Turkiye threatens military action against Kurdish forces in Syria
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Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan warns that Turkiye has the strength and the ability to destroy any threats to its security.
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Turkiye's Foreign Minister, Hakan Fidan, answers questions from media members during a press conference in Istanbul, Turkey, on January 10, 2025. (AP)
Turkiye's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan confirmed on Friday that "the end of the road is near for separatist organizations and their affiliates in Syria."
He further disclosed that "either Turkiye or the new Syrian administration may launch a military operation against the People's Protection Units," emphasizing that "Turkiye possesses the power, capability, and resolve to eliminate all threats aimed at its security."
Fidan added, "If France wants to combat terrorism, it should imprison its ISIS terrorist detainees in its prisons, not leave them in the prisons of the People's Protection Units, and then express its support for the latter," adding, "Turkiye does not pay attention to countries that hide behind the United States to promote their interests in Syria."
The Foreign Minister revealed that the Gulf Cooperation Council, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the United States, and international organizations are all putting effort into finding permanent solutions in Syria, stressing that "the new Syrian administration will be inclusive of all Syrian components."
Fidan highlighted that "the instability in Syria is leading external parties to intervene and destabilize the region," emphasizing that "Turkiye's position is clear regarding the unity of Syrian territory." On that note, he revealed that "there is cooperation with Qatar and Jordan to deliver aid to Syria as quickly as possible."
Regarding relations with Iran, Fidan explained that Turkiye is committed to maintaining strong ties with the country, despite differences in views with certain factions within Iran. He emphasized Turkiye's willingness to engage constructively, regardless of internal disagreements.
Turkiye warns to increase offensives against YPG
Turkiye warned of a potential cross-border offensive into northeastern Syria if the Kurdish YPG militia does not meet Ankara's demands, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said on Tuesday. He also called on Syria's new leadership to address the issue, emphasizing the importance of resolving the YPG's presence in the region.
Turkiye considers the YPG, a key component of the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), as a terrorist organization linked to the PKK, which has waged an insurgency against the Turkish state for decades. Ankara has repeatedly urged its NATO ally, Washington, to cease support for the group and has conducted multiple military operations against the YPG in northern Syria, securing control over certain areas.
Following the ousting of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad last month by Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham, among other organizations, some of which have Turkish backing, Ankara has issued specific demands: the disbandment of the YPG, the removal or repatriation of its non-Syrian and foreign fighters, and the surrender of its leadership.
