Since Russia began striking areas across Syria last week, parties on and off the ground have been weighing on what it means for the coflict, and it's dividing people who are used to working together on the battlefield.
In the latest, the Kurdistan Regional government released this statement Sunday.
The fact that they're now coming out in support of Russian strikes shouldn't be much of a surprise. The governing body is based in Iraqi Kurdistan, but has had its say in a number of dealings in Syria. Last week, Syrian Kurdish militia group People's Protection Units (YPG) said it was ready to cooperate with Russia, calling the move an "important step."
This, of course, was a problematic step for several reasons. YPG recieved air support from the US-led coalition, who has cricized Russia's involvement so far. Plus, the group often works with Free Syrian Army (FSA) brigades along the Turkish border during offensives against Daesh (ISIS). And it didn't go unrecognized — on Sunday, FSA faction Division 16 announced a partnership with Syria's al-Qaeda wing Nusra Front, against the Kurds near Aleppo.
See the clip below.
"Moderate rebels" of #FSA's Division16 join Nusra (#AQSyr) in their attacks against Kurds of Sheikh Maqsud, #Aleppo. pic.twitter.com/Mt0TG7TWUq
— Lina Arabi (@LinaArabii) October 4, 2015
