news sites and the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported on February 11 that fighters from People’s Protection Units (YPG) and the allied Jaysh Al-Thuwar rebel group had taken control of the Minakh airbase in Aleppo province. The base had been the scene of a prolonged siege before it was overrun in an Islamic State-led assault in 2013.The gains by the YPG and Jaysh Al-Thuwar, who are part of a newly formed coalition operating in Aleppo called the Syria Democratic Forces, were reportedly against Islamist rebels who have been in control of the airbase and its adjacent town. ANF News, a Kurdish news agency, said that YPG and Jaysh Al-Thuwar forces took control of the airport after “intense” clashes with “jihadist gangs” and captured guns and ammunition during the fighting. RFE also reported on the Kurdish gains, citing reports that Kurds have taken advantage of advances by the Syrian Army in the area. Credit: YouTube/Ajansa Hawar ANHA">