Erdogan Expects Allies to Withdraw Support from Kurdish Forces in Syria
President Erdogan of Turkey expects foreign allies to cease support for Kurdish fighters in Syria after Assad’s ousting, stressing the need to eliminate groups like the YPG and Islamic State for a stable Syria. High-level discussions also highlight disarmament and integration of Kurdish forces into national security frameworks.
Turkey’s President Tayyip Erdogan stated that he anticipates foreign nations to withdraw their support from Kurdish forces in Syria following the fall of Bashar al-Assad. Erdogan’s remarks emphasize Ankara’s efforts to isolate Kurdish groups, particularly the YPG, which has collaborated with U.S. troops. He highlighted that there is no justification for external backing of these forces moving forward, as detailed in a statement released by his office.
The Kurdish YPG, recognized as the principal faction in the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), is viewed by Turkey as a terrorist extension of the PKK. Erdogan asserted that both the YPG and Islamic State have no future within Syria. He expressed confidence that no powers would continue aiding terrorist organizations in the region, vowing to dismantle these groups swiftly.
In response to these developments, Germany’s Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock insisted that while Kurdish safety is vital for a free Syria, Turkey’s security concerns must also be prioritized for stability. Her comments highlighted the need for Kurdish forces to disarm and integrate into Syria’s national security framework.
U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Barbara Leaf confirmed the U.S. is advocating for a “managed transition” for the SDF in northern Syria. She noted that the conditions compelling the Kurds to organize and defend themselves have undergone significant change, prompting a reevaluation of their role.
Currently, the U.S. maintains approximately 2,000 troops in Syria supporting the SDF, which effectively defeated the Islamic State militants with the aid of U.S. air strikes between 2014 and 2017. However, Ankara has executed multiple operations against the YPG-led SDF, calling for Washington to cease its support.
Tensions have intensified following Assad’s recent overthrow, with Turkish-backed forces capturing Manbij from the SDF on December 9, an incident prompting the U.S. to negotiate a ceasefire. Erdogan expressed a vision for a new Syria where diverse ethnic and religious groups coexist peacefully, declaring that entities threatening Syria’s stability, such as the PKK, must be eliminated.
Mazloum Abdi, the SDF commander, indicated that Kurdish fighters from abroad would withdraw under a potential truce with Turkey, acknowledging that these fighters included PKK members. However, a Turkish Defense Ministry official clarified that the military will continue operations against the SDF until its armed forces and foreign fighters cease operations in Syria.
In summary, Turkey’s leadership clearly articulates expectations for allied nations to withdraw support from Kurdish fighters in Syria following the fall of Assad. With increasing tensions and a focus on addressing Turkey’s security concerns, discussions involve potential disarmament and integration of Kurdish groups. The dynamics in northern Syria are rapidly evolving, and future cooperation and responses from foreign allies will be pivotal in shaping the region’s stability.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
