YPG/PKK continues forced recruitment of youth in Manbij

By Adham Kako, Mohamad Misto and Levent Tok

ANKARA

The YPG/PKK terror group continued forced recruitment of men aged between 18 and 30, despite the U.S. and Turkey deal to rid the area of the terror group’s elements.

According to a document dated June 18 that was published by the social media accounts of the so-called military council of the terror group on Sunday, YPG/PKK warned Manbij men aged between 18 and 30 to submit to terror group by Aug. 20.

The terror group threatened those unwilling to join the ranks of the terror group with detention and punishment.

Occupying some 27.7 percent of the Syrian soils, the terror group forces the youth living under occupation to bear arms.

Reacting to the YPG/PKK policy of forced recruitment, local shopkeepers in Manbij had taken down the shutters in April.

In August 2016, the terror group seized Manbij district of Aleppo, located west of Euphrates River, with the support of the U.S. More than 90 perent of the Manbij population is composed of Arabs.

US-Turkey joint roadmap for Manbij

Patrols by Turkish and U.S. troops in the region began on June 18. So far, 28 coordinated/independent patrols have been carried out by both sides.

The Manbij deal between Turkey and the U.S. focuses on the withdrawal of the PKK-affiliated YPG terror group from the city in order to stabilize the region.

In its more than 30-year terror campaign against Turkey, the PKK has taken some 40,000 lives, including many women and children. The YPG/PKK is its Syrian branch.

Should the Manbij model prove a success, Turkey will push for a similar arrangement in eastern Syria.

Turkey has said the presence of terror forces near its border constitutes a threat and has launched military operations and other efforts to rid the region of terrorists.

* Ali Murat Alhas contributed to this story from Ankara