Erdogan's Firm Stand: Kurdish Forces Must Lay Down Arms
On Wednesday local time, Turkish President Erdogan made a strong statement, warning the Syrian Kurdish "People's Protection Units" (YPG) to lay down their arms or face a large-scale military action by Turkey, which aims to "bury them along with their weapons on Syrian soil." This statement underscores Turkey's keen focus on the Syrian situation and has escalated regional tensions.
Turkey Sees YPG as a Major Threat
Erdogan has repeatedly emphasized that the YPG is the Syrian branch of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), posing a significant threat to Turkish national security. He opposes the establishment of a so-called "terror corridor" by the YPG on Turkey's southern border. Although YPG leaders deny any ties with the PKK, stating their aim is internal autonomy within Syria rather than cross-border activities, Turkey is not convinced and has repeatedly crossed borders to strike the YPG.
Erdogan also criticized the United States for providing weapons and military training to the YPG, arguing that it destabilizes the region further. He urged NATO ally America to reconsider its support for the YPG and urged it to choose between supporting Turkey or the Kurdish forces.
Troop Build-up at the Border, Tensions High Between Turkey and Syria
Recently, the Turkish army and the Turkish-backed "Syrian National Army" have gathered at the Turkish-Syrian border, preparing for a large-scale offensive against areas controlled by Syrian Kurdish forces. Erdogan's strong statements further increase the possibility of military action.
Ilham Ahmed, an official from the civilian administration of Syrian Kurds, called on U.S. President-elect Trump to pressure Turkey to stop its cross-border operations. She warned that Turkey's military actions seem imminent and could lead to a large-scale humanitarian crisis.
Turkey's Warming Relations with Syria's New Government
At the same time, the Turkish government is attempting to improve relations with Syria's new leadership. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan recently visited Damascus, calling for the lifting of international sanctions on Syria. He stated that he hopes Syria's new government will resolve the Kurdish issue from the perspective of maintaining national sovereignty and territorial integrity, and immediately disband the YPG.
Fidan's statement shows Turkey's attempt to exert diplomatic pressure alongside military threats to achieve its objective of targeting Syrian Kurdish forces.
The Situation and Appeals of Syrian Kurdish Forces
The "Syrian Democratic Forces" (SDF), led by Syrian Kurdish forces, control about a quarter of Syrian territory, including major oil-producing and grain-producing areas. In the face of Turkish military threats, the SDF calls for a nationwide ceasefire and an end to Turkey's occupation of northern Syria. They stress that Syria's future should be determined by its people, not through external intervention.
Conclusion: Uncertainty Abounds
Turkey's military threats and its warming relations with Syria's new government highlight its firm stance on resolving the Kurdish issue. As military build-up intensifies in border areas, the fate of the Syrian Kurdish forces and the direction of regional dynamics have become focal points of international attention. The attitudes and actions of various parties in the coming weeks will determine whether this conflict escalates or de-escalates.
