# Rojava Revolution

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Military and political conflict in northern Syria

Rojava Revolution Part of the Syrian civil war, the Kurdish–Turkish conflict, and the war against the Islamic State Top left: SDF Victory in the Battle for Raqqa (2017). Top right: Coalition airstrike on Islamic State position in Kobanî. Middle right: PYD supporters at a funeral. Bottom left: Kurdish YPJ fighters. Bottom right: Syriac Military Council patch. Date 19 July 2012 – present (13 years, 11 months and 6 days) Location Al-Hasakah Governorate, Raqqa Governorate, Aleppo Governorate, Deir ez-Zor Governorate, Syria Status Ongoing The PYD and allies declared the establishment of an autonomous region in northeastern Syria Some FSA groups join Rojava as part of the Syrian Democratic Forces SDF–Syrian transitional government clashes (2025–present) Goals Libertarian socialism[2][3] Direct democracy Gender equality Eco-socialism Federalization of Syria Democratic confederalism[4] Establishment of a permanent Autonomous Zone in Northeastern Syria Withdrawal of Turkey and Turkish Allied Free Syrian Army from Rojava-claimed territory (2016–2025) Methods Uprising Demonstrations Belligerents DAANES[1] PKK OIR United States United Kingdom Canada France Jordan United Arab Emirates Bahrain Morocco Saudi Arabia Syrian Arab Republic (until 2024)[a] Russia[b] (until 2024) Turkey Syrian Interim Government (until 2025) Syrian transitional government (since 2025) Islamic State Syrian Arab Republic (until 2024)[a] Russia[b] (until 2024) Units involved SDF PYD YPG[5] Asayiş ENKS Kurdish Front[c][6] Syriac Union Party MFS Sutoro Khabur Guards PKK IFB[7][8] MLKP TKP/ML MKP Arab tribesmen Sharabiyya tribe (Ras al-'Ayn area)[9] Zubayd tribe (Ras al-'Ayn area)[9] Shammar tribe (Ya'rubiyah area)[10] Syrian Arab Armed Forces Turkish Armed Forces Turkish Land Forces Turkish Air Force Turkish-allied Syrian opposition SNA (2017–2025) 13th Division Northern Division Syrian Turkmen Brigades Islamic Front Ahrar al-Sham Jaysh al-Islam Ansar al-Sham Diwan al-Jund Syrian Arab Armed Forces Casualties and losses 14,691 killed[11] 245 killed[d] 140 killed (Per SOHR)[h] 1,185 killed (Per SOHR)[l] 9,158 killed[16] 561 killed[m] 478 civilians killed by SDF, 974 by Turkey, 2,409 by Syrian Opposition[11]

v t e Rojava conflict (Syrian civil war) 2012 1st Aleppo 1st Ras al-Ayn 2013 Kurdish–Islamist conflict 1st Tell Abyad al-Yaarubiyah 1st Tell Hamis and Tell Brak 2014 1st Kobanî American-led intervention Kurdish riots 2015 Eastern al-Hasakah 1st Sarrin Western al-Hasakah 1st al-Hasakah 2nd Tell Abyad 2nd Sarrin 2nd al-Hasakah 2nd Kobani Al-Hawl Inner-SDF Tishrin Dam 1st al-Qamishli 2016 Wusta Al-Shaddadi 7th Aleppo 3rd Tell Abyad 2nd al-Qamishli Northern Raqqa Manbij 3rd al-Qamishli 3rd al-Hasakah Euphrates Shield 1st Western al-Bab 2nd Western al-Bab al-Bab Raqqa 2017 Tabqa Turkish airstrikes Raqqa City Ja'Din 1st Deir ez-Zor Eastern insurgency 2018 Olive Branch Afrin Northern Aleppo insurgency 4th al-Qamishli Northern border clashes 2019 2nd Manbij Baghuz Fawqani Tell Rifaat Rojava offensive 2nd Ras al-Ayn 2020 2020–2021 Ayn Issa clashes 2021 5th al-Qamishli & 4th al-Hasakah 6th al-Qamishli 2022 5th al-Hasakah Claw-Sword 2023 Turkish Airstrikes 2nd Deir ez-Zor Arab tribal insurgency in Eastern Syria 2024 Deterrence of Aggression 8th Aleppo Dawn of Freedom 3rd Kobanî 3rd Deir ez-Zor 2025 SDF–Government clashes 2026 1st Northeastern

The **Rojava Revolution**, also known as the **Rojava conflict** is a political upheaval and military conflict taking place in northern [Syria](/source/Syria), known among Kurds as [Western Kurdistan or Rojava](/source/Syrian_Kurdistan).

During the [Syrian civil war](/source/Syrian_civil_war) that began in 2011, a Kurdish-dominated coalition led by the [Democratic Union Party](/source/Democratic_Union_Party_(Syria)) as well as some other [Kurdish](/source/Syrian_Kurds), [Arab](/source/Arabs), [Assyrian](/source/Assyrian_people), and [Turkmen](/source/Syrian_Turkmen) groups have sought to establish a new [constitution](/source/Constitution_of_the_Autonomous_Administration_of_North_and_East_Syria) for the *[de facto](/source/De_facto)* autonomous region, while military wings and allied militias have fought to maintain control of the region. This led to the establishment of the [Democratic Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria](/source/Democratic_Autonomous_Administration_of_North_and_East_Syria) (DAANES) in 2016.[18]

Supporters of the Kurdish movement argue that the events constitute a [social revolution](/source/Social_revolution)[19] with a prominent role played by women both on the battlefield and within the newly formed political system, as well as the implementation of [democratic confederalism](/source/Democratic_confederalism), a form of [libertarian socialism](/source/Libertarian_socialism) that emphasizes decentralization, gender equality and the need for local governance through [direct democracy](/source/Direct_democracy).[4][19]

The [2026 northeastern Syria offensive](/source/2026_northeastern_Syria_offensive) by the Syrian armed forces under the transitional government marked the effective end of the conflict and autonomous Rojava in mid-January 2026, as the SDF and DAANES agreed to integrate into the Syrian army and government.[20][21]

## Background

Further information: [Kurds in Syria](/source/Kurds_in_Syria), [Syrian Kurdistan](/source/Syrian_Kurdistan), and [Democratic Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria](/source/Democratic_Autonomous_Administration_of_North_and_East_Syria)

### State discrimination

Further information: [Human rights in Syria](/source/Human_rights_in_Syria)

2012 [VOA](/source/VOA) report about the Kurdish situation in Syria

Repression of the Kurds and other ethnic minorities has gone on since the creation of the [French Mandate for Syria](/source/Mandate_for_Syria_and_the_Lebanon) after the 1916 [Sykes–Picot Agreement](/source/Sykes%E2%80%93Picot_Agreement).[22] The Syrian government never officially acknowledged the existence of the Kurds[22] and in 1962, 120,000 Syrian Kurds were stripped of their citizenship, leaving them [stateless](/source/Statelessness).[23] The [Kurdish language](/source/Kurdish_language) and culture have also been suppressed. The government attempted to resolve these issues in 2011 by granting all Kurds citizenship, but only an estimated 6,000 out of 150,000 stateless Kurds have been given nationality and most discriminatory regulations, including the ban on teaching Kurdish, are still on the books.[24] Due to the Syrian Civil War, which began in 2011, the government is no longer in a position to enforce these laws.

### Qamishli riots

Further information: [2004 Qamishli riots](/source/2004_Qamishli_riots)

In 2004, [riots broke out](/source/2004_Qamishli_riots) against the government in the northeastern city of [Qamishli](/source/Qamishli). During a soccer match between a local Kurdish team and a visiting Arab team from [Deir ez-Zor](/source/Deir_ez-Zor), some Arab fans brandished portraits of [Saddam Hussein](/source/Saddam_Hussein), who killed tens of thousands of Kurds in Southern Kurdistan during the [Anfal campaign](/source/Anfal_campaign) in the 1980s. Tensions quickly escalated into open protests, with Kurds raising [their flag](/source/Flag_of_Kurdistan) and taking to the streets to demand cultural and political rights. Security forces fired into the crowd, killing six Kurds, including three children. Protesters went on to burn down the Ba'ath Party's local office. At least 30 and as many as 100 Kurds were killed by the government before the protests were quelled. Thousands of Kurds then fled to Iraq, where a refugee camp was established. Occasional clashes between Kurdish protesters and government forces occurred in the following years.[25][26]

[Mashouq al-Khaznawi](/source/Mashouq_al-Khaznawi), a very influential Kurdish sheikh, was killed in 2005 due to his increasing activism which began during the 2004 Qamishli uprisings. He was described as the "center" of the 2004 uprisings and was considered a threat by the Syrian government, who killed him and sparked outrage among Kurds.[27]

## The path to self-governed Rojava

### Syrian Civil War

Kurds, Assyrians, and Arabs demonstrate against the [Syrian government](/source/Syrian_government) in [Qamishli](/source/Qamishli), 6 January 2012

In 2011, the [Arab Spring](/source/Arab_Spring) spread to Syria. In an echo of the [Tunisian revolution](/source/Tunisian_revolution), Syrian citizen Hasan Ali Akleh soaked himself in gasoline and set himself on fire in the northern city of [Al-Hasakah](/source/Al-Hasakah). This inspired activists to call for a "Day of Rage", which was sparsely attended, mostly because of fear of repression from the Syrian government. Days later, however, protests again took place, this time in response to the police beating of a shopkeeper.[28]

Smaller protests continued, and on 7 March 2011, thirteen political prisoners went on hunger strike, and momentum began to grow against the Assad government. Three days later dozens of Syrian Kurds went on hunger strike in solidarity.[29] On 12 March, major protests took place in [Qamishli](/source/Qamishli) and Al-Hasakah to both protest the Assad government and commemorate [Kurdish Martyrs Day](/source/2004_Qamishli_riots).[30]

Protests grew over the months of March and April 2011. The Assad government attempted to appease Kurds by promising to grant citizenship to thousands of Kurds, who until that time had been stripped of any legal status.[31] By the summer, protests had only intensified, as did violent crackdowns by the Syrian government.

[Ras al-Ayn](/source/Ras_al-Ayn) and a series of other towns in northern Syria were partially captured by the [YPG](/source/People's_Protection_Units) in 2012 ([Battle of Ras al-Ayn](/source/Battle_of_Ras_al-Ayn) depicted).

