Harakat al-Qiyam (حركة القيام literal meaning: "The Eruption Movement") is an insurgent group that employs guerrilla tactics, that is active in northern Syria during the Syrian Civil War. It was formed in August 2017 to fight against the Syrian Democratic Forces, led by the People's Protection Units (YPG). In an official statement, it claimed that its goal is to protect the territorial integrity of Syria and to fight the Democratic Union Party (PYD), which it claims is separatist and "imperialist".[1] The group is allegedly supported by and takes orders from Turkish intelligence, according to the pro-YPG Firat News Agency.[2]

Harakat al-Qiyam
حركة القيام
Dates of operationAugust 2017 – present
Active regionsNorthern Syria
Allies Free Syrian Army
Opponents Syrian Democratic Forces
Battles and warsSyrian Civil War

Harakat al-Qiyam has carried out a number of shooting assassinations on foot and using motorcycles.[3]

It also used improvised explosive devices (IEDs). In one attack in November 2017, it used an IED to injure Muhammad Abu Adel, commander of the SDF's Manbij Military Council.[4]

Notes

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  1. ^ ""Movement do" form a new northern Syria to fight "Kurdish units"". Micro Syria. 16 October 2017.
  2. ^ "ANF | Orders from the MİT, murders from the Kiyam Movement".
  3. ^ "Post-ISIS Insurgency Looms in Northern Syria". Institute for the Study of War. 7 November 2017.
  4. ^ "FSA Qiyam Movement claims the responsibility of them targeting "Abu Adel" the newly appointed leader of MMC in Manbij by an IED". Syria General. 5 November 2017.