Turkey’s President Erdogan expects allies to withdraw support for Kurdish fighters in Syria post-Assad. He views the YPG as a terrorist group, linked to the PKK. Discussions by German officials on Kurdish security are juxtaposed with U.S. efforts for a managed transition for the SDF as tensions escalate. Erdogan envisions a peaceful Syria devoid of extremist threats.
President Tayyip Erdogan has stated that Turkey anticipates its allies will withdraw support for Kurdish forces in Syria following the ousting of Bashar al-Assad. This reflects Ankara’s intent to further isolate the Kurdish fighters, particularly the YPG, who have collaborated with U.S. troops for years. Erdogan remarked that there is no longer justification for external backing of the YPG, a group Turkey equates with terrorism due to its connections to the PKK, labeled as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the U.S., and the EU.
In a conversation after a summit in Egypt, Erdogan asserted a future without foreign cooperation for militant groups like the YPG and Islamic State. He stated, “In the upcoming period, we do not believe that any power will continue to collaborate with terrorist organisations. The heads of terrorist organisations such as Islamic State and PKK-YPG will be crushed in the shortest possible time.”
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock emphasized the need for Kurdish forces to disarm and merge into Syria’s national security apparatus after discussions with her Turkish counterpart. She acknowledged the importance of Kurdish security while also stressing Turkey’s security concerns to maintain stability within Syria.
U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Barbara Leaf addressed the evolving situation in Syria, noting Washington’s initiative to facilitate a “managed transition” concerning the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). She remarked, “The conditions which led Kurds in northeast Syria to organise themselves and to defend themselves… have really changed in a very dramatic fashion.”
Currently, approximately 2,000 U.S. troops remain in Syria supporting the SDF, which played a critical role in defeating Islamic State militants. Despite this support, Ankara has conducted cross-border operations against the SDF and demands the U.S. cease assistance to these forces. Following Assad’s recent fall, Turkey has increased military action, including the capture of Manbij from the SDF.
Erdogan envisions a Syria where diverse ethnic and religious groups coexist peacefully, emphasizing the elimination of organizations threatening this harmony, specifically the Islamic State and the PKK. He expressed confidence that the PKK and its affiliates are nearing their end.
SDF commander Mazloum Abdi acknowledged potential cooperation by foreign Kurdish fighters but indicated they would depart if a truce with Turkey is reached—a longstanding demand from Ankara. However, a Turkish Defence Ministry official stated that discussions of a ceasefire are unfounded, reiterating Turkey’s commitment to counter-terrorism until the YPG disarms and foreign fighters exit Syria.
In summary, Turkey’s President Erdogan is advocating for an end to foreign support for Kurdish fighters in Syria following Assad’s removal. With emphasis on a future without militant collaborations, he draws parallels between the YPG and terrorist groups, while U.S. officials indicate adjustments in support for the Kurdish-led forces. The geopolitical landscape in Syria continues to shift as tensions rise between Turkey, Kurdish factions, and the ongoing presence of U.S. troops.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
