In July 2012, the People's Protection Units (YPG), the primary Kurdish military force fighting in the Syrian civil war, successfully captured the cities of Amuda and Efrîn. This event marked a significant moment in the ongoing conflict, highlighting the shifting dynamics on the ground as various factions fought for control. The YPG had been increasingly active amid the chaos created by the Syrian government's inability to control large areas of the country. As protests against Syrian President Bashar al-Assad escalated into an armed conflict, the YPG's presence, backed by local populations seeking security and autonomy, solidified its influence in northern Syria.

Amuda, located near the Turkish border, and Efrîn, known for its strategic agricultural landscape, provided pivotal footholds for the YPG. Their capture was characterized by minimal resistance from Syrian government troops, who were either preoccupied with other conflicts or lacked the resources to maintain control over these areas. This lack of confrontation allowed the YPG to consolidate power quickly and implement their governance structures in the region, reflecting a growing sense of Kurdish nationalism and self-determination during a time of widespread instability in Syria.

In the weeks following these captures, the YPG began to establish de facto control, setting up local councils and providing security to townspeople. The growing strength of Kurdish forces would later play a critical role in the broader conflict as they sought to protect their communities against both the Syrian regime and other militant groups operating within the country, signaling a significant shift in the geopolitical landscape in the region.