Erdogan blames “supporters” of YPG militias for attack BAG reports: 20,779 new corona cases ++ In hospital: 293 ++ 15 new deaths

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has accused “supporters” of the Syrian Kurdish militia YPG of complicity in the attack in Istanbul. “Anyone who supports the terrorist organization under the pretext of fighting IS (Islamic State) is also taking part in the bloodshed in the latest terrorist attack in Istanbul,” Erdogan said at the G20 summit in Bali on Wednesday, according to the Turkish media. communications directorate.

Turkey blames the YPG and the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) for Sunday’s attack that killed six. He did not say who exactly Erdogan meant by supporters. However, Turkey has repeatedly criticized the US for supporting the YPG.

Washington sees the militia in Syria’s civil war as a partner in the fight against the Islamic State (IS) terror militia, while Ankara sees it as an offshoot of the PKK. Turkey regularly takes military action against both.

Ankara is also currently blocking NATO’s northern expansion with Sweden and Finland, partly because of their alleged support for the YPG. Sincere support is expected from all “friends and allies” in the fight against “terror,” Erdogan said, according to the statement.

Six people were killed and more than 80 injured on the busy shopping street of Istiklal in Istanbul on Sunday. A main suspect from Syria has been arrested, according to Turkish police. She said she received her “order” from the YPG. The investigation has not yet been completed. The YPG and PKK have denied any involvement in the attack. The official account is also being critically discussed in sections of the Turkish public. (aeg/sda/dpa)