"We took with bewilderment the US attempt to put Turkey on par with a terrorist organization. Turkey's actions are aimed at the fight against terrorism, Turkey strongly condemns statements by Kirby, our strong protest has been brought to the attention of the US authorities," Bilgic told a press briefing.
The Kurds comprise ancient tribal groups, which are currently living in parts of Turkey, Iran, Iraq and Syria. In Turkey, Kurds represent the largest ethnic minority, and are striving to create their own independent state, which is not welcomed by Ankara.
YPG is the military wing of the Syrian Kurdish Democratic Union Party (PYD). Ankara considers the group to be an affiliate of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), which is deemed a terrorist organization by Ankara.