PKK abandons old equipment, YPG increases its effectiveness in Syria with modern weapons

The PKK destroyed its old Soviet and Chinese-made weapons at a ceremony held in Sulaymaniyah today. During the ceremony, Yugoslav-era AKM rifles, 1950s Chinese-made Type-56 Kalashnikov models, PKM light machine guns produced by the Soviets during the Cold War, and RPG-7 rocket launchers were burned in a large vat along with tactical vests.

However, developments in Syria immediately following the ceremony drew attention.

The YPG was filmed conducting exercises on US-supplied armored Humvee vehicles, equipped with state-of-the-art M4A1 infantry rifles, body armor, and night vision systems. It was stated that the YPG continues its operations against ISIS with this modern military equipment.

Despite the PKK's decision to lay down arms in Turkey, the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), under which the YPG operates, continues its presence in the region as one of the US's "most important allies." US officials continue to underscore this cooperation regarding the matter.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE YPG'S WEAPON INVENTORY

The arsenal of the YPG and the affiliated SDF is not limited to infantry rifles. It is known that the organization possesses various weapon systems, ranging from kamikaze unmanned aerial vehicles to heavy machine guns integrated into armored platforms. US-made M1 Browning machine guns are frequently seen mounted on Humvee armored vehicles. Additionally, vehicles equipped with various rocket launcher systems are present in the region.

The variety of weapons and equipment in the YPG's possession is also revealed through images released from time to time. In particular, attacks carried out with small UAVs and exercises conducted with heavy machine guns point to the scale of the military power in the region.

130 MILLION DOLLAR US FUND

The YPG and SDF are strengthening not only with weapons but also with funding support. In the new budget announced by the Pentagon this week, it was stated that a total of 130 million dollars in resources would be provided to certain groups in Syria, including the SDF. It is noted that this fund will be used for the training, equipping, and housing needs of the groups in question.

It is stated that the tanks, artillery, and helicopters in the YPG's possession are kept more covertly. Modern weapons and military equipment that the PKK could not acquire for decades have been rapidly incorporated into the organization's inventory alongside the structure in Syria.

It is observed that the balance of power in the region continues to shift with the YPG's military capacity and the support it receives from the US.

News Source: 12punto