Union of Euphrates Jarabulus Battalions | |
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تجمع كتائب الفرات جرابلس Tajamu Kata'ib Furat Jarabulus Participant in the Syrian Civil War |
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Euphrates Jarabulus Battalions insignia
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Active | 2013—present |
Ideology | Democracy |
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Headquarters | Manbij, Aleppo Governorate |
Area of operations | Aleppo Governorate |
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Originated as | Union of Martyr Colonel Abu Furat Battalions |
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The Union of Euphrates Jarabulus Battalions (Arabic: تجمع كتائب الفرات جرابلس; Tajamu Kata'ib Furat Jarabulus) is a Syrian rebel group affiliated with the Free Syrian Army and later the Syrian Democratic Forces which operates in northern Syria. Formed in mid-2013, the group has been led by several members of the influential al-Jader family from the town of Jarabulus and the nearby town of Karkamış in Turkey.
The al-Tawhid Brigade participated in the Battle of Aleppo in late 2012 which led to the capture of the Aleppo Infantry School and the field commander, Colonel Yusuf al-Jader (nom de guerre Abu Furat al-Jarabulusi), was killed in action during the battle in December 2012.
In early 2013, the Union of Battalions of Martyr Colonel Abu Furat was formed in Jarabulus. In June 2013, clashes erupted in the town between the group and the al-Nusra Front and the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, which resulted in ISIL taking full control of Jarabulus. After the capture of Jarabulus by ISIL, the Euphrates Jarabulus Battalions moved its headquarters to the town of Zur Maghar, which is controlled by the YPG. The group attempted to reenter Jarabulus with other FSA factions but they were repelled by ISIL which killed dozens of their fighters. It then formed an alliance with the YPG in the Kobane Canton. Some members regrouped into the Jarabulus Brigade, a small independent faction.