ACAPS Crisis Analysis of Syria

The Syrian Arab Army (SAA), the Free Syrian Army (FSA), Kurdish armed groups that are part of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) – including the People's Protection Unit (YPG) – and the Islamic State (IS) are fighting for control of territory throughout Syria. Smaller opposition armed groups that are not aligned with major coalitions control smaller areas of territory. The FSA mainly holds territory in the southwest and northwest. International involvement in the conflict includes Russia and Iran supporting the Syrian government, Turkey-backed FSA factions, as well as the international coalition against IS, led by the US. The US also supports ground troops such as the SDF with airstrikes. Since April 2017, there has been direct confrontation between the US and the Syrian government in form of airstrikes.