YPG/PKK releases 40 more Daesh/ISIS members

By Omer Koparan

HASAKAH, Syria (AA) - The collaboration between YPG/PKK and Daesh/ISIS terror groups continues in Syria as the former released dozens of members of the latter in northeastern Syria, local sources said on Thursday.

According to the sources, a total of 40 Daesh/ISIS terrorists were released by the YPG -- Syrian offshoot of the PKK terror group in Turkey -- in Syria's Al-Hasakah province after some Arab tribes vouched for them.

Previously, YPG/PKK terrorists had also set free hundreds of Daesh members or turned a blind eye to their escape.

This move, according to observers, comes as a bid to blackmail the U.S. and European countries after Turkey launched an anti-terror operation in northern Syria.

On Nov. 17, Turkey’s Defense Ministry announced that the YPG/PKK terror group released over 800 Daesh/ISIS prisoners in Tal Abyad.

Turkey on Oct. 9 launched Operation Peace Spring to eliminate YPG/PKK terrorists from northern Syria east of the Euphrates River in order to secure Turkey’s borders, aid in the safe return of Syrian refugees, and ensure Syria’s territorial integrity.

The operation was paused following two agreements with the U.S. and Russia allowing terrorists to withdraw from the planned terror-free zone.

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.

* Writing by Ali Murat Alhas in Ankara.