YPG (People's Protection Units)

The YPG, or People's Protection Units, is a Kurdish militia based in northern Syria. Formed in 2011 during the Syrian Civil War, the YPG was established to protect Kurdish communities and pursue autonomy. It gained international attention for its significant role in combating ISIS, particularly during the Battle of Kobani. The group has links to the PKK (Kurdistan Workers' Party), which has fought for Kurdish rights in Turkey. While the YPG has garnered support from the U.S. and other allies, it has also faced criticism and military opposition from Turkey, which views it as a terrorist organization.