YPG/PKK pullout in line with Sochi deal starts in Syria

ANKARA

In line with the agreement between Turkey and Russia on Tuesday, the YPG/PKK terror group’s withdrawal from northern Syria started as of 12.00 p.m. local time (0900 GMT) on Wednesday.

According to the deal between Ankara and Moscow, YPG/PKK terrorists will pull back 30 kilometers (18 miles) south of the Turkish border in northern Syria within 150 hours.

On Oct. 9, Turkey launched Operation Peace Spring to eliminate 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 agreed with Washington on Oct. 17 to pause its operation for 120-hours to allow the withdrawal of YPG/PKK terrorists from the planned safe zone.

On Tuesday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin held a "historic" meeting in the Black Sea resort town of Sochi just hours before the pause was set to expire.

Ankara and Moscow reached a deal under which YPG/PKK terrorists will pull back 30 km south of Turkey’s border with northern Syria within 150 hours, and security forces from Turkey and Russia will start to conduct joint patrols in the region.

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