In August, a coalition of opposition groups formed the [Syrian National Council](/source/Syrian_National_Council) in hopes of creating a democratic, pluralistic alternative to the Assad government. But internal fighting and disagreement over politics and inclusion plagued the group from its beginnings. In the fall of 2011 the popular uprising escalated to an armed conflict. The [Free Syrian Army](/source/Free_Syrian_Army) (FSA) began to coalesce and armed insurrection spread, largely across central and southern Syria.[32]

### Kurdish parties negotiate

The National Movement of Kurdish Parties in Syria, a coalition of Syria's 12 Kurdish parties, boycotted a Syrian opposition summit in [Antalya](/source/Antalya), Turkey on 31 May 2011, stating that "any such meeting held in Turkey can only be a detriment to the Kurds in Syria, because Turkey is against the aspirations of the Kurds".[33]

During the August summit in [Istanbul](/source/Istanbul), which led to the creation of the [Syrian National Council](/source/Syrian_National_Council), only two of the parties in the National Movement of Kurdish Parties in Syria, the [Kurdish Union Party](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Kurdish_Union_Party&action=edit&redlink=1) and the [Kurdish Freedom Party](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Kurdish_Freedom_Party&action=edit&redlink=1), attended the summit.[34]

Anti-government protests had been ongoing in the Kurdish-inhabited areas of Syria since March 2011, as part of the wider [Syrian uprising](/source/Syrian_Revolution), but clashes started after the opposition [Kurdish Democratic Union Party](/source/Democratic_Union_Party_(Syria)) (PYD) and [Kurdish National Council](/source/Kurdish_National_Council) (KNC) signed a seven-point agreement on 11 June 2012 in [Erbil](/source/Erbil) under the auspice of [Iraqi Kurdistan](/source/Iraqi_Kurdistan) president [Massoud Barzani](/source/Massoud_Barzani). This agreement, however, failed to be implemented and so a new cooperation agreement between the two sides was signed on 12 July which saw the creation of the [Kurdish Supreme Committee](/source/Kurdish_Supreme_Committee) as a governing body of all Kurdish-controlled territories in Syria.[35][36][37]

### YPG claims territory

The [People's Protection Units](/source/People's_Protection_Units) (YPG) entered the conflict by capturing the city of [Kobanî](/source/Koban%C3%AE) on 19 July 2012, followed by the capture of [Amuda](/source/Amuda) and [Efrîn](/source/Afrin%2C_Syria) on 20 July.[38] The cities fell without any major clashes, as Syrian security forces withdrew without any significant resistance.[38] The Syrian Army pulled out to fight elsewhere.[39] The KNC and PYD then formed a joint leadership council to run the captured cities.

Politics of the Democratic Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria Symbols Assyrian flag Flag of Kurdistan Flag of Syria Constitution Libertarian socialism Human rights Legislature and Government Syrian Democratic Council AANES Executive Council People's Democratic Council/Law Council (2023–present)[40] Justice Council[41]: 20, 30 TEV-DEM[41]: 17 Elections March 2015 (Local) September 2017 (Local) December 2017 (Regional) August 2024 (Local) Political parties Democratic Union Party (PYD) Syriac Union Party (SUP) Law–Citizenship–Rights Movement (QMH) Syrian National Democratic Alliance (SNDA) Honor and Rights Convention (HRC) Kongreya Star (YS) Arab National Coalition (ANC) Kurdistan Democratic Party of Syria (KDP-S) Syrian Kurdish Democratic Party (PDKS 1970) Kurdish Democratic Unity Party (PYDKS or Yek-Dem) Syrian Democratic Society (SDS) Democratic Modernity Party (DM) Democratic Socialist Arab Ba'ath Party (PB-ASD) Left Party of Syrian Kurds (LPSK) Kurdish Democratic Progressive Party (PDPKS) Assyrian Democratic Party (ADP) Syrian Kurds' Democratic Peace Party (PADKS) Democratic Transformation Party (DT) Kurdistan Liberal Union Party (PYLK) Kurdish Democratic Accord Party (Wifaq) Syrian Reform Movement (Islah) Yazidi House (Êzîdî) Syriac National Council (SNC) Patriotic Initiative (PI) Party alliances Democratic Nation List (LND)/Movement for a Democratic Society (TEV-DEM) Kurdish National Alliance in Syria (HNKS) Assembly for Democracy and the Left (KDCK) Kurdish National Council (ENKS) Syria's Tomorrow Movement (TM) Administrative regions Jazira Region Euphrates Region Afrin Region Foreign relations Ba'athist Syria Free Syrian Army Rojava conflict Rojava–Islamist conflict Kurdish nationalism Iraqi Kurdistan Other countries v t e

The YPG forces continued with their advancement and on 21 July captured [Al-Malikiyah](/source/Al-Malikiyah) ([Kurdish](/source/Kurdish_language): *Dêrika Hemko*), which lies 10 kilometers from the Turkish border.[42] The forces at the time also intended to capture [Qamishli](/source/Qamishli), the largest Syrian city with a Kurdish majority.[43] On the same day, the Syrian government attacked a patrol of Kurdish YPG members and wounded one fighter.[44] The next day it was reported that Kurdish forces were still fighting for Al-Malikiyah, where one young Kurdish activist was killed after government security forces opened fire on protesters. The YPG also took control over the towns of [Ra's al-'Ayn](/source/Ras_al-Ayn%2C_al-Hasakah) ([Kurdish](/source/Kurdish_language): *Serê Kaniyê*) and [Al-Darbasiyah](/source/Al-Darbasiyah) ([Kurdish](/source/Kurdish_language): *Dirbêsiyê*), after the security and political units withdrew from these areas, following an ultimatum issued by the Kurds. On the same day, clashes erupted in Qamishli between YPG and government forces in which one Kurdish fighter was killed and two were wounded along with one government official.[45]

On 24 July, the PYD announced that Syrian security forces had withdrawn from the small Kurdish city of 16,000 of [Al-Ma'bada](/source/Al-Ma'bada) ([Kurdish](/source/Kurdish_language): *Girkê Legê*), between Al-Malikiyah and the Turkish borders. The YPG forces then took control of all government institutions.[46]

### Autonomous government established

Main article: [Democratic Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria](/source/Democratic_Autonomous_Administration_of_North_and_East_Syria)

On 1 August 2012, state security forces on the periphery of the country were pulled into the intensifying [battle](/source/Battle_of_Aleppo_(2012%E2%80%932016)) taking place in [Aleppo](/source/Aleppo). During this large withdrawal from the north, the YPG took control of at least parts of [Qamishli](/source/Qamishli), [Efrin](/source/Afrin%2C_Syria), [Amude](/source/Amuda), [Dirbesiye](/source/Al-Darbasiyah) and [Kobanî](/source/Koban%C3%AE) with very little conflict or casualties.[47]

[Anarchists](/source/Anarchists) and Kurds marching in France in support of Rojava

On 2 August 2012, the [National Coordination Committee for Democratic Change](/source/National_Coordination_Committee_for_Democratic_Change) announced that most Kurdish-majority cities in Syria, except [Qamishli](/source/Qamishli) and [Hasaka](/source/Hasaka), were no longer controlled by government forces and were now being governed by Kurdish political parties.[48] In Qamishli, government military and police forces remained in their barracks and administration officials in the city allowed the [Kurdish flag](/source/Kurdish_flag) to be raised.[49]

After months of de facto rule, the PYD officially announced its regional autonomy on 9 January 2014. Elections were held, popular assemblies established and the [Constitution of Rojava](/source/Constitution_of_Rojava) was approved. Since then, residents organized local assemblies, reopened schools, established community centers, and helped push back the [Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant](/source/Islamic_State_of_Iraq_and_the_Levant) (ISIL) to gain control of almost all land in Syria east of the [Euphrates](/source/Euphrates) river. They see their model of grassroots democracy as one that can be implemented throughout Syria in the future.

## Social revolution

Further information: [Human rights in the DAANES](/source/Human_rights_in_the_DAANES)

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Male and female members of the [Asayish](/source/Asayish_(NES_regions)) police force

After declaring autonomy, grassroots organizers, politicians and other community members have radically changed the social and political make-up of the area. The extreme laws restricting independent political organizing, women's freedom, religious and cultural expression and the discriminatory policies carried out by the Assad government have been superseded. In their place, a [Constitution of Rojava](/source/Constitution_of_Rojava) guaranteeing the cultural, religious and political freedom of all people has been established. The constitution also explicitly states the equal rights and freedom of women and also "mandates public institutions to work towards the elimination of gender discrimination".[19]

The political and social changes taking place in Rojava have in large part been inspired by the [libertarian socialist](/source/Libertarian_socialism) politics of Kurdish leader [Abdullah Öcalan](/source/Abdullah_%C3%96calan).[19]

### Cooperative economy

The Rojava economy is a blend of private companies, the autonomous administration and [worker cooperatives](/source/Worker_cooperative). Since the revolution, efforts have been made to transition the economy to one of self-sufficiency based on worker and producer cooperatives. This transition faces the major obstacles of ongoing conflict and an embargo from all neighboring countries: Turkey, Iraq, Iran, and the various forces controlling nearby areas of Syria. This has forced people to rely almost exclusively on diesel-run generators for electricity. Additionally, strong emphasis is being placed on businesses that can bring about self-sufficiency to the region.

There were at first no [direct](/source/Direct_tax) or [indirect](/source/Indirect_tax) [taxes](/source/Tax) on people or businesses in the region;[50] Instead the administration funded itself mainly through the sale of oil and other natural resources and [tariffs](/source/Tariff) on border commerce (which is clandestine because of the embargo).[51][52] However, in July 2017, it was reported that the administration in the [Jazira Region](/source/Jazira_Region) had started to collect [income tax](/source/Income_tax) to provide for public services in the region.[53] There are partnerships that have been created between private companies and the administration. The administration also funds the school system and distributes bread to all citizens at a below-market rate.[54]

The [Movement for a Democratic Society](/source/Movement_for_a_Democratic_Society) Economic Committee has been helping businesses move towards a "community economy" based on worker cooperatives and self-sufficiency.[54]

Syrians sewing garments in a worker cooperative

Other cooperatives involve bottled mineral water, construction, factories, fuel stations, generators, livestock, oil, pistachio and roasted seeds, and public markets.

Additionally there are several agricultural communes with families collectively working the land.[55]

According to the region's "Ministry of Economics", by 2015, approximately three-quarters of all property had been placed under community ownership and a third of production had been transferred to direct management by [workers' councils](/source/Workers'_council).[56]

### Direct democracy

The Rojava Cantons are governed through a combination of district and civil councils. District councils consist of 300 members as well as two elected co-presidents, one man and one woman. District councils decide and carry out administrative and economic duties such as garbage collection, land distribution and cooperative enterprises.[57] Civil councils exist to promote social and political rights in the community.

