Media: US strikes historic deal with PKK/YPG for massive withdrawal from Syria 10,000 fighters to relocate to Iraq / PHOTO

The United States has reached an agreement with the PKK/YPG, under which a force of 10,000 fighters will withdraw from Syrian territory.

The Turkish newspaper Türkiye claims that these forces will "take their heavy weaponry with them and relocate to Iraq," Caliber.Az reports. 

The move is said to be part of negotiations, backed by the US, concerning the future presence of the PKK/YPG in Syria.

Murat Karayılan, a senior figure within the PKK, has also reportedly stated: "Strategic weaponry accumulated by coalition forces in Syria under the pretext of fighting ISIS is being transported to Qandil."

Karayılan is also alleged to have issued a threat in a recorded message, saying: "From February 15, Türkiye's superiority in drone warfare will come to an end."

However, Turkish security sources told Türkiye newspaper that they are closely monitoring developments and will continue to target the PKK using Turkish technology and drones.

Retired Colonel Mithat Işık, who oversaw military operations in the region for many years, told the newspaper: "The terrorist front is gaining strength thanks to air defence systems that have been moved from Syria to Qandil."

Security expert Işık also argued that political changes in Syria had disrupted broader regional plans, stating: "The fall of the Assad regime fundamentally altered the paradigm in the region. The PKK was expected to play a key role in fulfilling Israel's ambitions regarding the Euphrates basin. Now, the cards are being reshuffled."

He further warned that the fate of "thousands of tonnes of weapons and military equipment accumulated by the coalition over the years remains uncertain."

Işık suggested that the US had intended to centre its Syrian policy around Damascus, saying: "This amounts to an international crime. Information on covert arms shipments has now become public knowledge. Türkiye will take initiatives on this matter at an international level and defend its rights."

By Aghakazim Guliyev