Ankara, Türkiye—Türkiye will launch a cross-border military offensive into northeastern Syria against the Kurdish YPG militia if the group does not meet Ankara’s demands, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan announced on Tuesday. The warning comes amid heightened tensions following significant political changes in Syria.
Speaking to CNN Türk, Fidan emphasized that Türkiye expects the new Syrian administration to address the presence of the YPG, which Türkiye designates as a terrorist organization linked to the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK). “If our demands are not met, we will do whatever is necessary,” Fidan stated, hinting at a potential military operation.
The YPG, a key component of the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), has been instrumental in the fight against Islamic State militants. However, Türkiye views the YPG as an extension of the PKK, which has waged a decades-long insurgency within Türkiye. Ankara has repeatedly called on its NATO ally, the United States, to cease support for the group.
In light of the recent ousting of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad by rebel forces—some of whom Türkiye has supported—Ankara has outlined specific demands: the disbandment of the YPG, the departure or repatriation of non-Syrian militants and foreign fighters, and the surrender of its leaders.
“We believe the new Syrian leadership must take decisive action against the YPG’s presence,” Fidan remarked, acknowledging that the transition period in Damascus may require time. He added that if Damascus is unable to address the issue promptly, Türkiye is prepared to act unilaterally.
Türkiye has previously conducted multiple incursions into northern Syria targeting the YPG and currently controls significant swathes of territory in the region. The possibility of another offensive raises concerns about further instability in the war-torn country.
The SDF, while having played a crucial role in defeating ISIS, has found itself on the back foot since the fall of Assad’s regime. The group continues to guard former Islamic State fighters detained in prison camps across northeastern Syria.
Fidan noted that the new Syrian administration has proposed taking over the management of these prison camps. However, he indicated that President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has instructed Turkish forces to assume control of the facilities if the new leadership is unable to do so effectively.
“Our priority is the security of our nation and the stability of the region,” Fidan concluded. “We are committed to taking all necessary measures to eliminate threats along our borders.”
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Türkiye says to mount offensive against YPG if demands not met
cgtn.com
