The PKK terrorist group’s Syrian wing YPG has turned to propaganda because it confronted losses by the hands of the Syrian National Army (SNA), which recaptured key cities managed by the group in Syria till just lately.
Supporters of the group barraged social media with messages interesting for “help” towards the SNA’s advances. They additionally search to justify their presence in northeastern Syria as being instrumental within the battle towards the terrorist group Daesh. Türkiye’s Defense Ministry sources countered the claims on Thursday and vowed Türkiye’s dedication to counterterrorism in Syria.
Sources stated Türkiye would adhere to preventive and damaging measures towards terrorist teams in neighboring Syria. They said that Türkiye advised its counterparts (the United States, the primary army supporter of PKK/YPG in Syria) {that a} terrorist group couldn’t be eradicated by utilizing one other one.
“Türkiye always highlights that it won’t allow terrorist groups, particularly the PKK/YPG, to take advantage of the current situation in Syria to gain ground.”
The ministry sources famous that SNA was now in full management of Manbij, the second city after Tal Rifaat that was captured from the PKK/YPG, and that it had cleared the world “from terrorism.”
“This development is part of the SNA’s counterterrorism efforts to ensure Syria’s territorial integrity and political union and end terrorist activities harming stability. This is a welcoming development for Türkiye, and it contributed to our border security and pushed away terrorism threats toward the country,” sources stated.
Separately, at a weekly press briefing within the capital, Ankara, on Thursday, the ministry’s press adviser, Brig. Adm. Zeki Aktürk, stated Türkiye would by no means permit terrorists to focus on Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Aktürk stated Türkiye at all times sided with the folks of Syria because the civil warfare broke out years in the past and strived for its neighbor’s political unity, safety and stability. Aktürk stated Ankara was now working to make sure the voluntary, protected and dignified return of Syrian refugees in Türkiye.
“In this context, all the legitimate actors in the region should act carefully and responsibly and know that we are clear and determined on our counterterrorism work,” he stated.
Earlier this month, the SNA launched Operation Dawn of Freedom to stop terrorists from establishing a “terror corridor” from northern Syria to the south as anti-regime forces dealt a blow to regime forces.
Despite the guarantees of the U.S. and Russia, the PKK/YPG terrorists seized the Manbij district on account of an assault launched with the assist of the U.S. between May and August 2016. The U.S. had promised Türkiye that the PKK/YPG terrorists would depart the district after the world was cleared of the Daesh terrorists, but it surely didn’t fulfill this promise.
Moscow additionally undertook efforts to take away the terrorist group from Manbij in an settlement reached with Ankara throughout Türkiye’s Operation Peace Spring in October 2019 and introduced that the terrorists had left – however the terrorist group didn’t go away. The Manbij area was of central significance within the PKK/YPG’s plan to open a terror hall ranging from the Syria-Iraq border and reaching the Mediterranean in western Syria. Türkiye had already dealt a blow to preparations to determine a direct connection between Afrin, Tal Rifaat and Manbij with Operation Euphrates Shield in August 2016.
In current years, Türkiye has deployed troops and labored with native allies such because the opposition SNA to stop this and hold locals protected from terrorist oppression.
Tunnels of terror
The SNA is busy these days with management of Manbij as its troops comb a prolonged community of tunnels constructed by the PKK/YPG beneath the town.
The tunnels had been used as hideouts and fast escapes in case of assaults by terrorists. The SNA invited Turkish journalists to the world to see the total extent of tunnels adorned with posters of YPG terrorists and housed dwelling areas for a lot of.
The SNA says tunnels had been additionally a handy means for terrorists to cover behind civilian buildings. A tunnel beneath a faculty is a testomony to this effort. The college was already transformed right into a “headquarters” for the PKK/YPG. Under it, SNA fighters discovered a 1-kilometer-long tunnel crammed with objects left behind by fleeing terrorists. The tunnel was rigged with explosives.
Other tunnels within the space are situated beneath residences, faculties, hospitals and locations of worship. Media shops reported that the PKK/YPG, who compelled locals to go away in Manbij and Tal Rifaat, had its supporters transported from different areas of Syria to settle in deserted homes.
Source: www.dailysabah.com