Turkey warns all parties against provocation in N. Syria

By Faruk Zorlu

ANKARA

Turkey’s Defense Ministry on Friday called on all parties to any move that will climb the instability in Manbij, northern Syria.

"We warn all parties to stay away from provocative actions and rhetoric that will make the region more unstable," the ministry said in a statement.

"YPG/PKK terrorist organization that controls the region by force does not have the right and the authority to make a statement and invite other elements on behalf of people in the region," it added.

The ministry said it closely monitors the issue.

The statement came after the Syrian regime forces reportedly entered Manbij in coordination with the YPG/PKK terror group.

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