Turkey is prepared to take decisive action to protect its security interests if the new Syrian administration does not address concerns regarding Kurdish groups seen as terrorist threats. Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan emphasized the need for the YPG’s disbandment and indicated any military responses may be warranted. The ongoing political changes following Assad’s fall complicate the situation further.
Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated that Ankara will take all necessary measures to ensure its security if the newly established Syrian administration fails to resolve Turkey’s concerns regarding US-backed Kurdish groups, which Turkey classifies as terrorist organizations. Fidan pointed to the YPG, the leading group in the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), as an extension of the PKK, an outfit that has waged an insurgency against Turkey for four decades.
Escalating tensions have followed the ousting of Bashar al-Assad, culminating in Turkish-backed Syrian forces capturing the city of Manbij from the SDF earlier this month. With Assad’s fall, Kurdish factions find themselves struggling to maintain the political advancements they achieved over the past thirteen years. In a recent interview, Fidan insisted that the new Syrian government should dismantle the YPG for the sake of national unity and territorial integrity.
Fidan remarked, “If it doesn’t happen, we have to protect our own national security.” He emphasized that military action would be considered, stating, “whatever it takes.” Upon inquiries regarding SDF commander Mazloum Abdi’s speculation about negotiating with Ankara, Fidan encouraged the SDF to engage with the new regime in Damascus, as there exists an altered political landscape.
Ankara’s demands for the cessation of American support for the SDF, which played a vital role in combatting IS militants with US assistance, continue. Recently, Fidan expressed discontent with the increased presence of US troops in Syria, suggesting that the fight against IS is being used as a pretext to sustain support for the SDF. He asserted that controlling IS fighters in prisons is the primary objective.
Fidan further acknowledged Turkey’s past collaboration with the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham in shared intelligence against IS and al-Qaeda. He concluded by stating Turkey’s position against any foreign military bases in Syria, including those from Russia, emphasizing that the ultimate decision lies with the Syrian populace.
The ongoing conflict in Syria has generated considerable tension among various factions, notably involving Turkey’s stance towards the Kurdish groups in the region. Turkey perceives these groups, particularly the YPG, as extensions of the PKK, which has fought a long-standing insurgency against the Turkish state. The recent political upheaval following the ousting of Bashar al-Assad has further complicated the scenario, giving rise to concerns about territorial integrity and national security from Turkey’s perspective. This article discusses Turkey’s position and potential military responses to perceived threats from these Kurdish factions amidst changing political dynamics in Syria.
In summary, Turkey is firm on its stance regarding the Kurdish groups in Syria, emphasizing that it will adopt any necessary actions to safeguard its national security. The newly formed Syrian administration is urged to address these concerns, particularly concerning the YPG. The evolving situation necessitates clear communication between the involved parties, as mismanagement could lead to increased hostilities and a deteriorating security environment in the region.
Original Source: www.euractiv.com
