| answer text |
<p>The Kurdish Democratic Party (PYD) in Syria and associated armed groupings have
effectively been in control of most of the Kurdish areas in North-East Syria since
they unilaterally declared autonomy in November 2013.</p><p>We are aware of reports
of Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) (also known as ISIS – the Islamic State
of Iraq and Syria) attacks on Kurdish forces in Kobane and other areas in Northern
and Eastern Syria. Reports suggest that the attacks in Kobane began on 7 July, and
that ISIL has employed heavy weapons seized from Iraqi Security Forces. ISIL is a
serious threat in Syria and Iraq. We remain concerned that their access to more sophisticated
weaponry, a swelling of their ranks and improved morale will now place them in a stronger
position to threaten all those in Syria, regardless of their affiliation. Primary
responsibility for this situation lies with the Assad regime whose actions have fuelled
extremism in Syria.</p><p>The UK remains committed to supporting the moderate opposition
in Syria to bolster them against the regime and against the extremists, and to help
bring about a political solution, which remains the only way to achieve a sustainable
resolution to the crisis.</p>
|
|
