Coalition disapproves divisive symbols, images in Raqqa

By Safvan Allahverdi

WASHINGTON (AA) – The U.S.-led anti-Daesh coalition said Friday it does not approve of the display of divisive symbols.

"The Coalition is aware of reports of celebration and displays of Ocalan symbols in Raqqa. The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) leadership did not sanction such display,” Col. Ryan Dillon, spokesman for Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve, told Anadolu Agency.

Dillon was referring to the raising on Thursday of a large banner of jailed terrorist leader Abdullah Ocalan by the PKK/PYD in an iconic square in the Syrian city of Raqqa.

"Furthermore, the Coalition does not approve of the display of divisive symbols and imagery at a time in which we remain focused on the defeat of Daesh in Syria," he said.

The PKK/PYD, the Syrian branch of the PKK, which has waged war against Turkey for more than 30 years, was among the U.S.-backed SDF that took control of Raqqa from Daesh earlier this week.

The taking of the eastern city -- considered Daesh’s de facto capital -- was marked by the unfurling of a huge banner bearing Ocalan’s image in the main square.

However on Thursday, when asked by Anadolu Agency why a victory enabled by the U.S. was dedicated to a terrorist group, Pentagon spokeswoman Dana W. White declined to comment directly.

The U.S. has supported the SDF, which consists of the PKK/PYD and other groups, in fighting Daesh in Syria but has largely ignored its links to the PKK, which the U.S., EU and Turkey list as a terrorist group.

In declaring victory in Raqqa, the PKK/PYD also released a video dedicating the triumph to Ocalan, who founded the PKK in 1978. The head terrorist was jailed for treason in Turkey in 1999.

Since the PKK launched its terror campaign in Turkey in 1984, tens of thousands have been killed.