The YPG, or People's Protection Units, is a Kurdish militia primarily based in northern Syria. Formed in 2011 during the Syrian Civil War, the YPG aims to protect Kurdish communities and promote autonomy in the region. It has gained international attention for its role in fighting against the Islamic State (ISIS) and has received support from various countries, including the United States. The YPG is closely associated with the PYD, or Democratic Union Party, which advocates for Kurdish rights and governance. While the YPG is recognized for its military effectiveness, it has also faced criticism and controversy, particularly regarding its ties to the PKK, a Kurdish militant group designated as a terrorist organization by several countries.