Turkey’s Stance on Kurdish Militias: A Call for Action in Syria
Turkey will take any necessary actions to secure its border if Syria cannot address concerns about US-allied Kurdish militia groups deemed terrorist organizations by Ankara. The YPG, allied with the US, is viewed as a threat due to its connection to the PKK. Tensions have risen following the fall of Assad, with Turkey asserting that the YPG must be disbanded for stability to be achieved.
Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan declared that Turkey is prepared to take all necessary measures to safeguard its security if the new Syrian government fails to address Turkey’s concerns regarding U.S.-backed Kurdish groups, which Ankara classifies as terrorist organizations. The YPG, part of the U.S.-allied Syrian Democratic Forces, is regarded by Turkey as an affiliate of the PKK, an insurgent group involved in a prolonged conflict with the Turkish state for the last 40 years.
Following the recent political upheaval in Syria, Turkey strengthened its military operations, including the recapture of the city of Manbij from the SDF. In an interview with France 24, Minister Fidan emphasized the importance of a resolution that respects Syria’s unity and territorial integrity, insisting that the YPG must be disbanded. He made it clear that if the new Syrian administration does not resolve the issue, Turkey will protect its national security by any means necessary.
Fidan remarked on the current geopolitical realities, advising that the SDF should engage in dialogue with Damascus rather than Ankara. He reiterated Turkey’s position that they will not tolerate any military threats against their nation, whether existing or potential. The conflicts in the region have intensified as Turkey, with its Syrian allies, has conducted cross-border military actions against the YPG while calling on the United States to cease its support for the SDF, which played a pivotal role in combating ISIS from 2014 to 2017. Minister Fidan criticized the presence of U.S. troops in Syria, asserting that it undermines Turkey’s interests and that the ongoing battle against ISIS merely serves as a pretext for supporting the SDF. He also underscored Turkey’s disapproval of foreign military bases, emphasizing that the decision lies with the Syrian populace.
The complex relationship between Turkey and the Kurdish groups in Syria has been central to regional security dynamics for decades. The YPG, the military wing of the Syrian Kurdish Democratic Union Party, has received support from the United States, particularly during the fight against ISIS. However, Turkey perceives the YPG as an extension of the PKK, a designated terrorist organization by Turkey, the U.S., and the EU, due to its long-standing insurgency against the Turkish government. Following the fall of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, the power vacuum has increased tensions, raising concerns about the potential for Kurdish factions to exert more influence over the region. As Turkey’s military operations expand in response, the situation remains a focal point for international relations and security in the Middle East.
In summary, Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has made clear that Ankara will take whatever actions are necessary to ensure its national security if the new Syrian administration does not address Turkey’s concerns regarding the YPG. The evolving geopolitical landscape following Assad’s regime change has intensified military and diplomatic tensions, especially concerning U.S. support for Kurdish groups. Turkey’s stance highlights the broader implications of the Syrian conflict on regional stability, national security, and international alliances.
Original Source: www.euractiv.com
