Syria to pardon forcibly recruited YPG/PKK members

RAS AL-AYN, Syria

Syrian Interim Government President Abdurrahman Mustafa announced Wednesday that those who were deceived or forcibly participated in the YPG/PKK terror group would be forgiven unless they committed another crime.

“We would like to open a new page for a brighter future with all Syrians’ component to establish peace and freedom in the region,” said Mustafa.

He said forcibly recruited YPG/PKK members need to consult the nearest Syrian National Army point by abandoning their weapons as the first step for a brighter future.

“Syrian National Army members are your brothers, trust them. There is still time to say goodbye to dark days,” he said. “Syrian National Army is determined to fight against terrorism until eradication of terror.”

Ras al-Ayn was liberated from YPG/PKK terrorists Oct. 12 as part of Operation Peace Spring.

Turkey on Oct. 9 launched Operation Peace Spring 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.

Under two separate deals with the U.S. and Russia, Turkey paused the operation to allow the withdrawal of YPG/PKK terrorists from the planned Syria safe zone.

Prior to this, Turkey led two successful operations, Olive Branch and Euphrates Shield, in northern Syria to rid the region of terrorists.

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

*Writing by Davut Demircan