US 'continuing mistake' of backing PKK/PYD terror group

By Emin Avundukluoglu

ANKARA (AA) - The U.S. is “continuing its mistake” of backing terror groups such as the PKK/PYD in the region, Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Thursday.

Speaking before the parliament's plenary and budget committee, Cavusoglu slammed the U.S over its reported support for the deal between the PKK/PYD and Daesh terror groups.

"The U.S is continuing its mistake," the foreign minister said.

He said the U.S. had backed the PKK/PYD for its tactical purpose. "We told them we cannot accept this."

Cavusoglu also pointed out the U.S had not denied reports about cooperation between the PKK/PYD and Daesh terror groups.

"We will continue expressing the danger of cooperation with terrorist organizations," the minister added.

The BBC reported on Monday that a deal had been struck between Daesh and the SDF, a U.S.-backed force that consists largely of PKK/PYD terrorists, in Syria's Raqqah.

After speaking to many of those involved in the evacuation, the British broadcaster said a huge convoy consisting of around 50 trucks, 13 buses and more than 100 Daesh vehicles left Raqqah for Daesh-controlled territory to the southeast.

The report said Daesh also withdrew at least 10 vehicles loaded with arms and ammunition and the fighters included foreigners alongside Iraqis and Syrians.

Cavusoglu also reiterated the importance Turkey gives to stability and the future of Syria.

"We see the mistakes, which have been done in Iraq, are now being repeated in Syria as well," he said.

He called for more cooperation with Syrians instead of with terrorist organizations in Syria.