Mohamad Misto and Adham Kako
15 June 2019•Update: 15 June 2019
ANKARA
A Saudi minister has asked support for the YPG/PKK terror group from Arab tribes in areas occupied by the terrorist group in Syria, according to local sources.
Thamer al-Sabhan, Saudi State Minister for Gulf Affairs, visited YPG/PKK-held areas in Syria, along with U.S. envoy to the international coalition against Daesh, William Robak.
Al-Sabhan also met with representatives of Arab tribes in Al-Omar oilfield, northeast of Deir ez-Zor province in eastern Syria, said the sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to restrictions on speaking to the media.
During the meeting, the Saudi minister asked for supporting YPG/PKK terror group, in exchange for support for Arabs in the area and help against Daesh terrorist group, the source said.
The Saudi minister also warned Arab tribes against approaching Turkey and Qatar, the sources said.
Al-Sabhan had previously visited areas held by YPG/PKK terrorists in Syria.
The PKK, which is listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the U.S. and EU, waged a terror campaign against Turkey for more than 30 years and has been responsible for the deaths of nearly 40,000 people, including women and children.
The activities of the YPG/PKK terrorist group, PKK's Syria branch in northern Syria, have been a major security concern for Ankara, while the U.S. administration viewed the group as a “reliable partner” in the fight against Daesh.
Turkish leaders have long warned their U.S. counterparts that one cannot rely on a terrorist organization in the fight against another terrorist group.
* Writing by Fatih Hafiz Mehmet
