YPG/PKK terrorists seize Arab farmlands for US-backed watchtowers in Syria

The YPG/PKK terrorist organization is seizing land from Arab farmers in the occupied areas of Deir ez-Zur in Syria to build reinforced watchtowers, supported by advanced military technology from the U.S. military.

Stretching approximately 75 miles along the Euphrates River from the Iraq-Syria border, the terror group has constructed dozens of observation towers. These towers are strategically placed to monitor Iran-backed groups stationed to the west of the river and to oversee smuggling operations on both sides of the Euphrates.

The construction project, which spans from the town of Baghuz to the village of Jadid Akidat, has involved the confiscation of land from local farmers. Since the beginning of this year, YPG/PKK terrorists have claimed around 10,763 square feet of farmland from Arab farmers in the region.

Reinforced concrete towers with advanced equipment

The towers, made of reinforced concrete and standing 12 meters high, feature both above-ground and underground operational spaces for the terrorists. Sources have reported that each tower is outfitted with state-of-the-art security systems, including thermal cameras, weapons, signal jamming devices, and anti-personnel and armor-piercing missiles, all provided by the U.S. military.

The YPG/PKK has stationed its so-called “self-defense forces” at the towers, with each tower manned by seven or eight terrorists, taking shifts every two hours. Logistical supplies are delivered to the towers daily, and regular patrols are conducted between them.

A farmer from Baghuz, who spoke on condition of anonymity for security reasons, described how his farmland was seized by the terrorists. He explained that he is now only allowed to access his field during specific hours, with permission from the militants. “We protested, but it was futile,” he said. “I can only access my land between 9.00 a.m. (0600GMT) and 5.00 p.m. (1400GMT).”

He also revealed that homes near the towers have been evacuated and that emergency crossings between the riverbanks have been blocked, cutting off access to relatives on the opposite side. “Some of the villages are on the eastern side, and the rest are on the west. I have relatives on both sides. In emergencies, we used to cross the river. Now we can’t,” he added.

The YPG/PKK continues to expand its watchtower network, with new towers under construction in the Latva Ziban area east of Deir ez-Zur, further solidifying their control over the region.

In its 40-year terror campaign against Türkiye, the PKK — listed as a terrorist organization by Türkiye, the U.S., and the EU — has been responsible for the deaths of over 40,000 people, including women, children, infants, and the elderly. The YPG is the PKK’s Syrian offshoot.