In July 2012, the People's Protection Units (YPG), a Kurdish militia, launched a strategic assault on the city of Girkê Legê, positioned in the northern part of Syria. This maneuver happened against the backdrop of the Syrian civil war, which had escalated tensions among various ethnic and political groups with the dissolution of central government authority. Girkê Legê, significant for its strategic location and population, became a focal point for Kurdish aspirations for self-management. The YPG's success in this battle wasn't only about local control; it symbolized a broader shift in the Kurdish movement's position amidst the chaos of the warfare enveloping Syria.

The YPG effectively capitalized on the weakened state of the Syrian armed forces, who were overwhelmed by various rebel factions vying for power. Notably, the YPG's strategy emphasized self-defense and the establishment of safe zones for Kurdish populations, reflecting their goal of autonomy and governance apart from the central authority in Damascus. Following the capture, the YPG began to organize local governance structures and foster community cohesion, laying a foundation for a more organized Kurdish entity in the region.

The implications of taking Girkê Legê extended well beyond the city itself. It marked the YPG's emergence as a formidable force in the Syrian conflict and underscored the evolving nature of territorial control. As they continued to capture additional territories, the YPG gained further international attention, with discussions around their role in countering extremist groups such as ISIS unfolding in the years to come. The administration of Girkê Legê and surrounding regions illustrated the complex web of alliances and enmities formed in the wake of civil strife and highlighted the Kurdish aspiration for recognition and autonomy in a fragmented Syria.