Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan declared that Turkey is prepared to undertake any necessary measures to secure its borders against Kurdish militant groups if the new Syrian regime does not address Ankara’s security concerns. This pronouncement follows escalating tensions after the ousting of Bashar al-Assad, with Turkey capturing strategic locations from the Kurdish-led SDF. Fidan also criticized US military presence in Syria, insisting that the fight against ISIS must prioritize the containment of its prisoners.
In a recent statement, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan emphasized that Turkey would take whatever actions are necessary to ensure its security if the new Syrian administration fails to resolve Turkey’s concerns regarding US-supported Kurdish groups, which it categorizes as terrorist organizations. The YPG, a key faction within the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), is viewed as an extension of the PKK, which has engaged in a decades-long insurgency against the Turkish state.
Following the hastened change in the Syrian government, hostilities have intensified, particularly with Turkey and its allied forces capturing the city of Manbij from the SDF. The Kurdish factions now face challenges regarding their political foothold established over the last thirteen years. Fidan suggested that Turkey prefers the new Syrian leadership to address the situation in line with Syria’s territorial integrity and unity, including the immediate disbandment of the YPG.
Fidan indicated that should the Syrian government not respond adequately, Turkey may resort to preventive measures to protect its national security. He reiterated that any military threat toward Turkey would not be tolerated. The Foreign Minister appeared skeptical about recent upticks in US military presence in Syria, highlighting that the United States’ battle against the Islamic State is merely a pretext for support of the SDF. He stressed the importance of keeping ISIS prisoners contained, asserting that this is the primary objective in the ongoing struggle against the extremist group.
The article addresses Turkey’s assertions regarding its border security and the perceived threat from the YPG and SDF, factions that receive support from the United States. Historically, the PKK has engaged in an insurgency against the Turkish government since the 1980s, and the YPG’s connection to this group exacerbates Turkey’s concerns. The dynamics following the recent changes in the Syrian government have heightened tensions, necessitating discussions on national security and military responses from Ankara. The implications of foreign involvement, particularly from the US and Russia, further complicate the situation in Syria.
In summary, Turkey remains vigilant and prepared to respond decisively to any threats posed by Kurdish groups in Syria, particularly the YPG, which it links to terrorism through the PKK. Turkish officials advocate for Syrian governmental action to address these security concerns to avoid unilateral military interventions. Additionally, the US role in supporting the SDF continues to be a contentious issue, which may further complicate regional stability and relations among allied nations.
Original Source: www.euractiv.com
