PKK/YPG Terror Group Facilities in Iraq and Syria Become Türkiye's Legal Targets

JAKARTA - Various facilities belonging to the PKK/YPG terror group in Iraq and Syria are "legitimate targets" of the Turkish Armed Forces, said Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan.

"After this latest incident (bomb attack in Turkey), based on the results of our intelligence and security forces, it is increasingly clear that the two terrorists came from Syria and were trained here," said Fidan at a press conference in Ankara, reported by ANTARA from Anadolu, Wednesday, October 4.

“All infrastructure-superstructure facilities and energy facilities belonging to the PKK/YPG in Iraq and Syria are legitimate targets of our security forces, armed forces and intelligence elements from now on.”

The PKK and YPG/PKK are known to use northern Iraq and northern Syria, near the Turkish border, as hideouts to plan terror attacks against Turkish citizens and armed forces.

Fidan also warned third parties – without naming them – to stay away from PKK/YPG facilities.

“Our armed forces' response to this terrorist attack will be very clear. "They will once again regret committing such acts," he added.

On Sunday (1/10), a suicide bomber blew himself up in front of the General Directorate of Security in the Turkish capital, Ankara, while another terrorist was neutralized by security forces at the entrance to the building.

Two police officers suffered minor injuries in the attack.

Turkey's Interior Ministry has confirmed there is a link between the perpetrators of the bomb attack and the PKK terrorist group.

In more than 35 years of terror against Turkey, the PKK – listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the US and the European Union – has been responsible for the deaths of more than 40,000 people, including women, children and babies. The YPG is the terror group's branch in Syria.

For years, Turkish officials have criticized the US for collaborating with the YPG/PKK and even sending them weapons. The US claims to be partnering with the YPG/PKK to fight the Daesh/ISIS terror group.

Turkish officials say the use of one terrorist group against another terrorist group is unreasonable.