Turkey concerned over US treatment of YPG/PKK terrorist

By Ali Murat Alhas

ANKARA (AA) - Turkey said on Thursday that treatment of a YPG/PKK figure in Washington as if he was a legitimate political figure was causing concern in Ankara.

Turkey's Communications Director Fahrettin Altun, said in a statement that Ankara views YPG/PKK ringleader Ferhat Abdi Sahin -- also known as "Mazloum Kobani" -- as a terrorist linked to the PKK terror group whose Syrian offshoot is the YPG.

"This individual is a senior leader of the PKK, which the United States and others consider a terrorist organization, and a fugitive from justice," Altun said, adding that Turkey was "deeply concerned" over how Kobani was being treated by U.S. politicians.

He added: “He is the subject of an outstanding Interpol red notice. He is wanted for multiple terror attacks targeting the Turkish security forces, a NATO army, as well as civilians.”

Altun underlined that Turkish security forces wanted him for multiple terror attacks against NATO ally Turkey and civilian citizens.

U.S. senators -- including Republican Lindsey Graham and Democrat Chris Van Hollen -- asked the U.S. State Department on Wednesday to provide a visa for Kobani so he could visit the country.

U.S. President Donald Trump, spoke highly of Kobani on Twitter saying: "I look forward to seeing you."

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