US ambassador touts success against Daesh

By Bekir Ömer Fansa

ADANA (AA) – Daesh has lost 50 percent of its territory in Iraq and 20 percent in Syria, according to the U.S. ambassador to Turkey.

“We have success against Daesh. But we have so much to do. Thus, we will continue supporting group or groups fighting against Daesh,” John Bass said Thursday while in the southern province of Adana during a reception for Independence Day.

Bass said he understands Turkey’s concern, adding that he called on the PKK terrorist group to lay down its arms and cease its terrorist activities.

The PKK – listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the U.S., and EU – resumed its 30-year armed campaign against the Turkish state last July.

Since then, nearly 600 security personnel, including troops, police officers, and village guards, have been martyred, and more than 5,000 PKK terrorists killed in operations across Turkey and northern Iraq.

Bass also reiterated that Washington does not recognize the PYD as a terrorist organization.

The YPG is the armed wing of the PYD -- the Syrian offshoot of the PKK -- designated as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the U.S. and the EU.