### Ethnic minority rights

Protest in support of Rojava and the Rojava revolution against genocide in [Berlin](/source/Berlin), Germany

Closely related to religious freedom and the protection of religious minorities is the protection of ethnic minorities. Kurds now have the right to study their language freely, as do Assyrians. For the first time, a Kurdish curriculum has been introduced to the public school system.

Residents are also now free to express their culture freely. Culture and music centers have formed, hosting dance classes, music lessons and choir practice.[58]

In some areas, in addition to the gender quota for councils, there is also an ethnic minority quota.[59]

There has been, however, numerous instances of discrimination toward Assyrians, including policies of seizing the property of Assyrians who had to flee due to conflict, and numerous instances of attacks against the Assyrian minority.[60] Kurdish authorities have also shut down privately run Assyrian schools ostensibly to protect students from "exorbitant tuition costs".[61][62]

### Restorative justice

Rojava's criminal justice system incorporates principles of [restorative justice](/source/Restorative_justice).[63][64] Reconciliation Committees have replaced the Syrian government court system in several cities.[65] Committees are representative of the ethnic diversity in their respective area. For example, the committee in [Tal Abyad](/source/Tal_Abyad) has Arabs, Kurds, Turkmen and Armenians.[66]

### Women's rights

#### Women's revolution in Rojava

[Rojava](/source/Autonomous_Administration_of_North_and_East_Syria) is famous for its attempt at overcoming [gender inequality](/source/Gender_inequality) and improving [women's rights](/source/Women's_rights).[67] In the Rojava Revolution, women's participation has achieved a lot of media attention in recent years.[68] A lot of [Kurdish women](/source/Kurdish_women) bound their power, gathered their weapons, and served in the mobile company of the [Women's Protection Units](/source/Women's_Protection_Units) (YPJ) on the front line in Syria.[69] The revolution in Rojava is mainly caused by the underlying dominant ideology, namely a secular egalitarian [ideology](/source/Ideology).[70] Influenced by the ideology of [Abdullah Öcalan](/source/Abdullah_%C3%96calan), women have taken up their arms and have been fighting for a liberated [Kurdistan](/source/Kurdistan). Ideologies that include an active fight for gender equality lead to the equal inclusion of women in military positions.[70]

Within the Kurdish forces, and especially regarding its leadership positions, there is an unprecedentedly high prevalence of female fighters.[71] The YPJ is a unique case where women embody a substantial part of the overall military force. The traditional belief, that combat is a male-dominated area and women simply are victims of that fact, is thereby compromised.[71]

#### Jineology

Further information: [Jineology](/source/Jineology)

See also: [Democratic confederalism](/source/Democratic_confederalism)

A strong political ideology, namely the Democratic Autonomy concept of [Abdullah Öcalan](/source/Abdullah_%C3%96calan), has had a major impact on female empowerment.[67] Öcalan, political activist and founder of the [PKK](/source/Kurdistan_Workers'_Party), has the belief that a society needs to make decisions with consent from all members.[72] A nation should be based on this kind of [democracy](/source/Democracy), as well as ecology and women's freedom.[72] Öcalan brought the concept of [democratic confederalism](/source/Democratic_confederalism) to life, which encouraged a move away from [patriarchal](/source/Patriarchy) nationalism.[73] Within this concept, [feminism](/source/Feminism), specifically [jineology](/source/Jineology) (the science of women), is central to the social revolution taking place in [Rojava](/source/Autonomous_Administration_of_North_and_East_Syria). The Democratic Autonomy concept has been modified to the ongoing conflict in Syria.[67] All [YPG](/source/People's_Defense_Units) and [YPJ](/source/Women's_Protection_Units) fighters and [Asayish](/source/Asayish_(Syria)) have the study of jineology as part of their training, and it is also taught in community centers.[74] In 2017, the [University of Rojava](/source/University_of_Rojava) established the department of [Jineology](/source/Jineology) integrated in Languages and Social Studies Faculty.[75] The aim was to "teach the reality of life and women and redefine them and achieve changes in the mentality of the society".[76]

#### Legal revolution

Aside from the military victories, [Rojava](/source/Autonomous_Administration_of_North_and_East_Syria) is the witness of a legal revolution. Since the war broke out there have been multiple legal changes regarding [women's rights](/source/Women's_rights).[69] In the Social Contract of the Autonomous Regions of [Kobane](/source/Koban%C3%AE), [Jazira](/source/Jazira_Region) and [Afrin](/source/Afrin_Region), formulated in 2014, it is stated that women and men have the same rights.[77] Much of the focus of the revolution has been on addressing the extreme levels of [violence](/source/Violence_against_women) which women in the area have endured,[78] as well as increasing women's leadership in all political institutions. To illustrate, the authority of Rojava has come up with an initiative to install a 40% quota representation of women in every organization and institution.[69][79] This has the consequence that in every layer of government, from a local organization to the parliament, women must be assigned as vice presidents or co-presidents.[69] Also, efforts are being made to reduce cases of [underage marriage](/source/Child_marriage), [polygamy](/source/Polygamy) and [honor killings](/source/Honor_killings), both socially as well as through legislation forbidding these practices.[80]

#### Women's Protection Unit (YPJ)

Further information: [Women's Protection Units](/source/Women's_Protection_Units)

In the 1980s, [political organizations](/source/Political_organisation) began recruiting women for their political and military ranks. An example of such a political organization was the [Kurdish Workers Party](/source/Kurdistan_Workers'_Party), the PKK.[73] The extent to which women participate in the PKK and the [YPG](/source/YPG) demonstrates the outstanding roles they have had in the battle with [ISIS](/source/Islamic_State).[81] The YPG can be seen as the [National Liberation Movement](/source/National_liberation_movements) and the women from the YPJ have been fighting side by side with them. Both forces, YPJ and YPG, are under the control and command of the [Democratic Union Party](/source/Democratic_Union_Party_(Syria)) (PYD).[69] Their combaters are trained both militarily and educationally, as they are introduced to the political thought of Öcalan and [jineology](/source/Jineology).[82] The Rojava Model perceives women as revolutionary operators who fight for improving democratic values. Women not only stimulate emancipation in society but further tackle the system which allows men to have internalized hegemony over women.[67] Therefore, women are highly visible as female fighters in the YPJ against ISIS.

#### Women's houses

In every town and village under YPG control, a women's house is established. These are community centers run by women, providing services to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and other forms of harm. These services include counseling, family mediation, legal support, and coordinating safe houses for women and children.[79] Classes on economic independence and social empowerment programs are also held at women's houses.[83]

### Religious freedom

The right to religious expression is also safeguarded in the constitution. This, as well as the extreme hostility towards religious minorities in Islamist controlled areas, has led to a large migration of religious minorities to Rojava.[84]

## Relations and conflicts

See also: [Foreign relations of Rojava](/source/Foreign_relations_of_Rojava)

Military situation in December 2015

There are four major forces involved in the Rojava revolution. The [People's Protection Units](/source/People's_Protection_Units) are working with the PYD and other political parties to establish self-rule in Rojava. Syrian government forces still maintain rule in some areas of Rojava under the leadership of the Assad government. A collection of Sunni Islamist forces, the largest being the [Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant](/source/Islamic_State_of_Iraq_and_the_Levant) (ISIL), fought to rule the region by way of [Islamic fundamentalism](/source/Islamic_fundamentalism). Finally, there were several militias under the general banner of the [Free Syrian Army](/source/Free_Syrian_Army) whose intentions and alliances have differed and shifted over time.

### Rojava–Syrian government relations and conflicts

Main article: [AANES–Ba'athist Syria relations](/source/AANES%E2%80%93Ba'athist_Syria_relations)

Main article: [SDF–Syrian transitional government clashes (2025–present)](/source/SDF%E2%80%93Syrian_transitional_government_clashes_(2025%E2%80%93present))

See also: [Federalization of Syria](/source/Federalization_of_Syria)

While conflict between the YPG and the Syrian government has not been as active as fighting against Islamist forces, there have been several conflicts between the two forces. Territory once controlled by the Syrian government in both [Qamishli](/source/Qamishli) and [al-Hasakah](/source/Al-Hasakah) has been taken over by YPG forces. At the end of April 2016, clashes erupted between government forces and YPG fighters for control of Qamishli.[85]

As of the beginning of August 2016, YPG fighters controlled two-thirds of the northeastern city of al-Hasakah, while pro-government militias controlled the remainder. On 17 August 2016, heavy clashes broke out between YPG fighters and the pro-government militias, resulting in the deaths of four civilians, four Kurdish fighters, and three government loyalists. On 18 August, Syrian government aircraft bombed YPG positions in Hasakah, including three YPG checkpoints and three YPG bases. Syrian Kurds had recently demanded that the pro-government [National Defense Forces](/source/National_Defence_Forces) militia disband in al-Hasakah. A government source told the AFP that the air strikes were "a message to the Kurds that they should stop this sort of demand that constitutes an affront to national sovereignty".[86] Another possible factor behind the fighting may have been the recent thaw in Turkish–Russian relations that began in July 2016; Russia, a key ally of the Syrian government, had previously been supporting Syrian Kurdish forces as a means to apply pressure to Turkey. After the recent territorial defeat of ISIL in Syria and Iraq and improvements in the Turkish–Russian relationship, it is possible that Russia and its allies began to view a strong YPG as increasingly less useful.[87] In response to the attacks by the Syrian aircraft on Kurdish positions near al-Hasakah, the United States scrambled planes over the city in order to deter further attacks.[87] By 22 August, Syrian government troops, [Hezbollah](/source/Hezbollah) fighters, and members of the Iranian paramilitary [Basij](/source/Basij) militia had become involved in the fighting against Kurdish forces in al-Hasakah.[87]

In October 2023, in response to [a series drone strikes on U.S. bases in Syria and Iraq](/source/Attacks_on_US_bases_in_Iraq%2C_Jordan%2C_and_Syria_during_the_Israel%E2%80%93Hamas_war), the Kurdish forces fought Syrian militias. 3 Kurdish militiamen and 19 Syrian militiamen were killed while 20 Syrian militiamen were injured.[88]

