Turkey Affirms Commitment to National Security Amid Kurdish Threats in Syria

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan asserted that Turkey will take any necessary actions to secure its borders if Syria’s new government fails to address Ankara’s concerns regarding US-backed Kurdish groups, labeled as terrorist organizations by Turkey. With recent political changes in Syria following Assad’s fall, Turkey urges the resolution of these security issues amidst ongoing hostilities in the region, emphasizing the importance of cooperation rather than military confrontation.

On December 21, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan asserted that Turkey would take all necessary measures to safeguard its national security if the Syrian government fails to address Ankara’s concerns regarding US-allied Kurdish factions, which Turkey designates as terrorist organizations. He specifically referenced the YPG, which leads the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), as being linked to the PKK, a group that has long engaged in insurgency against Turkey and is classified as a terrorist entity by several nations, including the United States and the European Union.

The situation has intensified following the recent political upheaval in Syria, characterized by the fall of President Bashar al-Assad earlier in December. This shake-up has placed Kurdish groups, which have gained political leverage over the past thirteen years, in a precarious position as they seek to maintain their influence. Fidan emphasized that Turkey’s preferred course of action would involve the new Syrian administration proactively resolving these tensions with a focus on Syria’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, suggesting that the YPG should be disbanded immediately.

Should a resolution not be forthcoming, Fidan indicated a willingness for Turkey to act militarily, stating, “whatever it takes.” In response to inquiries about a potential negotiation between the SDF and Turkey, he urged the Kurdish groups to engage the new Syrian government instead, highlighting the need for cooperation in light of the changing political landscape. Fidan reiterated Turkey’s fundamental desire to not face any military threats from the YPG/PKK, both current and prospective.

Turkey has conducted cross-border operations against the YPG-led SDF, calling for its NATO ally, the United States, to cease its support for these forces. While the SDF has played a crucial role in combating ISIS, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has expressed concerns regarding the re-emergence of ISIS as a threat. Fidan criticized the increase of US troop presence in Syria, claiming that the fight against ISIS has primarily been focused on holding captured ISIS fighters in prison without addressing the broader regional dynamics.

Turkey’s longstanding conflict with Kurdish groups, especially the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), has historically influenced its foreign policy in the region. The PKK has engaged in an armed struggle against the Turkish state since the 1980s, with Ankara and many international observers labeling it a terrorist organization. The emergence of the Syrian Democratic Forces, primarily composed of the YPG, as a crucial player against ISIS raised tensions, leading to anxiety in Turkey over potential threats to its national security. The recent political developments in Syria, including the fall of Bashar al-Assad, have further complicated the relationship between Turkey and autonomous Kurdish factions.

In summary, Turkey is prepared to utilize military force if necessary to counter perceived threats from Kurdish militia groups in Syria. The Turkish government emphasizes the need for the new Syrian administration to address these issues in a manner that respects Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. As tensions escalate, Turkey remains committed to protecting its national security interests without hesitation, underscoring a critical moment in the ongoing dynamics of the region.

Original Source: www.euractiv.com