has advanced along two different axes in an effort to link Kobani with Afrin, both of which are currently under its control.

While attacking opposition groups alongside Daesh in Azaz, however, the PYD is also fighting the extremist group in Jarablus in an effort to cross the Euphrates River from the east.

According to local sources, the area between Manbij and Jarablus has been subject to Russian airstrikes 15 times within the last three days.

The Deir Jamal, Maryamayn, Malikiyah and Al-Ziyara districts, meanwhile, have all been attacked by the Syrian Democratic Forces (which is led by the YPG, the PYD’s armed wing) while being hit by Russian airstrikes.

Last week, Russian warplanes targeted two aid convoys in Azaz, causing several civilian deaths and considerable material damage.