Flouting pledges, terrorist YPG/PKK still in safe zone

By Mohamad Misto and Selen Temizer

TAL ABYAD/RAS AL-AYN, Syria (AA) - The YPG/PKK terrorist group remains its presence in the safe zone despite the U.S. and Russia's commitments, while the Assad regime and Russian forces are only located around the safe zone.

According to data compiled by Anadolu Agency from local sources, occupation of terrorist group YPG/PKK continues in Syria's northern Manbij province, cities of Ayn al-Arab (Kobani) and Qamishli and the town of Ayn Issa.

Terror group members still remain in the so-called general headquarters in Manbij as well as in the post office and courthouse in Ayn Issa.

YPG/PKK terrorists are dressed in regime forces’ clothes and display Russian flag in their cars. Terrorists continue to drill tunnels and holes in the town.

After Turkey launched Operation Peace Spring On Oct. 9, the terrorist group withdrew to al-Hasakah from some of the points it occupied in Qamishli, but after a short period of time returned to camps in Himo village and industrial zone, where they are still drilling tunnels.

The so-called security forces affiliated with the YPG/PKK are also fully operational in these settlements.

- Russian military police, regime forces located around safe zone

Regime forces are deployed along the Turkish border north of Ayn al-Arab, Qamishli and al-Malikiyah, in Manbij’s Arima town and control points in M4 highway north of Ayn Issa. The regime's presence continues with the YPG/PKK in Sajur River region.

Russian forces are also deployed in Sarrin, Sabit, Ayn-Issa and Saidiya bases in Manbij from where the U.S. forces had withdrawn. Russia, which strengthened its relationship with the YPG/PKK, sent about 20 military police to a military point in Amuda district of al-Hasakah which is under the occupation of the terror group.

Russia also deployed troops in Tishrin Dam, a northwestern point of Ayn al-Arab and Ayn Issa town, southeast of Ayn al-Arab. Russia also expanded its existing point at Qamishli Airport.

Turkey had made agreements separately with Russia and the U.S. while Operation Peace Spring continued. The U.S. had pledged the withdrawal of YPG/PKK from Operation Peace Spring area, 30 km (18 miles) south from the Turkish border, while Russia pledged that the military police and the regime forces would enter the area.

In its more than 30-year terror campaign against Turkey, the PKK -- listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the U.S. and EU -- has been responsible for the deaths of 40,000 people, including women, children and infants. The YPG is its Syrian offshoot.

* Writing by Davut Demircan