PKK/YPG resists withdrawal from Ayn al-Arab, Raqqa: Turkish Defense Minister

Turkish Defense Minister Yasar Guler addressed members of the Turkish Parliament during the 2025 Central Government Budget negotiations, providing updates on security and defense strategies.

Commenting on the latest developments in Syria, Guler noted that Türkiye is closely monitoring the region’s evolving situation.

“The new administration is taking very important steps to engage with the world with continuous positive messages. Today, the European Union, the UK, France, Italy and the United States have started to communicate directly with them,” Guler said.

PKK/YPG refuses to withdraw Ayn al-Arab and Raqqa

Minister Guler noted that the PKK/YPG terrorist group remains unwilling to withdraw from Ayn al-Arab and Raqqa. “They carried out actions today in the Hassakeh region. The new administration has urged them to vacate Raqqa and al-Tabqah while laying down their arms. There are indications they might negotiate such agreements internally,” Guler said.

We are closely following the developments in Syria. The new administration is taking very important steps to engage with the world with continuous positive messages.

Today, the European Union, the UK, France, Italy and the United States have started to communicate directly with them. These are of course developments in favor of the new administration. They are also saying that they have started to work with the people in Syria and will continue to do so.

However, in Syria, as you know, in the Ayn al-Arab region, YPG-PKK elements are still resisting to leave the region. Today, they took some actions in the Hasakah region. The new administration is urging them to leave Raqqa and Tabqa in particular, to lay down their arms. Hopefully, they can reach an agreement among themselves.

We think that they will leave by handing over their heavy weapons to the administration in areas such as Ayn al-Arab and Sarrin, without disturbing the citizens and without harming them in the face of larger conflicts.

Turkish Minister of Defense Yasar Guler

Return of Syrian refugees

Guler also addressed the repatriation of Syrian refugees. Türkiye has facilitated the voluntary return of 11,000 refugees monthly in 2024, with this number rising to one-and-a-half to two times that figure due to recent political developments.

“The process involves a phased approach, starting with those in camps near Idlib, followed by efforts to ensure the safe and voluntary return of Syrians residing in Türkiye,” he explained.

On the other hand, Syrian citizens living in our country have started to carry out their exit activities, including the new doors opened to them. Although not yet at the desired level, we think that our Syrian citizens will reach their lands and homes in a dignified and safe manner within the arrangements to be made in the coming days.

Turkish Minister of Defense Yasar Guler