US trains PKK/YPG terrorists, Iraq-based PUK forces in NE Syria
- World
- Anadolu Agency
- Published Date: 08:28 | 17 August 2023
- Modified Date: 08:28 | 17 August 2023
The US army has provided joint training in northeastern Syria to elements of the PKK/YPG terrorist group and the forces of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) political party, based in northern Iraq.
So-called counterterrorism forces associated with the PKK/YPG, as well as counterterrorism soldiers of the PUK, received the joint training at a US base in the Ash Shaddadi area of Al-Hasakah province, local sources told Anadolu on Thursday.
The training involved deployment from a helicopter, use of anti-tank missiles on fixed and mobile targets, and use of sniper rifles with thermal scopes.
Once the training was complete, a group of 150 people were transported to the US base at the Omar Oil Field in Syria's eastern Deir ez-Zor province.
It was noted that the terrorists transferred to that base will be given full military equipment in the coming days.
In its more than 35-year terror campaign against Türkiye, the PKK — listed as a terrorist organization by Türkiye, the US, UK, and EU — has been responsible for the deaths of more than 40,000 people, including women, children, and infants. The YPG is the terrorist PKK's Syrian branch.