Here, YPG field commander Zagros Cudi talks to Syria Direct's Mohammed al-Haj Ali about the recent victory over IS in the Jabal Abdul Aziz region and its ramifications.

Q: What's the strategic importance of the YPG's capture of Jabal Abdul Aziz in the Al-Hasakah countryside?

The Jabal Abdul Aziz mountain range is considered strategically important because it overlooks the Tel Tamar area, as well as the road that connects al-Jazira to other areas inside Syria, like Aleppo, Homs and Damascus.

Our main goal is to cut the Abu Khashab road that connects both Deir e-Zor and A-Raqqa with the Abdul Aziz mountain range. When that occurs, it will cut IS's main artery that was supplying the group with weapons and ammunition.

Additionally we want to protect the people. Arabs, Kurds, Christians, Assyrians, and the protection of all types located in the Syrian al-Jazira region is our responsibility.

We will not stop at the Jabal Abdul Aziz region. We will continue moving, continue pursuing the Islamic State.

Q: What is the extent of cooperation between you and between both the international coalition and the Syrian regime?

There is a high level of coordination between us and between the international coalition, at its head the United States of America.

As for the Syrian regime—what regime are you talking about? The regime no longer exists. We don't acknowledge anything called the Syrian regime.