In the context of the [2024 opposition offensives](/source/2024_Syrian_opposition_offensives) in Syria and the [downfall of the Assad regime](/source/Fall_of_the_Assad_regime), SDF forces took part in the [battle of Aleppo](/source/Battle_of_Aleppo_(2024)), expanding their control of the [Sheikh Maqsood](/source/Sheikh_Maqsood) area, as well as [taking territory](/source/Deir_ez-Zor_offensive_(2024)) across the [Euphrates river](/source/Euphrates), seizing [Deir ez-Zor](/source/Deir_ez-Zor).[89]

### Internal relations and conflicts in Rojava

Further information: [Democratic Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria § Politics](/source/Democratic_Autonomous_Administration_of_North_and_East_Syria#Politics), [List of political parties in Rojava](/source/List_of_political_parties_in_Rojava), and [Human rights in the DAANES](/source/Human_rights_in_the_DAANES)

See also: [Syrian Democratic Forces § Reported internal conflict between SDF factions](/source/Syrian_Democratic_Forces#Reported_internal_conflict_between_SDF_factions), and [YPG–FSA relations](/source/YPG%E2%80%93FSA_relations)

On 28 December 2012, Syrian government forces opened fire on pro-FSA demonstrators in [al-Hasakah](/source/Al-Hasakah) city, killing and wounding several individuals. Arab tribes in the area attacked YPG positions in the city in reprisal, stating the Kurdish fighters were collaborating with the government. Clashes broke out, and three Arabs were killed, though it was not clear whether they were killed by YPG forces or nearby government troops.[90] Demonstrations were organised by various Kurdish groups throughout northeastern Syria in late December as well. PYD supporters drove vehicles at low speeds through a KNC demonstration in Qamishli, raising tensions between the two groups.[91]

From 2 to 4 January, PYD-led demonstrators staged protests in the al-Antariyah neighbourhood of Qamishli, demanding "freedom and democracy" for both Kurds and Syrians. Many activists camped out on site. On 4 January, approximately 10,000 people were participating in the rallies, which also included smaller numbers of supporters of other Kurdish parties,[92] such as the KNC, which staged a rally in the Munir Habib neighbourhood. PYD organisers had planned for 100,000 people to participate, but such support did not materialise. The demonstrations were concurrent with rallies conducted across the country by the Arab opposition, though Kurdish parties did not use the same slogans as the Arabs, and also did not the same slogans amongst their own parties. Kurds also demonstrated in several other towns, but not across the entire Kurdish region.[93]

Meanwhile, several armed incidents occurred between the dominant PYD-YPG and other Kurdish parties in the region, particularly the Kurdish Union ("Yekîtî") Party, part of a Kurdish political coalition called the [Kurdish Democratic Political Union](/source/Kurdish_Democratic_Political_Union) formed on 15 December 2012, which excludes the PYD.[94] On 3 January, PYD gunmen staged a drive-by shooting on a Yekîtî office in Qamishli. Armed Yekîtî members returned fire, injuring one PYD member.[95] The same day, armed clashes broke out between YPG fighters and members of the newly formed Jiwan Qatna Battalion of Yekîtî in ad-Darbasiyah. Four Yekîtî members were abducted by the YPG, who said they were affiliated with Islamist groups, though Yekîtî activists stated that the PYD wanted to prevent other Kurdish groups from arming themselves. Following demonstrations in the town demanding their release and an intervention by the KNC, the four men were released by the end of the day.[96] On 11 January, YPG forces raided an empty Yekîtî training ground near Ali Faru which had been built in early January, tearing down both the Kurdish and FSA flags that had been flying at the base. Though PYD members defended the raid by saying that the flags could have attracted government airstrikes, Yekîtî condemned the action.[97]

Military situation in August 2018

On 31 January, Kamal Mustafa Hanan, editor-in-chief of Newroz (a Kurdish-language journal) and a former Yekîtî politician, was fatally shot in the Ashrafiyah district of Aleppo. It was not clear if he was the victim of a stray bullet or of a politically motivated assassination. Yekîtî organised a funeral procession in the town of [Afrin](/source/Afrin%2C_Syria) in the Kurdish-held northwest corner of Aleppo Province on 1 February, which members of both the PYD and KNC attended.[98] Also on 1 February, Kurds staged demonstrations in several towns and villages across West Kurdistan concurrent with opposition demonstrations elsewhere in the country. The demonstrations were organised by various Kurdish groups, including the PYD and KNC. Demonstrators from the KNC demanded an end to fighting in Ras al-Ayn and the withdrawal of armed groups from the town, while PYD demonstrators stressed solidarity with their YPG units and the Kurdish Supreme Council.[99]

From 2 to 5 February, YPG forces blockaded the village of Kahf al-Assad ([Kurdish](/source/Kurdish_language): *Banê Şikeftê*), inhabited by members of the Kurdish Kherikan tribe, after being fired upon by unknown gunmen in the village. YPG checkpoints were also established around other Kherikan villages. The Kherikan are traditionally supporters of the [Massoud Barzani](/source/Massoud_Barzani) government of [Iraqi Kurdistan](/source/Iraqi_Kurdistan), and as oppose the PYD. The blockade was the third time in two years that hostilities had broken out between the PYD/YPG and locals from Kahf al-Assad.[100]

On 7 February, YPG members kidnapped three members of the opposition Azadî party in Ayn al-Arab.[101]

On 22 February, [Osman Baydemir](/source/Osman_Baydemir), mayor of the city of [Diyarbakır](/source/Diyarbak%C4%B1r) in Turkey, announced the initiation of a one-month humanitarian aid programme in which his city—along with the surrounding districts of [Bağlar](/source/Ba%C4%9Flar%2C_Diyarbak%C4%B1r), [Yenişehir](/source/Yeni%C5%9Fehir%2C_Diyarbak%C4%B1r), [Kayapınar](/source/Kayap%C4%B1nar%2C_Diyarbak%C4%B1r), and [Sur](/source/Sur%2C_Diyarbak%C4%B1r)—would provide food assistance to Kurdish areas in Syria affected by the war, which had received little of the humanitarian aid that other regions of Syria had received.[102]

On 11 April 2016, PYD supporters attacked the offices of the [Kurdish National Council](/source/Kurdish_National_Council) and the [Kurdistan Democratic Party of Syria](/source/Kurdistan_Democratic_Party_of_Syria) in Derbessiye and Qamishli.[103] The head of the Kurdish National Council told Turkey's [TRT World](/source/TRT_World) channel the "PYD's oppressive attitude in Syria is forcing Kurds to leave the region".[104]

On 16 January 2017, more than 270 Syrian Kurdish activists signed an appeal calling for unity talks between the main Syrian Kurdish parties. In response, the [Movement for a Democratic Society](/source/Movement_for_a_Democratic_Society) led by the PYD stated that they welcome unity and called on the Kurdish National Council to participate in federal project. The KNC led by the KDP-S, in response, demanded the release its political prisoners detained in Rojava. The KNC has rejected the federalism project launched by the [Syrian Democratic Council](/source/Syrian_Democratic_Council) and stated that it will participate in the [peace talks](/source/Syrian_peace_process) in [Astana](/source/Astana), [Kazakhstan](/source/Kazakhstan), with Turkey and Russia. The [Kurdish National Alliance in Syria](/source/Kurdish_National_Alliance_in_Syria), part of the SDC also welcomed the proposal of unity.[105]

On 3 February 2017, amidst [clashes](/source/Sinjar_clashes_(2017)) between the KDP-S-affiliated [Peshmerga](/source/Peshmerga) group and the [Sinjar Resistance Units](/source/Sinjar_Resistance_Units) in Sinjar, a KNC office was burned in Qamishli and another attacked in Dirbêsiyê. The KNC said the pro-PYD youth group the Ciwanen Soresger was perpetrating the attacks. However, the perpetrators were reportedly arrested by the Asayish.[106]

[SDF](/source/Syrian_Democratic_Forces)-controlled territory (green) and [Turkish-occupied territory](/source/Turkish_occupation_of_northern_Syria) (red) in October 2019

On 3 March 2017, the Rojava Asayish arrested more than 40 members of the KNC in Syria while the KDP Asayish arrested 23 opposition protesters in Iraqi Kurdistan. 17 of them were later released but 6 were still imprisoned. By 16 March, more than 13 KNC offices and an [Assyrian Democratic Organization](/source/Assyrian_Democratic_Organization) office in Rojava were shut down by Rojava Asayish forces, reportedly for failing to register with PYD authorities. In response, the [Human Rights Watch](/source/Human_Rights_Watch) called on both sides to "immediately" release all "arbitrarily held political detainees".[107] The [Mesopotamia National Council](/source/Mesopotamia_National_Council) announced their support for TEV-DEM's requirement for parties to apply to licenses to operate in Rojava. However, the council also called for the self-management to give sufficient time for applications and denounced "random" closing of the parties' offices.[108]

On 3 April 2017, the Kurdish National Council called on the PYD to release 4 of its detainees: a [Kurdish Future Movement in Syria](/source/Kurdish_Future_Movement_in_Syria) member, a Kurdish Youth Movement member, and two KDP-S members. As of the same day, 6 detainees were still held by Iraqi Kurdish authorities.[109]

On 12 April 2017, an official in TEV-DEM met with [Gabriel Moushe Gawrieh](/source/Gabriel_Moushe_Gawrieh), head of the [Assyrian Democratic Organization](/source/Assyrian_Democratic_Organization), and discussed the closure of the latter's offices since March. It was the first time TEV-DEM officials met with the ADO.[110]

### Rojava–Islamist conflict

Main article: [Rojava–Islamist conflict](/source/Rojava%E2%80%93Islamist_conflict)

See also: [Syrian Democratic Forces](/source/Syrian_Democratic_Forces)

Changes of territorial control in the YPG's June 2015 offensive

[2016/17 Raqqa campaign](/source/Raqqa_campaign_(2016%E2%80%93present))

Kurdish YPJ fighters during the [Raqqa offensive](/source/Raqqa_campaign_(2016%E2%80%932017)) against ISIL in February 2017

The [Rojava–Islamist conflict](/source/Rojava%E2%80%93Islamist_conflict) is a major theater in the [Syrian civil war](/source/Syrian_civil_war), starting in 2013 after fighting erupted between the [Kurdish](/source/Kurdish_people) [People's Protection Units](/source/People's_Protection_Units) (YPG) and [Islamist](/source/Islamist) rebel factions in the city of [Ras al-Ayn](/source/Ras_al-Ayn%2C_al-Hasakah_Governorate). Kurdish forces launched a campaign in an attempt to take control of the Islamist-controlled areas in the [governorate](/source/Governorates_of_Syria) of [al-Hasakah](/source/Al-Hasakah_Governorate) and some parts of [Raqqa](/source/Raqqa_Governorate) and [Aleppo](/source/Aleppo_Governorate) governorates after [al-Qaeda in Syria](/source/Al-Nusra_Front) used those areas to attack the YPG. The Kurdish groups and their allies' goal was also to capture Kurdish areas from the [Arab](/source/Arab) Islamist rebels and strengthen the autonomy of the region of [Rojava](/source/Autonomous_Administration_of_North_and_East_Syria).[111]

