Syrians speak out about PKK/PYD 'cruelty'

GAZIANTEP/ALEPPO

A group of Syrians, who said they were forced to join PKK/PYD, fled the terrorist group and sought refuge in the Free Syrian Army (FSA).

The Syrian group told Anadolu Agency on Thursday that they had to leave their villages near Kobani town, controlled by PYD, the Syrian wing of the PKK terrorist group, which they reportedly were forced to join under the name of "compulsory military service" after receiving threats.

The Syrians, who wished to be unnamed for the safety of their family who live in PKK/PYD controlled areas, spoke about that they called "the cruelty of the terrorist organizations".

One of the Syrians said that the terrorist organizations forces at least one member of each family to fight and that it did not give the right to life to people who disobeyed the group.

The Syrian said the leaders of the terrorist organizations took them to an unknown location four days ago and said 'we will fight against Daesh in Al-Bab’.

"They put us in a completely dark place. We stayed there 1-2 days. Then they took us on a hill and said 'Al-Bab is right across,'" the Syrian said.

"When the sun was rising we saw the flag belonging to FSA. We decided to run away after we realized the truth," the Syrian said.

Another Syrian spoke about the PKK/PYD's persecution of people in the region.

The Syrian said the PKK/PYD told people: "Either you join us or you can not live here."

"They have animosity, especially against Arabs. Most of our village was Arab. They seized our all assets. They turn the young people into soldiers under the name of 'compulsory military service,'" the Syrian added.

Another Syrian said PKK/PYD members interfered with freedom of religion and treated pious Muslims who practice their religion "badly".