Plans for third Qandil in Syria by PKK terrorists failed

Underground tunnels and sanctuaries built by terrorists from the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK)’s Syrian offshoot, the PYD, in Afrin are an attempt to create a “third Qandil” in Syria after plans for a second replica failed in Mount Sinjar in Iraq, according to former Turkish General İhsan Başbozkurt.

He states that with Turkey’s Olive Branch operation, it was revealed that Afrin was a “Qandil structuring” for the PKK and not a “canton.”

Northern Iraq’s Qandil Mountains have been a haven for PKK terrorists over the past few decades. Considered as the main base of the PKK, which control checkpoints and entrances to the mountains, the structuring in the area is used for cover and concealment by terrorists.

Speaking exclusively to Yeni Şafak daily, Başbozkurt stressed that Afrin is more than just a “canton” for PKK/PYD terrorists, as Turkey’s Operation Olive Branch to clear the region from terror elements continues.

“The tunnels that were built underground with cement walls were planned for future activities by the terror group. They aim to provide training and logistics to terrorists before moving them to Turkey. Turkey has repeatedly stated how dangerous these activities in Afrin are. They create caves to resemble natural ones found in Qandil,” said Başbozkurt.

“If it were only a ‘canton,’ if it were a place for Kurdish people to be protected from terror, what’s the need for an underground network? The terror organization has moved all its systems and terror plans underground because it knows fully well that Turkish drones and observation systems today are very advanced. We need to see Afrin as a small replica of Qandil in Syria. These terrorist anti-Turkey activities were supported in broad daylight by the Assad regime, U.S., France.”

“It has always been thought that, for Turkey, Kobani was the most strategic of the three so-called cantons (Afrin- Kobani- Jazire). However, Afrin is even more strategic as evidenced by the Operation Olive Branch. The fortification and preparations carried out were the harbingers of much bigger plans. This gives the impression that all these preparations were done for Hatay,” said Başbozkurt.

Operation Olive Branch was initiated on Jan. 20 in Afrin to establish security and stability, eliminate PKK/KCK/PYD-YPG and Daesh terrorists, and save locals from their oppression and cruelty.

“It is clear that the tunnels and sanctuaries beneath the hills were built to cultivate terrorists. It is thought that these will be used effectively by terrorists as headquarters running from the Mount Amanos all the way along Kahramanmaraş. We see that Afrin is an extension that is similar in structure to Qandil, he continued.

Başbozkurt pointed that advancing under cover from tanks and jets through rural Afrin, which is a rocky forested terrain, is a very difficult task as units are forced to engage in ground combat, noting that, bearing in mind all the conditions, Operation Olive Branch has already achieved a stellar success.

“You’re entering a foreign territory. However, they know these lands very well, preparing and planning extensively. Tunnels and sanctuaries were not build using rock and clay, but concrete and cement,” continued Başbozkurt, referring to terrorist organizations knowledge of the area.

“Rough terrain and fortified positions lead to very difficult advancement. It’s a spectacular success considering the extra care taken to ensure the safety of personnel, that such a result was obtained,’ said Başbozkurt.

“You’re not fighting against an organized army. Their actions are unpredictable. They’re an unorganized group with strong knowledge of the terrain. Running an operation against such an organization is a huge success,” concluded Başbozkurt.

According to the Turkish General Staff, Operation Olive Branch aims to establish security and stability along Turkey’s borders and the region as well as protect Syrian people from cruelty and oppression of terrorists.

The operation is being carried out under the framework of Turkey’s rights based on international law, UN Security Council resolutions, its self-defense rights under the UN charter, and respect for Syria's territorial integrity, the military said.

The military has also said that only terrorist targets are being destroyed and "utmost care" is being shown to avoid harming civilians.

Afrin has been a major hideout for the PYD/PKK terrorists since July 2012 when the Assad regime in Syria left the city to the terror group without a fight.

The PKK is listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the European Union and the United States. The PKK has been conducting armed violence in the southeastern part of Turkey since 1984. More than 40,000 people, mostly civilians, have been killed in the three-decade long conflict.