Michael Israel Brigade
The Michael Israel Brigade, also known as the Antifascist Forces in Afrin, is an international volunteer unit of the Syrian Democratic Forces formed in 2018 during the Syrian Civil War.
| Michael Israel Brigade | |
|---|---|
 Logo of the Antifascist Forces in Afrin | |
| Founded | February 13, 2018 |
| Allegiance |  Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria |
| Branch |  Syrian Democratic Forces |
| Part of |  International Freedom Battalion |
| Engagements | Syrian Civil War |
History
The Michael Israel Brigade was formed in early 2018, at the time of the Battle of Afrin.[1] It adopted its name in homage to an American fighter of the International Freedom Battalion, Michael Israel, also known as Robin Agiri, killed by a Turkish bombardment northeast of al-Bab on November 29, 2016, during Operation Euphrates Shield.[1] In its first press release, published on February 13, 2018, the brigade presented itself as a "group of communists, socialists, anarchists and anti-fascists, from all four corners of the world, [...] united in Rojava by the principles of solidarity, internationalism and anti-fascism".[1] The group is made up of far-left foreign volunteers, mainly Turks and Westerners.[1]
The brigade announced that it was going to the front in Afrin on February 19, 2018.[1] However, the Syrian Democratic Forces were severely affected by the artillery and air strikes of the Turkish Army.[1] The Michael Israel Brigade announced its withdrawal from Afrin on March 22, 2018, it recognized the death of at least one of its fighters - a Turkish volunteer named Şevger Ara Makhno, killed on March 8 by an airstrike in the village of Berbêné - as well as several wounded.[1] Some fighters were then sent to eastern Syria to take part in the offensive.[1]
References
- Puxton, Matteo (16 May 2018). "Syrie - Brigade Michael Israel: des volontaires antifascistes contre l'armée turque". France-Soir. Retrieved 24 May 2021.
External links
- Afrin AFA - Twitter page