Turkey reinforces military units on Syrian border

KİLİS

Turkey has once again increased its military presence along its southern border against threats from the Peoples’ Democratic Party (YPG) in war-torn northern Syria.

Ten trucks loaded with tanks and howitzers were sent to the southern border province of Kilis to reinforce units there early on Aug. 26. 

Strict security measures were taken during the passage of the trucks that carried six howitzers and four armored personnel carriers. 

Kilis lies across YPG-controlled Syrian region of Afrin. 

Turkey has been vehemently opposed to the presence of YPG in northern Syria. The country considers YPG a terror group linked to the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK). 

While Ankara regards the YPG a terrorist organization, Washington considers it as the main fighting force on the ground in Syria against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) and has been sending military equipment to the group.