Turkey has opposed the potential deployment of French troops along its Syrian border, viewing the SDF as a terrorist group. Officials warned against foreign military presence and reiterated demands for the expulsion of foreign fighters from Syria. French President Macron affirmed support for the SDF, while Turkey urged France to act independently from U.S. influence regarding the conflict in Syria.
Turkey has expressed strong opposition to the potential deployment of French troops along its border with Syria, aimed at establishing a secure zone amidst ongoing tensions with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which Ankara deems a terrorist entity. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan criticized the initiative, highlighting that certain European nations participating in military operations in Syria are promoting their interests at the expense of regional stability. He stated, “We do not engage with countries that try to hide behind America’s power while advancing their own agendas.”
The Turkish government has signaled the possibility of a cross-border operation against the Kurdish YPG militia, affiliated with the SDF, if it fails to comply with Turkish directives. Minister Fidan reiterated demands for the expulsion of foreign fighters associated with the SDF and the PKK, emphasizing that foreign militants must vacate Syrian territory.
Despite the absence of an official French proposal regarding border protection, French President Emmanuel Macron assured that France would maintain support for the SDF amidst the protracted civil war in Syria. Contrarily, Turkish officials have dismissed SDF proposals for the demilitarization of Kobane. Fidan asserted that Turkey would regard France’s opinions on Syria as credible only if they acted autonomously from U.S. support in military endeavors. He urged France to take responsibility for its nationals detained in Syrian camps, stating, “You refuse to take responsibility for your own detainees while supporting the terrorists who hold them in prison. This stance is indefensible.”
France justifies its backing of the SDF by emphasizing its role in dismantling the Islamic State’s presence in Syria and managing IS affiliates in detention.
The ongoing conflict in Syria has intensified negotiations and military strategies among various international players, including Turkey and France. Turkey views the Syrian Democratic Forces, mainly composed of the YPG, as a derivative of the PKK, a listed terrorist organization in Turkey. France’s support for the SDF stems from its contribution to combating the Islamic State, complicating Turkey’s security concerns and its complex relationship with external actors involved in Syria, especially regarding territorial integrity and influences of foreign militaries on Turkish borders. The geopolitical nature of this conflict showcases differing international interests, forcing countries like Turkey to respond firmly against perceived encroachments on their national security.
In summary, Turkey has firmly rejected the idea of French troops on its Syrian border, interpreting it as an infringement on its sovereignty and undermining its security efforts against the SDF. The Turkish leadership has articulated clear expectations for foreign involvement in Syria, emphasizing the need for responsibility concerning detainees and operational independence from U.S. influence. This situation highlights the intricate balance of power and national interests in a war-torn region, where multiple stakeholders vie for influence and stability.
Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net
