Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan warns of military action against the PKK-linked YPG group if they do not comply with Ankara’s demands.
Turkey has issued a warning regarding the potential initiation of a military operation against Kurdish forces in Syria unless they comply with Ankara’s stipulations for a “bloodless” transition following the recent ousting of Bashar al-Assad.
In an interview with CNN Turk late Tuesday, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated that “we will take necessary actions” if the People’s Protection Units (YPG) do not adhere to Turkey’s demands. Turkey aims to position itself as a significant influence as stability returns to its southern neighbor. Fidan indicated that a “military operation” could be imminent, although he noted that the newly established Syrian leadership, which has received Turkey’s endorsement, possesses the capability to confront the YPG independently.
The recent removal of al-Assad by opposition forces has heightened the possibility of Turkey directly intervening against Kurdish factions in Syria, which Ankara accuses of having ties to the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK).
The PKK has engaged in a prolonged conflict with the Turkish government for several decades. Turkey, along with the United States and the European Union, has consistently classified it as a “terrorist organization.” This conflict has resulted in the deaths of over 40,000 individuals. The presence of the YPG in Syria is pivotal to Turkey’s security strategy, as it views both groups as inherently connected and aligned with similar ethno-nationalist separatist objectives.
Fidan further remarked to CNN Turk, “All international fighters who have come from Turkey, Iran, and Iraq must exit Syria immediately. We currently observe neither preparations nor intentions in this regard, and we are awaiting developments.”
Simultaneously, Turkish-backed factions in northern Syria have resumed hostilities with Kurdish forces, coinciding with the rebels’ offensive that commenced on November 27 and culminated in al-Assad’s ousting just 11 days later.
“Give it some time,” said Ahmed al-Sharaa, the new interim leader of Syria.
The newly appointed interim leader of Syria, Ahmed al-Sharaa, whose group, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, has maintained longstanding connections with Turkiye, stated in an interview with Al Arabiya TV on Sunday that the forces led by the Kurdish should be incorporated into the national army.
Fidan, who met with al-Sharaa in Damascus last month, expressed that Ankara anticipates the new leadership to tackle the YPG issue, while also indicating a willingness to allow time for ongoing discussions between Damascus and the YPG.
“It is imperative that foreign terrorist fighters exit Syria, and the leadership of the PKK must also depart. The remaining personnel should disarm and integrate into the new system to ensure a peaceful and seamless transition,” he remarked.
When questioned about Turkiye’s potential intervention in Syria despite U.S. backing for the YPG, Fidan responded, “We have previously acted in Afrin, Ras al-Ain, and Tal Abyad,” referencing areas in northern Syria that have been targets for Turkiye. He affirmed that Turkiye would not hesitate to take similar actions again, stating, “This is essential for our national security. We have no alternative.”