YPG take over areas near Azaz and Afrin (despite urging that it is counterproductive from US) (feb 8, 2016 – feb 14, 2016)
Description:
CRITICAL JUNCTURE: CLASHING GOALS (YPG wants to connect Afrin w/ Kobani)
DEFIANCE/INSUBORDINATION on part of YPG?
US State Department briefing saying YPG actions to create fait accompli on ground are counterproductive + that they've "urged the YPG to avoid moves that will heighten tensions with Turkey and with other Arab opposition forces in northern Syria, because we believe they’re counterproductive.": https://2009-2017.state.gov/r/pa/prs/dpb/2016/02/252539.htm ---- spokesman directly says that US did NOT support YPG's latest ops
US Defense Department says that they are concerned YPG is focusing on "other things" but that they "understand it"; that US would prefer YPG to stop fighting other groups and start fighting ISIS: https://www.defense.gov/News/Transcripts/Transcript-View/Article/657450/department-of-defense-press-briefing-by-colwarren-via-teleconference-from-baghd/
Added to timeline:
US-Syrian Kurds
Relationship between Syrian Kurds + US (and background info,...
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