Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan warns that Turkey will take necessary measures to ensure its security regarding US-backed Kurdish groups if Syria fails to act. He emphasizes the need for disbanding the YPG, linking it to terrorism via the PKK, and expresses concerns over increased US military presence in the region, suggesting Turkey may resort to military options if diplomatic solutions are not provided.
On December 21, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan asserted that Turkey would take decisive measures to ensure its national security if the new Syrian administration fails to resolve Ankara’s concerns regarding US-supported Kurdish groups, particularly the People’s Protection Units (YPG). Turkey perceives the YPG as a terrorist organization aligned with the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), which has engaged in a prolonged insurgency against Turkey for four decades. With escalating tensions following the recent government change in Syria, Fidan emphasized that military action may be necessary if diplomatic efforts do not yield results. He declared that Turkey’s preferred approach would be for Damascus to address the situation while maintaining the country’s territorial integrity. Fidan further insisted on the immediate disbandment of the YPG, and expressed discontent with the increased US military presence in the region, viewing it as a misguided continuation of support for the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). Historical cooperation between Ankara and certain Syrian factions in the fight against terrorism was acknowledged, highlighting Turkey’s complex position in the evolving landscape of the Syrian conflict.
The ongoing Syrian conflict has drawn in various international stakeholders, complicating the political and military landscape in the region. Following Bashar al-Assad’s recent removal from power, Turkish concerns have intensified regarding Kurdish factions in Syria, most notably the YPG, which Turkey links to the PKK, a recognized terrorist organization. Since the rise of the Syrian Democratic Forces, supported by the United States, relations between Turkey and these groups have become increasingly strained. The implications of Turkey’s security strategy in response to these developments pose significant questions about regional stability and the future of Syrian governance.
In summary, Turkey has expressed its readiness to take necessary actions to safeguard its national interests if the Syrian government does not address Ankara’s outlined concerns regarding Kurdish groups. As tensions escalate following administrative changes in Syria, Turkey’s approach underlines its long-standing security focus amidst shifting political realities. The intersection of US support for the SDF and Turkey’s counter-terrorism priorities remains a critical dynamic in the region that could further impact future negotiations and stability efforts.
Original Source: www.euractiv.com
