AA / Mugla (Türkiye) / Yusuf Soykan Bal – Utku Simsek
Turkey’s armed forces are determined to thwart efforts by terrorist groups such as the PKK/YPG to destabilize the region using strategic infrastructure such as the Tishrin Dam in Syria, Turkish Defense Ministry sources said on Thursday.
The Turkish Defense deplored the use by the PKK/YPG terrorist group of innocent civilians as human shields around the dam, as well as the sending of terrorist groups to the region, acts which constitute human rights violations
“The use of civilians as human shields by terrorist groups for their own interests is not only an inhumane approach, but also an act that shows their desperation and moral bankruptcy,” the sources said.
They also stressed that Türkiye expects the international community to recognize terrorist groups such as the PKK/YPG for what they are: terrorist organizations, and to cooperate more effectively in the fight against terrorism.
“Developments in the region are of great importance both for the internal security of Syria and for the security of the borders of Türkiye. The Turkish Armed Forces believe in the importance of global cooperation and international solidarity against terrorism”, they add
Concerning the territorial integrity of Syria and the quest for a peaceful solution for its people, the Turkish Defense stressed that “if the terrorist groups refuse to lay down their arms, the Turkish armed forces are determined to continue their cross-border operations to eradicate this threat.”
“This determination will be maintained until all terrorist elements threatening peace in the region are eliminated, in order to put an end to the activities of terrorist organizations within the framework of international law and the principle of self-defense set out in the Charter United Nations,” the sources said.
During its more than 35-year campaign of terrorism against the Turkiye, the PKK – listed as a terrorist organization by the Turkiye, the United States and the European Union – was responsible for the deaths of more than 40 000 people, including women, children and infants.
The YPG, the Syrian branch of the PKK, has long sought to establish a “terrorist corridor” in northern Syria near the Turkish border, also oppressing local populations. Türkiye deployed troops and worked with local allies to thwart this threat.
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