SDF launches operation against spies in northern Syria

SDF launches operation against spies in northern Syria
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As Turkey increases drone attacks on SDF targets, the Kurdish armed group arrested “36 persons involved in espionage activities”

The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), the military wing of the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria announced on Sunday it launched a covert operation against alleged spies working for Turkey, and arrested dozens in the process, SDF Press Center said

SDF conducted the operation in parts of areas under its control including Hasaka, Deir ez-Zor, Raqqa, and Aleppo, and arrested 36 people, the statement said. 

“The Turkish occupying state and its intelligence work extensively to create spy networks and agents and allocated a large budget,” the SDF said, calling the alleged Turkish recruitment of spies and agents within SDF-held territories a method of “undermining the trust of our people and arousing suspicion and skepticism.” 

The operation comes at a time when Turkey threatens with fresh offensive against the region and steps up drone attacks targeting key SDF leaders . 

Last week, the SDF confirmed the death of one of its commanders and two other fighters who were killed by a Turkish drone. General Commander Mazloum Abdi vowed revenge for their deaths while US Central Command offered condolences to their families.