SUMMARY

The conflict between Ahrar al-Sham, al-Tawhid Brigade, IS, Jabhat Fateh al-Sham, and PYD took place in 2013. The conflict was fought in al Malikiyah district located in al Hasakah governorate, and Afrin district located in Aleppo governorate.

In 2013, northern Syria experienced increased violence between PYD (Partiya Yektîya Demokrat, Democratic Union Party) and Islamist groups. The violence occurred due to colliding ambitions between groups. While the Islamist groups were seeking to set up Islamic emirates, the PYD aimed to establish Kurdish governing structures. Control over the border areas was also highlighted as an important contributing factor.

The non-state conflict between Ahrar al-Sham, al-Tawhid Brigade, IS, Jabhat Fateh al-Sham and PYD is first included in UCDP data in 2013. In August of that year, clashes between the warring sides had resulted in more than 25 battle-related deaths.