Russia is arming PKK terrorists, Erdogan says

Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan addresses a rally marking the 563rd anniversary of the Ottoman conquest of Istanbul – formerly Constantinople – in Istanbul, Turkey, Sunday, May 29, 2016. Erdogan has criticized the United States, Russia, and Iran for their presence in Syria and said their unwillingness to depose Syrian President Bashar Assad was contributing to Syrian peoples’ massacre and pain.(AP Photo/Emrah Gurel)

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan accused Russia of providing anti-aircraft weaponry and rockets to militants of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), government officials said on Monday, Reuters reports.

He spoke to journalists after a visit to the Turkey’s southeastern province of Diyarbakir, Erdogan accused Russia of arming the PKK terrorist organization via Iraq and Syria.

He said “At this moment, terrorists are using anti-aircraft guns and missiles supplied by Russia. The separatist terrorist organization is equipped with these weapons. They have been transferred to them via Syria and Iraq.”

Turkish government officials confirmed comments of Erdogan, but Russian side said Turkey should show proof for that claims.