Clashes flare between Arabs, YPG/PKK in Syria's Raqqah

By Mohamad Misto and Selen Temizer

RAQQAH, Syria / ANKARA, Turkey (AA) - Heightened tensions between armed local Arab groups and the U.S.-backed YPG/PKK terror organization in the northern Syrian city of Raqqah have turned into clashes, according to an Anadolu Agency reporter on the field.

The clashes followed protests late Sunday against recruitment of dozens of local youngsters by the YPG/PKK terror group and its efforts to displace Arab residents of the city.

On Oct. 17, 2017, the YPG/PKK backed by the U.S. forces cleared Daesh terrorists from Raqqah. More than 2,000 civilians had been killed during the U.S.-backed operation.

A group of activists -- named Raqqah is Being Slaughtered Silently -- reported on Oct. 17, 2017, that 90 percent of the city was demolished during the operation.

On Dec. 14, 2017, Syrian Network for Human Rights said in a report that 2,371 civilians -- including 562 children -- were killed during the operation and around 450,000 civilians were left displaced.

The YPG/PKK terrorists began looting the city after taking the control. They also blocked the entrance of civilians, who had fled the clashes and wanted to return to the city.

The YPG/PKK is Syrian branch of the PKK terrorist network, which has waged war against Turkey for more than 30 years.

Listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the U.S. and the EU, the PKK has been responsible for the death of some 40,000 people, including women and children.