Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan issued a strong warning to Syrian Kurdish militants, demanding their disarmament. He accuses them of threatening Turkey’s national security.
In a speech to Turkish lawmakers, President Erdogan threatened to eliminate Kurdish militants in Syria if they don’t disarm. This direct threat was specifically aimed at the People’s Protection Units (YPG) operating near the Syrian-Turkish border.
Erdogan vowed to completely destroy what he called a terrorist organization attempting to create conflict between Turkey and its Kurdish citizens. He stated that the militants must disarm or face annihilation on Syrian soil.
Erdogan has repeatedly labeled the YPG a significant security risk, vowing to prevent the creation of what he terms a “terror corridor” along Turkey’s southern border. He criticized the United States for its support of the YPG, a group Turkey considers an extension of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), both designated as terrorist organizations by Ankara.
President Erdogan has urged the U.S., a NATO ally, to reconsider its support for the YPG, demanding that its partners choose between supporting Turkey or the Kurdish militants.
The U.S. justifies its support for the YPG by citing the group’s role in the fight against ISIS, emphasizing the YPG’s contribution to the defeat of ISIS in Syria. Syrian Kurds seek greater autonomy, and YPG leadership maintains its goals differ from the PKK’s insurgency in Turkey.
The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), primarily composed of the YPG, have called for a nationwide ceasefire in Syria following the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s government. They are demanding an end to Turkish attacks and what they consider to be Turkey’s occupation of northern Syria, asserting that Syrians should determine their own future without foreign interference.
Turkey has recently worked to improve relations with the Syrian government. A joint military operation against Kurdish groups is reportedly under consideration to address shared security concerns.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan’s recent visit to Damascus included a call for the lifting of international sanctions on Syria. This diplomatic outreach, along with Erdogan’s planned visit, represents a significant shift in Turkey’s approach to Syria. Erdogan has stressed the need for collaboration with the Syrian government to ensure regional security and stability.