Syrian tribes call for boycott of YPG/PKK in Raqqa

By Esref Musa, Levent Tok and Mohamad Misto

IDLIB, Syria (AA) - Killing of a local tribal leader in alleged armed attack by the terrorist YPG/PKK group has risen tension in Raqqa city of war-torn Syria.

Following the assassination of its leader Bashir Faisal al-Huwaidi, members of Sabha tribe on Sunday called for boycott of YPG/PKK, which is held responsible for the attack, in the region.

Al-Huwaidi -- known opposed to the terrorist group -- was killed on Saturday in Raqqa.

Many other regional tribes have also joined Sabha's condemnation of the attack, announcing their support for the boycott until the culprit is revealed.

- YPK/PKK terror in Raqqa

For the past year, the YPG/PKK has oppressed and terrorized Raqqa’s local population -- as it has in other areas under its control.

It has forcibly recruited civilians into its ranks and has prevented many local residents from rebuilding their homes, many of which were destroyed last year by intense coalition airstrikes.

The YPG/PKK, however, does not provide any public services, while residents accused of having links with the opposition frequently face arbitrary detention.

In a report published last December, the U.K.-based Syrian Network for Human Rights said a total of 2,323 civilians had been killed in Raqqa in the period from November 2016 to October 2017.