US: Forced displacement in northern Syria 'unacceptable'

Reports of the Kurdish Democratic Union Party's (PYD) forced displacement and home demolitions in northern Syria, if proved to be true, are "unacceptable”, the U.S. said Tuesday. 

Considering these incidents as "allegations and accusations," Toner stated the U.S. was monitoring the issue to determine the credibility of the claims. 

"We take these allegations quite seriously, and we've made clear to all the actors that such behavior, frankly, is unacceptable and we'll look closely at all these accusations to determine whether there's any veracity to the claims," said Toner. 

"We've been very clear about that for the past five, six months in speaking about the YPG and its actions in northern Syria, as well as the case of Syrian Arabs and other groups and Turkmen who are fighting against ISIL there."

PYD is the Syrian extension of the PKK  - considered a terrorist group by Turkey, the U.S. and Europe. YPG is the armed wing of PYD in Syria. 

While necessary to hold and stabilize territories retaken from Daesh, Toner said it was "essential" to protect local populations and properties, and to promote human rights in those areas.  

Toner's statement came after Amnesty International released a fact-finding report that found that thousands of civilians were displaced in 14 towns and villages in northern Syria and their houses burnt by the PYD.

The rights group concluded that the PYD’s actions amounted to "war crimes". 

The U.S. distinguishes between the PYD and PKK and considers the PYD a reliable partner on the ground in the fight against Daesh. It provided ammunitions to the group last year while rebels fought to liberate Kobani from Daesh militants.