YPG forces as well as later the broader [Syrian Democratic Forces](/source/Syrian_Democratic_Forces) (SDF) have clashed heavily with Islamist forces of all stripes in the following years, in particular with those representing the [Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant](/source/Islamic_State_of_Iraq_and_the_Levant) (ISIL). Including the [Siege of Kobanî](/source/Siege_of_Koban%C3%AE) (2014), the [Al-Hasakah offensive (February–March 2015)](/source/Al-Hasakah_offensive_(February%E2%80%93March_2015)), the [Al-Hasakah offensive (May 2015)](/source/Al-Hasakah_offensive_(May_2015)), the [Tell Abyad offensive (May–July 2015)](/source/Tell_Abyad_offensive_(May%E2%80%93July_2015)), the [Battle of Sarrin (June–July 2015)](/source/Battle_of_Sarrin_(June%E2%80%93July_2015)), the [Battle of Al-Hasakah (June–August 2015)](/source/Battle_of_Al-Hasakah_(June%E2%80%93August_2015)), and the [Raqqa campaign (2016–2017)](/source/Raqqa_campaign_(2016%E2%80%932017)) including the [Battle of Tabqa (2017)](/source/Battle_of_Tabqa_(2017)).

### Rojava–Turkey conflict

See also: [Turkish involvement in the Syrian Civil War § Turkey and SDF](/source/Turkish_involvement_in_the_Syrian_Civil_War#Turkey_and_SDF)

Turkey has long called the PYD as a Syrian extension of the [Kurdistan Workers' Party](/source/Kurdistan_Workers'_Party) (PKK), and has therefore taken a hardline stance against the group, the official talking point being that it would not allow a Kurdish state to form along their southern border with Syria. Turkey's policy towards Rojava is based on an economic blockade,[112] persistent attempts of international isolation,[113] opposition to the cooperation of the international Anti-ISIL-coalition with Rojava militias,[114] and support of [Islamist](/source/Islamism) Syrian Civil War parties hostile towards Rojava,[115][116] in past times even including ISIL.[117][118][119] Turkey has on several occasions been militarily attacking Rojava territory and defence forces.[120][121][122] The latter has resulted in some of the most clearcut instances of international solidarity with Rojava.[123][124][125]

Turkey received PYD co-chair [Salih Muslim](/source/Salih_Muslim) for talks in 2013[126] and in 2014,[127] even entertaining the idea of opening a Rojava representation office in [Ankara](/source/Ankara) "if it's suitable with Ankara's policies".[128] Turkey recognizes the PYD and the YPG militia as identical to the [Kurdistan Workers' Party](/source/Kurdistan_Workers'_Party) (PKK),[129][130][131][132] which is listed as a terrorist organisation by Turkey, the [European Union](/source/European_Union), the United States and others. However, the EU, the US, and others cooperate with the PYD and the YPG militia in the fight against the [Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant](/source/Islamic_State_of_Iraq_and_the_Levant) (ISIL) and do not designate either a terrorist organisation.[133] About its loss in international standing, the consequence of domestic and foreign policies of [Recep Tayyip Erdoğan](/source/Recep_Tayyip_Erdo%C4%9Fan), the Turkish government is contemptuous.[134][135][136] The Turkish foreign minister called the PYD a "terrorist organisation" in his speech at the meeting of Council of Foreign Ministers of the 13th Islamic Summit of the [Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)](/source/Organisation_of_Islamic_Cooperation) on 12 April 2016 at Istanbul, Turkey.[113] In November 2016 a [state-run media organization](/source/State_media) of Turkey, *[Anadolu Agency](/source/Anadolu_Agency)*, stated that the educational institutions of Rojava had "prejudice against Islam".[137] U.S. Defense Secretary [Ashton Carter](/source/Ashton_Carter) said there were links between the PYD, the YPG, and the PKK.[138][139][140] Secretary Carter replied, "Yes," to a [Senate](/source/US_Senate) panel when Sen. [Lindsey Graham](/source/Lindsey_Graham) (R-SC) asked whether he believed the Syrian Kurds are "aligned or at least have substantial ties to the PKK".[141] Rojava and YPG leaders state that the PKK is a separate organization.[142] YPG representatives have persistently reiterated that their militia has an all Syrian agenda and no agenda of hostility whatsoever towards Turkey.[143] However, according to the Turkish *[Daily Sabah](/source/Daily_Sabah)*, at one occasion in January 2016 "a YouTube video has appeared of an English-speaking man, reported to be a fighter from the Democratic Union Party's (PYD) armed wing, the People's Protection Units (YPG) (...) making a call for Westerners to join the ranks of the armed group and conduct terrorist attacks against the Turkish state."[144] In the perception of much of the Turkish public, the Rojava federal project as well as U.S. support for the YPG against ISIL are elements of a wider conspiracy scheme by a "mastermind" with the aim to weaken or even dismember Turkey, in order to prevent its imminent rise as a global power.[145]

[Women's Protection Units](/source/Women's_Protection_Units) (YPJ) fighters in the [Afrin Region](/source/Afrin_Region) during the [Turkish invasion of Afrin](/source/Operation_Olive_Branch) in February 2018

Following YPG successes in 2015, including the capture of Tell Abyad, Turkey began targeting YPG forces in northern Syria.[146] On 16 February 2016, Turkish forces began shelling Kurdish forces in the [Afrin District](/source/Afrin_District) after the SDF took initiative from an SAA offensive and captured rebel-held areas of the Azaz District, including Tell Rifaat and Menagh Airbase. Turkey vowed not to allow the SDF to capture the key border town of [Azaz](/source/Azaz). As a result, 25 Kurdish militants were killed and 197 injured from Turkish artillery fire.[147] In early 2016, following the capture of Tishrin Dam, the [Syrian Democratic Forces](/source/Syrian_Democratic_Forces) (SDF) were allowed to cross the Euphrates River, a proclaimed 'red line' by Turkey. Turkish forces bombed the Kurdish YPG headquarters in Tell Abyad, destroying three armoured vehicles and injuring two Kurdish fighters.[148] The following day, 21 January 2016, Turkish troops crossed the border into Syria and entered the ISIL-controlled Syrian border town of Jarabulus which the YPG had been planning on capturing as part of an offensive to unite their areas of control into one continuous banner of territory. Kurdish-led forces in northern Syria said Turkish airstrikes hit their bases in Amarneh village near [Jarablus](/source/Jarablus) on 27 August 2016, after Turkish artillery shelled the positions the day before.[149] The Syrian Observatory reported on 27 August 2016, about exchange of gunfire between YPG and the Turkish forces in the countryside north of [Hasakah](/source/Hasakah). It is unclear if Turkish forces were on Syrian territory or had fired across the border.[150]

In March 2017, U.S. Lieutenant General [Stephen Townsend](/source/Stephen_Townsend) said "I have seen absolutely zero evidence that they have been a threat to, or have supported any attacks on, Turkey from Northern Syria over the last two years." The top U.S. commander in the campaign against Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) stated that the Peoples’ Protection Units (YPG), the military wing of the Syrian Kurdish Democratic Union Party (PYD), does not pose a threat to Turkey. "Of those YPG fighters, I've talked to their leaders and we've watched them operate and they continually reassure us that they have no desire to attack Turkey, that they are not a threat to Turkey, in fact that they desire to have a good working relationship with Turkey."[151]

After the initiation of the [2024 Syrian opposition offenses](/source/2024_Syrian_opposition_offensives) against the Assad regime, Turkey and the Turkish-backed [Syrian National Army](/source/Syrian_National_Army) (SNA) launched an offensive to capture territory from the SDF.[152] In December 2024, the SNA captured [Tell Rifaat](/source/Tell_Rifaat) and [Manbij](/source/Manbij) from SDF control.[153][152] Following the [fall of the Assad regime](/source/Fall_of_the_Assad_regime), Turkish officials have demanded the elimination of the YPG, and Turkish President [Recep Tayyip Erdogan](/source/Recep_Tayyip_Erdo%C4%9Fan) has threatened a military intervention if the autonomous region remains divided from the rest of Syria.[154][155] The [Turkish offensive in northern Syria](/source/Turkish_offensive_in_northern_Syria_(2024%E2%80%93present)) has continued into 2025.[156][157]

## Aftermath

The hopes of the [Western](/source/Western_countries) [left](/source/Left-wing) for a revolution in Rojava were shattered by the government offensive in early 2026.[158][159][160] As DAANES integrates into the Syrian state, some Rojava activists have vowed to defend their rights during Syria's transition process.[161]

## See also

- [Cities and towns during the Syrian Civil War](/source/Cities_and_towns_during_the_Syrian_Civil_War)

- [International Freedom Battalion](/source/International_Freedom_Battalion)

- [Rojava–Islamist conflict](/source/Rojava%E2%80%93Islamist_conflict)

- [Timeline of the Kurdistan Workers' Party insurgency (2015–2025)](/source/Timeline_of_the_Kurdistan_Workers'_Party_insurgency_(2015%E2%80%932025))

- [1983–1986 Kurdish rebellions in Iraq](/source/1983%E2%80%931986_Kurdish_rebellions_in_Iraq)

- [Kurdish women](/source/Kurdish_women)

- [A Modern History of the Kurds](/source/A_Modern_History_of_the_Kurds)

- [Western Iran clashes (2016–present)](/source/Western_Iran_clashes_(2016%E2%80%93present))

## Notes

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Ba'athist_Syria_2-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Ba'athist_Syria_2-1) The Assad regime both [clashed and cooperated](/source/AANES%E2%80%93Ba'athist_Syria_relations) with Rojava during various stages of the conflict

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Russia_3-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Russia_3-1) Russia has cooperated with Rojava during the [Northern Aleppo offensive (February 2016)](/source/Northern_Aleppo_offensive_(February_2016)) and [Second Northern Syria Buffer Zone](/source/Second_Northern_Syria_Buffer_Zone) while clashing it during the [Battle of Khasham](/source/Battle_of_Khasham)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-8)** Ex-Free Syrian Army faction but still Syrian opposition allied brigade

