Germany calls for end to PKK/YPG terror group activities in Syria, supports Türkiye’s security concerns

Germany on Tuesday called for an end to the PKK/YPG terror group’s activities in Syria, stressing that Syrian territory should not pose security threats to Türkiye.

Germany’s Syria coordinator Tobias Lindner told local media that Berlin understands Türkiye’s legitimate security interests and hopes Ankara’s concerns can be addressed through political dialogue.

“I want to make it very clear: The PKK is a terrorist organization, also from Germany’s perspective, and the PKK militants in northern Syria must understand that we are now in a different situation than before the fall of Bashar al-Assad,” Lindner told Table Media.

Lindner added, “Syria must not be used as an area of operations for the PKK to carry out attacks against Türkiye. A very clear distinction must be made between the PKK and the Syrian Kurds in the north.”

He said that Western countries continue to engage in constant dialogue with Ankara regarding developments in Syria.

The PKK, listed as a terrorist organization by Türkiye, the U.S., and the EU, has waged a 40-year terror campaign against Türkiye, resulting in the deaths of over 40,000 people, including women, children, and the elderly. The YPG is the PKK’s affiliate in Syria.

Possible Turkish millitary operation against PKK

“We are doing everything we can to ensure that Türkiye acts in concert with us, but there is no guarantee of this,” Lindner said, addressing the possibility of a Turkish military operation against PKK/YPG terror group structures in northern Syria.

Lindner also stated that Germany shares the view that all armed groups in Syria should be integrated into Syria’s new government security forces.

“The goal must be that all militias in Syria, not just the Kurdish ones, will ultimately be integrated into the Syrian armed forces. We are working on that,” he said.

“What is important to us now is that there is an orderly and inclusive process. There must be verifiable steps and milestones — an important point here is the question of women’s participation. Kurds, Druze, Alawites, and Christians, like all other Syrians, must also see themselves in this process,” Lindner added.

The German diplomat also emphasized Syria’s territorial integrity and stated that all regional actors, including Israel, should respect these boundaries.