Erdogan Warns YPG Fighters Amid Shifting Dynamics in Syria

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has issued a stark warning to Kurdish fighters in Syria, asserting that they must lay down their arms or face defeat. His remarks come in the wake of significant changes in Syria’s political landscape following the recent ouster of President Bashar al-Assad.

Erdogan addressed his ruling AK Party in parliament, emphasizing Turkiye’s firm stance against the YPG militia. “The separatist murderers will either bid farewell to their weapons, or they will be buried in Syrian lands along with their weapons,” he declared. He further reiterated Turkiye’s determination to dismantle what he described as a “terrorist organisation” threatening regional stability.

Ankara perceives the YPG as an extension of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), a group that has engaged in a decades-long insurgency against the Turkish state. The PKK is classified as a terrorist organization by Turkiye, the United States, and the European Union. This classification underpins Ankara’s persistent demand for international actors, including NATO ally Washington, to cease support for the YPG.

The YPG forms the backbone of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which has played a key role in combating ISIL. However, the group’s ties to the PKK remain a contentious issue. SDF commander Mazloum Abdi recently acknowledged the presence of PKK fighters in Syria, stating that they had aided in the fight against ISIL and could leave if a comprehensive ceasefire with Turkiye were reached. Abdi denied any direct organizational links between the SDF and the PKK.

Turkish military operations continue to target YPG and PKK fighters in northern Syria and Iraq. Recently, the defense ministry reported the elimination of 21 fighters in these regions, signaling Ankara’s unwavering commitment to its security objectives.

In addition to addressing security concerns, Erdogan announced plans to reopen Turkiye’s consulate in Aleppo. He expressed optimism about increased border activity next year as millions of Syrian refugees residing in Turkiye begin returning to their homeland.

This development underscores Turkiye’s strategic approach to shaping the post-Assad era in Syria, where the future of Kurdish factions remains a pivotal issue. Erdogan’s uncompromising rhetoric reflects Ankara’s broader aim to secure its southern borders and redefine its relationship with its neighbors amidst evolving regional dynamics.