Russia slams US for arming YPG in Syria

ANKARA

The Russian Defense Ministry has said the U.S. is fueling the crisis in northern Syria by “supplying uncontrolled weapons” to the People’s Protection Units (YPG).

“The Pentagon’s uncontrolled deliveries of modern weaponry to the pro-U.S. militants in the north of Syria, according to our information, has contributed to the rapid escalation of tensions that has prompted the Turkish special operation,” the ministry said on Jan. 20.

On Jan. 21, the Russian Presidency’s Special Envoy for Syria, Alexandr Lavrentyev, spoke to Russia’s RIA Novosti, commenting on the U.S. presence in Syria.

“Our stance is clear. U.S. military forces cannot stay on a sovereign country’s land upon the administration’s objection,” Lavrentyev said.

He also called on the U.S. to attend the Sochi meeting that is planned to be held on Jan. 29-30 as an “observer,” the agency reported on Jan. 21.

The U.S., on the other hand, said the U.S.-led coalition against ISIL was not involved in any operation in Syria’s Afrin, calling on parties to avoid escalating tensions.