No ceasefire talks between Ankara, SDF in northern Syria: MoD official

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
19 Dec 2024 14:06

The US brokered an initial ceasefire between Turkish-backed Syrian factions and the SDF last week following clashes that erupted earlier this month.

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Comrades attend the funeral of five fighters of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) who were killed in Manbij during clashes with Turkish-backed opposition factions earlier this week, in Qamishli in northeastern Syria on December 14, 2024 (AFP)

There is no discussion of a ceasefire agreement between Turkiye and the Kurdish-led US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in northern Syria, contrary to claims made by the United States, a Turkish Defense Ministry official stated on Thursday.

The comment was in response to remarks by State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller, who announced that a ceasefire between Turkey and the SDF near the northern Syrian city of Manbij had been extended until the end of the week.

"As Turkey, it is out of the question for us to have talks with any terrorist organisation. The (U.S.) statement must be a slip of the tongue," the Defense Ministry official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told reporters.

The United States brokered an initial ceasefire between Turkish-backed Syrian factions and the SDF last week following clashes that erupted earlier this month as militants advanced toward Damascus and ousted President Bashar al-Assad.

The SDF is primarily led by the People's Defense Units (YPG), a group that Ankara considers an extension of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), which has waged a decades-long insurgency against the Turkish state.

Turkiye regards the PKK, YPG, and SDF as terrorist organizations. While the US and Turkiye’s Western allies classify the PKK as a terrorist group, they do not apply the same designation to the YPG and SDF.

When asked about the possibility of a new ground operation in northern Syria, the Turkish official noted that the country continues to perceive threats to its borders from the region.

"Our preparations and precautions as part of the fight against terrorism will continue until the PKK/YPG lays down its arms and its foreign fighters leave Syria," the official indicated.

Since 2016, Turkiye has conducted four military operations in northern Syria, under the pretext of national security concerns.

The official also pointed out that Ankara believes that the Turkish-backed so-called "Syrian National Army" will "liberate" areas controlled by the YPG in northern Syria, implying that Turkiye does not currently plan an imminent military operation in the region.

The SDF maintains strong ties with Western nations, including the United States and France. Recently, Paris emphasized that any political transition in Syria must ensure representation for the SDF.