Terrorist YPG/PKK exploits children to be fighters

Ankara

The YPG/PKK terrorist group manipulates underage children to fight against the Turkish Armed Forces (TAF), according to an Anadolu Agency reporter.

Forcibly recruited children aged 9 to 16 are fighting against the TAF as the terrorist group has lost members through Turkey’s domestic and overseas anti-terror operations, said security sources who asked not to be named due to restrictions on speaking to the media.

A terrorist who surrendered to Turkish security forces said YPG/PKK terrorists had established a “young battalion” to fight on the front lines.

Security sources said this was an indication that the terrorist group has a shortage of members and the so-called ringleaders had sent children to their deaths to save their own lives.

On May 27, Turkey launched Operation Claw against the PKK in the Hakurk region of northern Iraq followed by its second and third phases in July and late August.

Turkey launched Operation Peace Spring on Oct. 9 to eliminate YPG/PKK terrorists from northern Syria east of the Euphrates River in order to secure Turkey’s borders, aid in the safe return of Syrian refugees and ensure Syria’s territorial integrity.

Ankara wants YPG/PKK terrorists to withdraw from the region so a safe zone can be created to pave the way for the safe return of some two million refugees.

In its more than 30-year terror campaign against Turkey, the PKK -- listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the U.S. and European Union -- has been responsible for the deaths of 40,000 people, including women, children and infants. The YPG is the PKK's Syrian offshoot.

*Writing By Erdogan Cagatay Zontur