Turkey’s Stance on Syrian Administration and Kurdish Militias

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated that Turkey will take necessary actions to secure its safety if the new Syrian administration does not resolve concerns regarding US-allied Kurdish groups, specifically the YPG, which Turkey deems a terrorist organization linked to the PKK. The recent toppling of Assad has intensified these issues and raised tensions in the region.

On December 21, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan asserted that Turkey will take necessary actions to safeguard its national security if the new Syrian administration fails to address Turkey’s concerns regarding US-allied Kurdish groups, which Ankara considers terrorist entities. The YPG, a key component of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), is viewed by Turkey as an affiliate of the PKK, a group involved in a long-standing insurgency against the Turkish state.

Following the recent overthrow of Bashar al-Assad, tensions have risen, particularly after Turkey, along with allied Syrian factions, seized control of Manbij. Fidan has expressed Ankara’s preference for the new Syrian regime to dismantle the YPG and address security concerns in accordance with Syria’s territorial integrity. In his remarks, he emphasized that Turkey would resort to “whatever it takes” to ensure its safety if diplomatic solutions are not pursued.

Regarding the SDF, Fidan indicated that the group should negotiate with Damascus rather than seeking discussions with Turkey, highlighting that the current situation in Syria presents a new reality that must be acknowledged. Turkey has consistently demanded that the United States cease its support for the SDF, which played a significant role in combating ISIS, as Ankara perceives this support as a threat to its national security.

Additionally, Fidan criticized the increased deployment of US troops in Syria, characterizing this move as misguided and as a pretext for ongoing support for the SDF. He underscored that monitoring ISIS prisoners remains the foremost task in the fight against terrorism. Turkey, having previously collaborated with the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, does not favor the presence of foreign military bases in Syria but respects the choice of the Syrian populace in this matter.

Turkey’s concerns regarding Kurdish groups in Syria and their affiliations stem from decades of conflict with the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK). The PKK is recognized as a terrorist organization by Turkey and many Western nations, having waged an insurgency against the Turkish government for 40 years. The Syrian Democratic Forces, which include the YPG, gained prominence in the fight against ISIS but face significant scrutiny from Ankara due to their perceived ties to the PKK. The recent geopolitical shifts following Assad’s downfall have further complicated the dynamics between Turkey, the Syrian administration, and the Kurdish factions, emphasizing Turkey’s resolve to secure its borders and address security threats emanating from northern Syria.

In summary, Turkey remains firmly committed to addressing its security concerns in the wake of changing political landscapes in Syria. The insistence by Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on decisive action underscores Turkey’s position regarding the YPG and its affiliation with the PKK. As diplomatic avenues are explored, the Turkish government maintains that it is prepared to take all necessary measures to protect its national interests, highlighting the delicate balance of power in the region following Assad’s ousting.

Original Source: www.euractiv.com