1. **[^](#cite_ref-19)** - 29 killed during [Operation Peace Spring](/source/Operation_Peace_Spring)[12] - 91 killed during [Operation Olive Branch](/source/Operation_Olive_Branch)[13] - 125 killed during [Battle of al-Hasakah (2015)](/source/Battle_of_al-Hasakah_(2015))[14][15]

1. **[^](#cite_ref-20)** 3 in ES,[\[1\]](https://www.syriahr.com/en/321388/) 6 in PS [\[2\]](https://www.syriahr.com/en/321293/)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-21)** 8 in ES,[\[3\]](https://www.syriahr.com/en/282841/) 3 in OB,[\[4\]](https://www.syriahr.com/en/283297/) 3 in PS [\[5\]](https://www.syriahr.com/en/283607/)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-22)** 5 in ES,[\[6\]](https://www.syriahr.com/en/232159/) 5 in PS [\[7\]](https://www.syriahr.com/en/231887/)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-23)** - 2023: 9 killed[e] - 2022: 14 killed[f] - 2021: 10 killed[g] - 11 killed during Operation Peace Spring[12] - 96 killed during Operation Olive Branch[13]

1. **[^](#cite_ref-24)** 43 in ES,[\[8\]](https://www.syriahr.com/en/321388/) 21 in OB,[\[9\]](https://www.syriahr.com/en/321309/) 49 in PS [\[10\]](https://www.syriahr.com/en/321293/)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-25)** 33 in ES,[\[11\]](https://www.syriahr.com/en/282841/) 23 in OB,[\[12\]](https://www.syriahr.com/en/283297/) 9 in PS [\[13\]](https://www.syriahr.com/en/283607/)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-26)** 4 in OB,[\[14\]](https://www.syriahr.com/en/232266/) 12 in ES,[\[15\]](https://www.syriahr.com/en/232159/) 14 in PS [\[16\]](https://www.syriahr.com/en/231887/)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-27)** - 2023: 113 killed[i] - 2022: 65 killed[j] - 2021: 30 killed[k] - 355 killed during Operation Peace Spring[12] - 613 killed during Operation Olive Branch[13]

1. **[^](#cite_ref-30)** - 7 killed during [Battle of Qamishli (2021)](/source/Battle_of_Qamishli_(2021))[\[17\]](https://www.syriahr.com/en/214634/)[\[18\]](https://www.syriahr.com/%D8%A8%D8%B9%D8%AF-%D8%AE%D8%B3%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%AA%D9%87-%D9%84%D8%AD%D9%8A%D9%8A%D9%86-%D9%88%D8%A5%D8%AE%D8%B1%D8%A7%D8%AC%D9%87-%D9%85%D9%86-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85%D8%B1%D8%A8%D8%B9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A3/434918/) - 11 killed during [Qamishli clashes (2018)](/source/Qamishli_clashes_(2018))[\[19\]](https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-qamishli/clashes-between-kurds-and-syrian-army-troops-leave-18-dead-idUSKCN1LO0JH/) - 68 killed during [Battle of Khasham](/source/Battle_of_Khasham)[\[20\]](https://www.syriahr.com/en/84814/) - 77 killed during [Battle of al-Hasakah (2016)](/source/Battle_of_al-Hasakah_(2016))[\[21\]](https://anfenglish.com/kurdistan/ypg-releases-balance-sheet-of-war-for-august-16290) - 22 killed during [Battle of Qamishli (2016)](/source/Battle_of_Qamishli_(2016))[17] - 376 killed in 2013 [\[22\]](https://anfenglish.com/news/ypg-release-balance-sheet-of-war-for-2013-9037)

## References

1. **[^](#cite_ref-1)** ["PYD Announces Surprise Interim Government in Syria's Kurdish Reg"](http://rudaw.net/english/middleeast/syria/13112013). *Rudaw*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20181225105734/http://www.rudaw.net/english/middleeast/syria/13112013) from the original on 25 December 2018. Retrieved 24 October 2014.

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1. **[^](#cite_ref-Jailed_Kurds_42-0)** ["Jailed Kurds on Syria hunger strike: rights group"](http://www.ekurd.net/mismas/articles/misc2011/3/syriakurd291.htm). Agence France-Presse. 10 March 2011. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20160202134319/http://ekurd.net/mismas/articles/misc2011/3/syriakurd291.htm) from the original on 2 February 2016. Retrieved 30 July 2015.

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1. **[^](#cite_ref-46)** Furuhashi, Yoshie (29 May 2011). ["Syrian Kurdish Parties Boycott Syrian Opposition Conference in Antalya, Turkey"](http://mrzine.monthlyreview.org/2011/kb010611.html). *Monthly Review*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20111216224612/http://mrzine.monthlyreview.org/2011/kb010611.html) from the original on 16 December 2011. Retrieved 13 November 2011.

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1. **[^](#cite_ref-50)** ["Syrian Kurdish Official: Now Kurds are in Charge of their Fate"](https://web.archive.org/web/20120801020239/http://www.rudaw.net/english/news/syria/5010.html). *Rudaw*. 27 July 2012. Archived from [the original](http://www.rudaw.net/english/news/syria/5010.html) on 1 August 2012. Retrieved 30 July 2012.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-liberated_51-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-liberated_51-1) ["More Kurdish Cities Liberated As Syrian Army Withdraws from Area"](https://web.archive.org/web/20120721142617/http://www.rudaw.net/english/kurds/4978.html). *Rudaw*. 20 July 2012. Archived from [the original](http://www.rudaw.net/english/kurds/4978.html) on 21 July 2012. Retrieved 27 July 2012.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-52)** ["After quiet revolt, power struggle looms for Syria's Kurds"](http://mobile.reuters.com/article/idUSBRE8A619520121107?irpc=932). Mobile.reuters.com. 7 November 2012. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20131203011801/http://mobile.reuters.com/article/idUSBRE8A619520121107?irpc=932) from the original on 3 December 2013. Retrieved 8 November 2013.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-RojavaInfoCenter_2023_social_contract_53-0)** [*Social Contract of the Democratic Autonomous Administration of the North and East Syria Region*](https://rojavainformationcenter.org/2023/12/aanes-social-contract-2023-edition), December 2023, [Wikidata](/source/WDQ_(identifier)) [Q135457503](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q135457503), [archived](https://megalodon.jp/2026-0225-0840-31/https://rojavainformationcenter.org:443/2023/12/aanes-social-contract-2023-edition) from the original on 25 February 2026

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-RIC_beyond_frontlines_54-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-RIC_beyond_frontlines_54-1) [*Beyond the frontlines – The building of the democratic system in North and East Syria*](https://rojavainformationcenter.org/storage/2021/06/Beyond-the-frontlines-The-building-of-the-democratic-system-in-North-and-East-Syria-Report-Rojava-Information-Center-December-2019-Web-version.pdf) (PDF), [Rojava Information Center](/source/Rojava_Information_Center), 19 December 2019, [Wikidata](/source/WDQ_(identifier)) [Q136529807](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q136529807), [archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20251003001822/https://rojavainformationcenter.org/storage/2021/06/Beyond-the-frontlines-The-building-of-the-democratic-system-in-North-and-East-Syria-Report-Rojava-Information-Center-December-2019-Web-version.pdf) (PDF) from the original on 3 October 2025

1. **[^](#cite_ref-55)** ["City of Derik taken by Kurds in Northeast Syria"](https://web.archive.org/web/20120802071420/http://en.firatnews.com/index.php?rupel=article&nuceID=4957). *Firat news*. 21 July 2012. Archived from [the original](http://en.firatnews.com/index.php?rupel=article&nuceID=4957) on 2 August 2012. Retrieved 27 July 2012.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-56)** ["Ban: Syrian regime 'failed to protect civilians'"](https://edition.cnn.com/2012/07/21/world/meast/syria-unrest/index.html?hpt=hp_t2). *[CNN](/source/CNN)*. 22 July 2012. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20120724002000/http://edition.cnn.com/2012/07/21/world/meast/syria-unrest/index.html?hpt=hp_t2) from the original on 24 July 2012. Retrieved 27 July 2012.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-57)** ["Clashes between Kurds and Syrian army in the Kurdish city of Qamişlo, Western Kurdistan"](http://www.ekurd.net/mismas/articles/misc2012/7/syriakurd542.htm). *Ekurd.net*. 21 July 2012. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20120729051102/http://www.ekurd.net/mismas/articles/misc2012/7/syriakurd542.htm) from the original on 29 July 2012. Retrieved 27 July 2012.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-casualties_58-0)** Abdulmajid, Adib (22 July 2012). ["Armed Kurds Surround Syrian Security Forces in Qamishli"](https://web.archive.org/web/20120724224808/http://www.rudaw.net/english/news/syria/4984.html). *Rudaw*. [Amsterdam](/source/Amsterdam). Archived from [the original](http://www.rudaw.net/english/news/syria/4984.html) on 24 July 2012. Retrieved 27 July 2012.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-girkelege_59-0)** ["Girke Lege Becomes Sixth Kurdish City Liberated in Syria"](https://web.archive.org/web/20121129100410/http://www.rudaw.net/english/news/syria/4992.html). *Rudaw*. 24 July 2012. Archived from [the original](http://www.rudaw.net/english/news/syria/4992.html) on 29 November 2012. Retrieved 27 July 2012.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-60)** Davies, Wyre (27 July 2012). ["Crisis in Syria emboldens country's Kurds"](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-19021766). *BBC News*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20120803010926/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-19021766) from the original on 3 August 2012. Retrieved 3 August 2012.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-61)** ["PYD Press Release: A call for support and protection of the peaceful establishment, the self-governed Rojava region | هيئة التنسيق الوطنية لقوى التغيير الديمقراطي"](https://web.archive.org/web/20120915073042/http://syrianncb.org/2012/08/02/pyd-press-release-a-call-for-support-and-protection-of-the-peaceful-establishment-the-self-governed-syrian-kurdish-region/). Syrianncb.org. 24 February 2012. Archived from [the original](http://syrianncb.org/2012/08/02/pyd-press-release-a-call-for-support-and-protection-of-the-peaceful-establishment-the-self-governed-syrian-kurdish-region/) on 15 September 2012. Retrieved 20 August 2012.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-62)** ["Syria – News"](http://www.petercliffordonline.com/syria/). Peter Clifford Online. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20120819123243/http://www.petercliffordonline.com/syria/) from the original on 19 August 2012. Retrieved 20 August 2012.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-63)** ["The Economy of Rojava"](https://cooperativeeconomy.info/the-economy-of-rojava/). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20180227035347/https://cooperativeeconomy.info/the-economy-of-rojava/) from the original on 27 February 2018. Retrieved 26 February 2018.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-64)** ["Poor in means but rich in spirit"](https://web.archive.org/web/20150225093300/http://www.biehlonbookchin.com/poor-in-means/). *Ecology or Catastrophe*. Archived from the original on 25 February 2015. Retrieved 18 February 2015.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-diclenews.com_65-0)** ["Efrîn Economy Minister Yousef: Rojava challenging norms of class, gender and power"](http://diclenews.com/en/news/content/view/436354). *Diclenews.com*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20150118203533/http://diclenews.com/en/news/content/view/436354) from the original on 18 January 2015. Retrieved 18 February 2015.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-66)** Wladimir van Wilgenburg (11 July 2017). ["Rojava Administration to Impose Tax System in Northern Syria"](https://mesopotamia.coop/rojava-administration-to-impose-tax-system-in-northern-syria/). *Co-operation in Mesopotamia*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20190327161801/https://mesopotamia.coop/rojava-administration-to-impose-tax-system-in-northern-syria/) from the original on 27 March 2019. Retrieved 1 March 2019.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Rojava's_Threefold_Economy_67-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Rojava's_Threefold_Economy_67-1) ["Rojava's Threefold Economy"](https://web.archive.org/web/20151222152441/http://kurdishquestion.com/index.php/kurdistan/west-kurdistan/rojava-s-threefold-economy/675-rojava-s-threefold-economy.html). Archived from [the original](http://kurdishquestion.com/index.php/kurdistan/west-kurdistan/rojava-s-threefold-economy/675-rojava-s-threefold-economy.html) on 22 December 2015. Retrieved 3 September 2015.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-68)** ["The Experience of Co-operative Societies in Rojava"](https://web.archive.org/web/20160309104252/http://www.pasewan.com/English/Detail.aspx?Jimare=161). Archived from [the original](http://www.pasewan.com/English/Detail.aspx?Jimare=161) on 9 March 2016. Retrieved 17 February 2016.

