In a recent escalation of tensions, Türkiye has issued a stern warning to the Kurdish YPG militia in northeastern Syria, threatening a cross-border offensive if its demands are not met. Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan emphasized that the YPG must comply with Ankara's conditions or face military action.
Türkiye views the YPG, the leading force within the U.S.-allied Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), as a terrorist group linked to decades-old Kurdish insurgency against the Turkish state. Despite repeated appeals to its NATO ally Washington to cease support for the YPG, Ankara has carried out numerous incursions and maintains control over significant territories in northern Syria.
Following the ousting of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad last month by rebel factions, some backed by Türkiye, Ankara has set forth stringent demands. These include the disbandment of the YPG, the withdrawal or repatriation of its non-Syrian militants and foreign fighters, and the surrender of YPG leaders.
In an interview with CNN Turk, Fidan stated that the new Syrian administration must address the YPG's presence. However, he acknowledged that with a transitional period underway in Damascus, resolving the issue may take time. Should the Syrian leadership fail to act, Fidan confirmed that Türkiye would undertake whatever measures are necessary, including a potential military operation.
The YPG played a pivotal role in defeating Islamic State militants between 2014 and 2017 and continues to manage IS fighters in prison camps. Nonetheless, the group's influence has waned since President Assad's fall. Türkiye has indicated that if the new Syrian authorities cannot assume control of these prison camps, Turkish soldiers may be deployed to take over their management.
Fidan, the first foreign minister to visit Damascus since Assad's removal, revealed that President Tayyip Erdogan has directed Turkish forces to manage the camp prisons if the Syrian leadership is unable to do so.
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Türkiye says to mount offensive against YPG if demands not met
cgtn.com
