Turkey has issued a warning regarding a potential military operation against Kurdish forces in Syria unless they comply with Ankara’s terms for a “bloodless” transition following the recent ousting of Bashar al-Assad.
In an interview with CNN Turk late Tuesday, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated that “we will take necessary actions” if the People’s Protection Units (YPG) do not adhere to Ankara’s requirements. Turkey aims to position itself as a significant influence as stability returns to its southern neighbor.
Fidan indicated that a “military operation” could be imminent, although he noted that the new Syrian leadership, which has received Turkey’s backing, possesses the capability to confront the YPG independently.
The recent removal of al-Assad by opposition forces has heightened the possibility of Turkey directly engaging with Kurdish factions in Syria, which Ankara accuses of having ties to the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK).
The PKK has been in conflict with the Turkish government for many years, and Turkey, along with the United States and the European Union, has designated it as a “terrorist organization.” The ongoing conflict has resulted in the deaths of over 40,000 individuals.
The role of the YPG in Syria is pivotal to Turkey’s security framework, as it perceives a fundamental connection between the YPG and other groups that share similar ethno-nationalist separatist goals.
“International fighters from Turkey, Iran, and Iraq must exit Syria without delay. Currently, we observe no signs of preparation or intention for this, and we are awaiting action,” Fidan stated in an interview with CNN Turk.
As Turkish-backed factions in northern Syria reignited their conflict with Kurdish forces, the rebels initiated an offensive on November 27, which resulted in the ousting of al-Assad just 11 days later.
“Allow some time for this process.”
The newly appointed interim Syrian leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, whose Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group has maintained longstanding connections with Turkey, expressed to Al Arabiya TV on Sunday that Kurdish-led forces should be incorporated into the national army.
Fidan, who met with al-Sharaa in Damascus last month, indicated that Ankara anticipates the new leadership to tackle the YPG situation, while also expressing a willingness to “allow some time” for ongoing discussions between Damascus and the YPG.
“International terrorist fighters must depart from Syria, and the PKK leadership should leave the country. Remaining members need to disarm and integrate into the new system to ensure a peaceful and seamless transition.”
When questioned about Turkey’s potential intervention in Syria despite U.S. backing for the YPG, Fidan responded, “We have previously acted in Afrin, Ras al-Ain, and Tal Abyad,” referencing areas in northern Syria that Turkey has targeted.
He stated that Turkiye would not hesitate to take similar action in the future. “This is essential for our national security. We have no alternative.”
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