Russian and Syrian flags, erected in areas controlled by the Syrian offshoot of the PKK, the PYD, opposite to Turkey’s south central city of Kilis, which lies on the border with Syria, have been in place for close to two months.
Armed guards remain on duty near the Russian and Syrian flags, positioned near the Turkish border towns of Akçabağlar and Demirışık, across from Syria’s city Afrin tied to the Aleppo governorate.
A vehicle equipped with a radar device is also positioned near the armed guards. The flags were put up on May 11 by the terrorist organization.
The check point established by the PYD terrorist organization and the flags hanging around it are visible from Turkey’s border cities.
Security measures on the Turkey-Syria border have been increased. Howitzers have been sent to the military troops on the Syrian border, and work on a security wall on the border is continuing.
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.