Turkey’s President Erdogan asserts that allies should cease support for Kurdish groups post-Assad. He argues that the YPG is connected to terrorism and should be disarmed. The U.S. and Germany also call for a restructured security framework, while Turkey emphasizes ongoing counter-terrorism actions until its demands are met.
Turkey anticipates that allied nations will cease their support for Kurdish forces in Syria, particularly the YPG, once Bashar al-Assad is removed from power. President Tayyip Erdogan expressed this expectation, emphasizing Ankara’s desire to isolate Kurdish groups who have traditionally collaborated with U.S. military efforts. Following these remarks, Germany’s Foreign Minister advocated for the disarmament and integration of Kurdish fighters into Syria’s national security framework.
While speaking to reporters, Erdogan argued that foreign backing for the YPG no longer warranted justification. He equated the YPG, which has been significantly supported by the United States in the fight against the Islamic State, with terrorist organizations. He stated that no entities should partner with groups he considers terrorists, asserting that the PKK and YPG’s influence must be eradicated.
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock reinforced the importance of Kurdish security for a stable Syria but highlighted that Turkey’s security concerns must also be met. She insisted that Kurdish groups need disarmament and must be folded into Syria’s national security infrastructure. The U.S. is also engaging in dialogue regarding the transition of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) to a new role in the region after conflicts have escalated since Assad’s recent downfall.
Currently, approximately 2,000 U.S. troops are stationed in Syria, collaborating with Kurdish-led forces to manage the aftermath of Islamic State’s defeat. Turkey has conducted multiple operations against the SDF in northern Syria and is insisting that its NATO ally halt support for these fighters. In light of ongoing tensions, Erdogan reaffirmed Turkey’s commitment to building a Syria where diverse ethnic and religious groups can coexist peacefully.
SDF commander Mazloum Abdi mentioned that Kurdish fighters from abroad would withdraw if a ceasefire were achieved, reflecting a potential shift in dynamics. Meanwhile, the Turkish Defense Ministry indicated an intent to sustain counter-terrorism efforts until the disarmament of the YPG and the expulsion of foreign fighters from Syria are confirmed.
The article outlines Turkey’s expectation that allied nations withdraw support for Kurdish forces in Syria following Assad’s ousting, highlighting President Erdogan’s assertion that the YPG, linked to terrorism, should receive no external backing. The demands for disarmament and integration of Kurdish forces into a cohesive national security structure were echoed by Germany and the U.S. The complexities of U.S. military involvement and regional stability are stressed, along with Turkey’s persistence in counter-terrorism actions until its objectives are fulfilled, encompassing peace for diverse groups within Syria.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
