The Kurdish militias of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have received Avenger air defense systems from the United States and have been trained in their use, Ednews reports that the Turkish newspaper Star reports with reference to sources in the region.

Avenger is a US self-propelled short-range surface-to-air missile system that can be used, among other things, to counter UAVs. Turkey points out, the SDF also includes groups affiliated with the Kurdistan Workers' Party, recognized by Ankara as terrorist. Turkey has repeatedly called on the US to cut off aid to the SDF.

The weapons received, as the newspaper notes, will be deployed at some locations in northern Syria. The transfer of SDF systems is allegedly linked with an upsurge in attacks by pro-Iranian forces on US bases in the region.

At the same time, the Star writes, the transfer of air defense systems to Kurdish forces took place at a time when Turkey had intensified operations in the region using surveillance and attack drones. The daily’s sources also say that comprehensive measures are being taken in the SDF-controlled zone to enhance protection from air threats.