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             Syrian Kurdish Female Fighters Expand Ranks Against IS

   by Amina Misto

   Syrian Kurdish female fighters are expanding their ranks on the
   frontlines of the fight against Islamic State militants in northeastern
   Syria.

   In a remote camp near the Kurdish city of Afrin in northwestern Syria,
   the leadership of Women's Protection Units (YPJ) continues to recruit
   and train young women to prepare them for combat missions against IS.

   "We learn how to use weapons and we take military education classes,"
   said Rozelin, a new recruit.

   At the onset of the Syrian crisis in 2011, the Democratic Union Party
   (PYD) established armed wings in the Kurdish-majority areas of Syria.
   The People's Protection Units (YPG) was the main group that fought in
   the area. The YPJ was another wing the PYD formed to include only
   female fighters.

   Ever since, the two armed groups have been in control of much of
   northern Syria.

   Through intensive training, the female recruits begin their daily work
   with physical exercises. Other activities include military education
   and capacity building.

   "We live a collective life," Zilan, a weapon trainer, told VOA. "We
   lead our lives together."

   Frontline veterans share their experiences with their new comrades.

   "We are here to teach them what we have gained from fighting
   experience," said Derik Lelon, a YPJ commander who has been leading
   combat units against IS militants.

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   [1]http://www.voanews.com/content/syrian-kurdish-female-fighters-expand
   -ranks-against-islamic-state/3142029.html

References

   1. http://www.voanews.com/content/syrian-kurdish-female-fighters-expand-ranks-against-islamic-state/3142029.html