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v t e Democratic Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria articles Politics Libertarian socialism Constitution Government Human rights Foreign Relations Parliament Political parties Police Asayish Sutoro Self-Defense Forces Syrian Democratic Forces People's Defense Units Women's Protection Units SDF military councils Syriac Military Council Al-Sanadid Forces Army of Revolutionaries Kurdish Front Afrin Liberation Forces Economy Economy Culture Symbols Demographics Regions Jazira Euphrates Afrin Raqqa Tabqa Manbij Deir ez-Zor People Kurds Syrians Assyrians Turkmen Armenians Circassians Yazidis Bedouin Languages Northern Kurdish North Mesopotamian Arabic Turoyo Assyrian Neo-Aramaic Syrian Turkmen Category

v t e Syrian civil war Overviews Main overviews Syrian civil war Timeline Background and causes Syrian government reactions Belligerents Inter-rebel conflict Spillover Cities and towns Sectarianism and minorities Syrian Desert campaign (2017–2024) 2024 Syrian opposition offensives Fall of the Assad regime Effects and ongoing concerns Casualties of the Syrian civil war Refugees of the Syrian civil war Humanitarian aid during the Syrian civil war Human rights violations during the Syrian civil war Phases and processes Syrian revolution Early insurgency phase 2012–2013 escalation Ceasefires Syrian peace process World reaction International reactions to the Syrian civil war Foreign involvement in the Syrian civil war Reactions to the fall of the Assad regime Specific groups and countries Russian involvement Russian intervention Turkish involvement Turkish occupation of northern Syria Second Northern Syria Buffer Zone Russian-Turkish agreement on Syria US intervention in the Syrian civil war 2023 attacks on U.S. bases in Iraq and Syria Kurdish Area in Syria Syrian Democratic Forces Rojava conflict U.S. task force Agreements and dialogues Russian-Turkish agreement on Syria Relations between the Syrian government and North-East Syria Transitional phase Syrian caretaker government Syrian transitional government Timeline Background 1963 coup 1963 failed coup 1966 coup Corrective Revolution Islamist uprising Latakia protests Damascus Spring Qamishli riots Syrian occupation of Lebanon Damascus Declaration Human rights in Syria 2010s in Syria political history Arab Spring 2011 Jan–Apr May–Aug Sep–Dec Syrian revolution Killing of Hamza Ali Al-Khateeb Siege of Daraa Siege of Baniyas May Talkalakh siege Siege of Rastan and Talbiseh June Jisr ash-Shughur operation Siege of Hama Siege of Homs Siege of Latakia Deir ez-Zor clashes (2011–2014) Rif Dimashq clashes (Nov 2011-Mar 2012) Battle of Zabadani Battle of Douma Daraa Governorate clashes Battle of Rastan Idlib Governorate clashes December Jabal al-Zawiya massacres 2012 Jan–Apr May–Aug Sep–Dec January al-Midan bombing Battle of Rastan First Battle of Idlib Battle of al-Qusayr Idlib Governorate operation (Apr) Battle of Taftanaz May Battle of Rastan Houla massacre Battle of al-Haffah Al-Qubeir massacre Battle of Tremseh Battle of Damascus 18 July 2012 Damascus bombing Battle of Aleppo Battle of Anadan Siege of Base 46 Hasakah Governorate campaign (2012–2014) Rif Dimashq offensive (Aug-Oct) Darayya massacre Battle of Khirbet Al-Joz Battle of Maarrat al-Numan First siege of Wadi Deif Battle of Harem Rif Dimashq offensive (Nov 2012–Feb 2013) Battle of Darayya Aqrab massacre Hama offensive Halfaya massacre Battle of Darayya Quneitra Governorate clashes Talbiseh bakery massacre 2013 Jan–Apr May–Dec Battle of Safira Battle of Shadadeh Damascus offensive Raqqa campaign (2012–2013) Battle of Raqqa (Mar) Daraa offensive Rif Dimashq offensive (Mar–Aug) Battle of Jdaidet al-Fadl Ghouta chemical attack Al-Qusayr offensive Battle of al-Qusayr Bayda and Baniyas massacres Hama offensive Hatla massacre Khan al-Assal chemical attack Khan al-Assal massacre Adra massacre Battle of Ras al-Ayn Battle of Tell Abyad Rif Dimashq offensive (Sep–Nov) Aleppo offensive (Oct–Dec) Battle of al-Yaarubiyah Battle of Tell Hamis and Tell Brak (Dec–Jan) 2014 Jan–Jul Aug–Dec First Inter-rebel conflict Battle of Markada Deir ez-Zor offensive Battle of Morek Daraa offensive (Feb–May) Maan massacre Al-Otaiba ambush Idlib offensive Battle of Hosn Latakia Offensive Battle of Al-Malihah Kafr Zita chemical attack Second siege of Wadi Deif Qalamoun offensive (Jun–Aug) Battle of Arsal First Battle of the Shaer gas field Eastern Syria offensive Battle of Tabqa Airbase Northern Aleppo offensive (Feb–Jul) Hama Offensive Quneitra offensive Rif Dimashq offensive (Aug–Nov) Siege of Kobanî Homs school bombing Daraa offensive (Oct) Al-Safira offensive Idlib Raid Second Inter-Rebel Conflict Second Battle of the Shaer gas field Battle of Al-Shaykh Maskin Deir ez-Zor offensive (Dec) 2015 Jan–Jul Aug–Dec Air Force An-26 crash Daraa Offensive (Jan) Southern Syria Offensive Eastern Hasakah offensive Battle of Sarrin (Mar–Apr) Battle of Sarrin (Jun–Jul) Battle of Bosra Idlib Offensive Second Battle of Idlib Battle of Nasib Border Crossing Battle of Yarmouk Camp Western Hasakah offensive Palmyra offensive (May) Qamishli bombings Tell Abyad offensive Kobanî massacre Quneitra offensive (Jun) Palmyra offensive (Jul–Aug) Rif Dimashq offensive (Sep) Northwestern Syria offensive (Oct–Nov) Aleppo offensive (Oct–Dec) Al-Hawl offensive Homs offensive (Nov-Dec) East Aleppo offensive (2015–2016) 2015–2016 Latakia offensive Tishrin Dam offensive Russian Sukhoi Su-24 shootdown 2016 Jan–Apr May–Aug Sep–Dec Second Battle of Al-Shaykh Maskin Deir ez-Zor offensive (Jan) January Sayyidah Zaynab bombings Northern Aleppo offensive (Feb) Ithriyah-Raqqa offensive (Feb–Mar) Al-Shaddadi offensive February Homs bombings February Sayyidah Zaynab bombings Khanasir offensive Battle of Tel Abyad Battle of Maarrat al-Numan Battle of Qamishli (Apr) Northern Aleppo offensive (Mar–Jun) Palmyra offensive (Mar) East Ghouta inter-rebel conflict (Apr–May) Rif Dimashq offensive (Apr–May) Northern Raqqa offensive (May) May Jableh & Tartous bombings Ithriyah-Raqqa offensive (Jun) Rif Dimashq offensive (Jun–Oct) Manbij offensive Tokhar massacre Southern Aleppo campaign Battle of al-Rai (Aug) Operation Euphrates Shield Aleppo summer campaign Western al-Bab offensive (Sep) 5 September bombings September Deir ez-Zor air raid September Urum al-Kubra aid convoy attack Aleppo offensive (Sep–Oct) Dabiq offensive Western al-Bab offensive (Oct–Nov) Khan al-Shih offensive (Oct–Nov) Raqqa campaign Battle of al-Bab Aleppo offensive (Nov-Dec) Palmyra offensive (Dec) 2017 Jan–Apr May–Aug Sep–Dec Wadi Barada offensive (2016–2017) January Azaz bombing Desert campaign (Dec 16–Apr 17) Idlib clashes (Jan–Mar) Deir ez-Zor offensive (Jan–Feb) Daraa offensive (Feb–Jun) Southwestern Daraa offensive (Feb) Qaboun offensive Palmyra offensive East Aleppo offensive (Jan–Apr) March Damascus bombings Al-Jinah airstrike Hama offensive (Mar–Apr) Battle of Tabqa Khan Shaykhun chemical attack Shayrat missile strike Aleppo bombing April Turkish airstrikes East Ghouta inter-rebel conflict (Apr–May) Desert campaign (May–Jul) Maskanah Plains offensive East Hama offensive Battle of Raqqa Daraa offensive (Jun) Southern Raqqa offensive (Jun) Jobar offensive (Jun–Aug) Quneitra offensive (Jun) Idlib clashes (Jul) Central campaign Qalamoun (Jul–Aug) Deir ez-Zor offensive (Sep 17–Mar 18) Hama offensive (Sep) Northwestern campaign (Oct 17–Feb 18) Turkish military operation in Idlib Governorate Battle of Harasta Eastern campaign (Sep–Dec) Euphrates Crossing offensive Mayadin offensive Battle of Deir ez-Zor (Sep–Nov) Abu Kamal offensive Beit Jinn offensive 2018 Jan–Apr May–Aug Sep–Dec Operation Olive Branch Battle of Khasham Rif Dimashq offensive (Feb–Apr) Southern Damascus offensive (Jan–Feb) Syrian Liberation Front–Tahrir al-Sham conflict Southern Damascus offensive (Mar) Douma chemical attack Missile strikes (Apr) Northern Homs offensive (Apr–May) Eastern Qalamoun offensive (Apr) Southern Damascus offensive (Apr–May) Deir ez-Zor clashes (Apr) Deir ez-Zor offensive (May–Jun) Suwayda offensive (Jun) Southern offensive Suwayda attacks Suwayda (Aug-Nov) Qamishli clashes (Sep) Missile strikes (Sep) Northern border