Cut ties with YPG/PKK terrorists, Turkey tells US

By Sarp Ozer

ANKARA

Turkish defense minister on Friday renewed Ankara’s demand from the U.S. to cut ties with YPG/PKK terrorist organization in Syria.

According to a statement from Turkish Defense Ministry, Hulusi Akar met U.S.’s envoy for Syria James Jeffrey in the capital Ankara.

“The U.S. should cut ties with YPG which is no different from the PKK and the U.S. should also call off its plan to set up observation points in northern Syria,” Akar told Jeffrey.

The statement said the two dignitaries discussed regional issues -- including recent developments in Syria’s Manbij and Idlib – and bilateral relations.

Akar pointed out that giving weapons and ammunition to the terrorist YPG via trucks and airplanes doesn’t fit with the understanding of alliance with the U.S.

“We will never allow a terror corridor in the south of our country,” the Turkish defense minister added.

The U.S. has claimed the YPG/PKK is an “ally” in the fight against Daesh, over Turkey’s objections that you cannot use one terrorist group to fight another. Turkey has repeatedly cited evidence that the YPG is no different from the PKK.

The YPG is the Syrian offshoot of the PKK, a terrorist group recognized by Turkey, the U.S., and EU, which in its 30-year terror campaign has taken some 40,000 lives.