PKK/YPG terror group tunnel discovered under Syrian school in Manbij district

A tunnel dug by the PKK/YPG terror group was discovered beneath a school in Syria‘s Manbij, recently liberated by opposition forces from the Syrian National Army (SNA) during Operation Dawn of Freedom.

SNA forces, who cleared the district of terrorism, continue search and clearance operations in the area.

The 1-kilometer-long tunnel was found beneath Buhtari school, which had been used as a military headquarters by the terrorists. Investigators also found remnants of items left behind by the group.

Musab Omer, an SNA soldier involved in the search, told Turkish state-run news agency Anadolu that explosives were found inside the tunnel. He noted that it was located directly beneath the school.

“The terrorist organization, which restricts people’s freedom, tries to carry out its activities by using schools, hospitals, and civilians as shields,” Omer said.

Operation Dawn of Freedom continues in Syria

Launched on Dec. 1, Operation Dawn of Freedom has already succeeded in liberating the center of Tel Rifaat from the PKK/YPG.

With the liberation of Manbij, a region once considered the largest terrorist stronghold west of the Euphrates River, the area has been cleared of the PKK/YPG.

Terrorists using civilian areas for military activity

The PKK/YPG terror group has a history of digging tunnels in occupied areas of Syria, particularly near the border, for hiding, infiltration, and surprise attacks. These tunnels also serve as transport routes and hideouts between regions.

The group has previously dug tunnels and trenches in Afrin, Tel Rifaat, Ayn al-Arab, Tel Abyad, Ras al-Ayn, Sirrin, Qamishli, Hasakah, and Malikiya.

Terrorists often use civilians as human shields and have dug tunnels leading to homes, schools, hospitals, and places of worship in the regions they occupy.

Bashar Assad, Syria’s regime leader for 24 years, fled to Russia on Sunday after opposition groups took control of Damascus, ending the rule of the Baath Party, which had been in power since 1963.

Türkiye’s fight with PKK/YPG terror group

Türkiye has long taken measures to counter the activities of terror groups in northern Syria, especially near the Turkish border, including Daesh and the PKK/YPG terror group.

The PKK — listed as a terror organization by Türkiye, the U.S., and the EU — has waged a 40-year campaign against Türkiye, responsible for over 40,000 deaths, including women, children, and the elderly.

The YPG, the PKK’s offshoot in Syria, has sought to establish a terror corridor along the Turkish border, posing a direct threat to Türkiye.

In recent years, Türkiye has deployed troops and worked with local allies, such as the Syrian National Army, to eliminate these threats and protect civilians from terrorist oppression.