clashes 2019 Jan–Apr May–Aug Sep–Dec Idlib inter-rebel conflict Manbij bombing Battle of Baghuz Fawqani ISIL insurgency in Deir-ez-Zor Dêrik prison escape attempt Tell Rifaat clashes Northwestern offensive (Apr–Aug) June bombings Hass refugee camp bombing Missile strikes (Aug) Turkish offensive into northeast Barisha raid November bombings Israeli missile strikes (Nov) Qah missile strike Northwestern offensive (Dec 19–Mar 20) US airstrikes 2020 Jan–Dec COVID-19 pandemic Afrin bombing Idlib Governorate clashes Kafr-Takharim airstrike Ayn Issa clashes Deir ez-Zor ambush 2021 Jan–Dec Siege of Qamishli and Hasakah Missile strikes (Jan) US airstrike (Feb) Battle of Qamishli (Apr) US airstrike (Jun) Daraa clashes Tahrir al-Sham–Junud al-Sham conflict 2022 Jan–Dec Battle of Hasakah Ahrar al-Sham–Levant Front clashes Jabal al-Bishrī clashes Jarqli airstrikes Northern Aleppo clashes (Oct) Operation Claw-Sword Northwest clashes (Dec) 2023 Jan–Dec Al-Sukhnah attack Damascus airstrike Hama attack Northern border clashes 2024 Jan–Oct Nov–present Opposition offensives Deir ez-Zor offensive Northwestern Syria offensive Battle of Aleppo Hama offensive Southern offensive Operation Dawn of Freedom Manbij offensive Ayn Issa attack Kobani clashes Homs offensive Palmyra offensive Fall of Damascus Fall of the Assad regime Western Syria clashes Hezbollah-Syria clashes Turkish offensive Israeli invasion 2025 Nov 2024 –present Druze insurgency Jaramana clashes Southern clashes (April–May) Massacres of Syrian Druze Southern clashes (July–present) Massacres of Syrian Alawites Daraa clashes Mar Elias Church attack Aleppo clashes Homs mosque bombing 2026 Nov 2024 –present Northeastern Syria offensive Spillover Israel and Golan Heights: March 2017 incident February 2018 incident May 2018 Israel–Iran incidents Iraq: Akashat ambush Operation al-Shabah April 2014 Iraqi border airstrike Jordanian border incidents April 2014 Jordanian border airstrike Lebanon: Lebanese border clashes Battle of Sidon Iranian embassy bombing in Beirut North Lebanon clashes Qalamoun (Jul–Aug 2017) Turkey: December 2011 Turkish border clash 2012 Turkish F-4 Phantom shootdown 2012 Turkish border clashes 2013 Reyhanlı car bombings January 2014 Turkish attack in Syria Assassination of Andrei Karlov Russian Air Force Al-Bab incident 2020 Balyun airstrikes Operation Spring Shield Elsewhere: Deir ez-Zor missile strike (Iran) Belligerents Ba'athist regime Politics of Ba'athist Syria Arab Socialist Ba'ath Party – Syria Region Ba'ath Brigades Syrian Social Nationalist Party Arab Socialist Movement Syrian Communist Party Syrian Communist Party (Unified) Military and militias Lions of Hussein Guardians of the Dawn Arab Nationalist Guard Jaysh al-Muwahhidin Sootoro Ba'ath Brigades National Defence Forces Popular Committees Golan Regiment Syrian Arab Armed Forces Eagles of the Whirlwind The Islamic Resistance Front in Syria Military Council for the Liberation of Syria Syrian Popular Resistance Syrian Resistance Popular Resistance of the Eastern Region PFLP-GC Jihad Jibril Brigades Galilee Forces Free Palestine Movement Palestinian People's Party Liwa Fatemiyoun As-Sa'iqa al-Quds Brigade Palestine Liberation Army Foreign support Hezbollah involvement Iranian involvement Liwa Fatemiyoun Russian involvement medical facility targeting military intervention Wagner Group Iraqi involvement Popular Mobilization Forces Opposition Interim government National Coalition Local Coordination Committees Syrian National Council Supreme Council of the Syrian Revolution National Coordination Committee for Democratic Change Syrian Revolution General Commission Syrian Support Group Adopt a Revolution Syrian Patriotic Group Opposition militias Syrian National Army Free Syrian Army National Front for Liberation Army of Glory Authenticity and Development Front Army of Free Tribes Syrian Free Army Muslim Brotherhood in Syria Grey Wolves Syrian Council of Tribes and Clans Foreign support US intervention Jordanian intervention Qatar Saudi Arabia Turkey Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria DFNS Government Democratic Union Party Kurdish National Council Smaller political parties SDF militias People's Protection Units Women's Protection Units Anti-Terror Units Al-Sanadid Forces Army of Revolutionaries SDF military councils Syriac Military Council Liwa Thuwar al-Raqqa Northern Democratic Brigade Support Patriotic Union of Kurdistan Kurdistan Workers' Party International Freedom Battalion Sinjar Resistance Units Êzîdxan Women's Units Islamists Islamic State Military activity of ISIL Dokumacılar Al-Barakah Khalid ibn al-Walid Army Yarmouk Martyrs Brigade Islamic Muthanna Movement Jaysh al-Jihad Jund al-Aqsa Group of the One and Only Liwa Dawud Liwa Aqab al-Islami Katibah Nusantara Katiba al-Bittar al-Libi Al-Khansaa Brigade Saraya Ansar al-Sunnah al-Qaeda and allies Al-Nusra Front (Jabhat Fatah al-Sham (Khorasan group, Suqour al-Ezz) Jaysh Muhammad in Bilad al-Sham Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham Turkistan Islamic Party in Syria Caucasus Emirate Ajnad al-Kavkaz Junud al-Makhdi Rouse the Believers Operations Room (Ansar al-Tawhid (Firqat al-Ghuraba), Hurras al-Din, Ansar al-Din Front (Harakat Sham al-Islam), Ansar al-Islam in Kurdistan) Jaish al-Haramoun Jaysh al-Sunna Liwa al-Muhajireen wal-Ansar (Green Battalion) Mujahideen Shura Council Malhama Tactical Katibat al-Tawhid wal-Jihad Katibat Jabal al-Islam Jama'at Ansar al-Furqan in Bilad al Sham Ghuraba al-Sham Taliban (Pakistani Taliban, Imam Bukhari Jamaat) Fatah al-Islam Muhajirin wa-Ansar Alliance (Liwaa al-Umma) People Pro-Government Assad family Bashar Maher Rifaat Rami Makhlouf Hafez Makhlouf Fahd Jassem al-Freij Suheil al-Hassan Ali Habib Mahmud Dawoud Rajiha Bouthaina Shaaban Mohamad Anas Haitham Soueid (Accused) Dissidents Ammar Abdulhamid Ali al-Abdallah Adnan al-Aroor Riad al-Asaad Hadi al-Bahra Anwar al-Bunni Haitham al-Maleh Moaz al-Khatib Kamal al-Labwani Hamza al-Khateeb Tal al-Mallohi Fida al-Sayed Riad al-Turk Khaled Khoja Ammar al-Qurabi Suheir Atassi Ali Sadreddine Al-Bayanouni Aref Dalila Farid Ghadry Burhan Ghalioun Razan Ghazzawi Ghassan Hitto Salim Idris Randa Kassis Abdul Halim Khaddam Michel Kilo Bassma Kodmani Ali Mahmoud Othman Yassin al-Haj Saleh Ahmed al-Sharaa Abdulbaset Sieda Riad Seif Fadwa Souleimane Yaser Tabbara Razan Zaitouneh Rami Jarrah Abdurrahman Mustafa Fadlallah al-Haji DAANES Mazloum Abdi Ferhad Şamî Salih Muslim Related Elections 2011 local elections 2012 parliamentary election 2014 presidential election 2015 Northern local elections 2016 parliamentary election 2017 Northern local elections 2017 Northern regional elections 2018 local elections 2020 parliamentary election 2021 presidential election Issues Casualties Cities and towns Chemical weapons Damaged heritage sites Foreign involvement Human rights violations Humanitarian aid International demonstrations and protests International reactions Massacres Mass graves Refugees Sectarianism and minorities Status of the Golan Heights Spillover in Lebanon Syrian government reactions Peace process Arab League monitors Friends of Syria Group Kofi Annan peace plan UN supervision mission Lakhdar Brahimi peace plan U.S.–Russia peace proposals 39th G8 summit UN Security Council Resolution 2118 Geneva II conference 2015 Zabadani cease-fire agreement Vienna talks 2016 Geneva talks Idlib demilitarization (2018–present) First Northern Syria Demilitarization Deal Second Northern Syria Demilitarization Deal Syrian Negotiation Commission Syrian Constitutional Committee Investigations/legal cases Investigations International Commission Chemical weapons War crimes cases Germany Canada + Netherlands vs Syria Related topics Exclusive mandate Fourth Extraordinary Session of the Islamic Summit Conference Syria Files Syrian detainee report Syrian media coverage 2015 European migrant crisis Syrian civil war in popular culture Category

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Rojava Revolution](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rojava_Revolution) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rojava_Revolution?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.