PKK/YPG terrorist group calls on France, US to deploy troops to Turkish border

The PKK/YPG, a terrorist group operating in northern Syria and Iraq, has called on France and the U.S. to deploy troops along the Türkiye-Syria border.

This request comes amid heightened tensions following Türkiye’s warnings of potential military operations should the group fail to reach an agreement with the Syrian government.

Ilham Ahmed, a so-called PKK/YPG leader, stated on French TV channel TV5 Monde that an international coalition led by the United States and France should “secure” the border.

Ahmed added, “We are ready for the coalition to take responsibility for this task. French forces can help establish a demilitarized zone, ensure regional security and facilitate peaceful relations with Türkiye.”

A so-called senior leader of the PKK/YPG terrorist group Ilham Ahmed recently held a phone call with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar.

Türkiye issues stern warning to PKK/YPG

Türkiye’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan reiterated Ankara’s firm stance, stating, “If the PKK/YPG terrorist group does not withdraw from Syria, a military operation will proceed.”

He emphasized that Türkiye’s demands remain unchanged: “PKK leadership and all personnel must leave Syria. Without concrete actions, military intervention is inevitable.”

Fidan’s comments reflect Türkiye’s growing frustration with the terrorist group’s activities in northern Syria, which it considers a direct threat to national security.

Türkiye, on the other hand, emphasizes that the Daesh terrorist group is a cover to dictate the PKK’s presence in Syria and that Türkiye can, if necessary, take responsibility for Daesh prisoners, while foreign terrorists should be repatriated and prosecuted by Europe.

Fidan warned against using the fight against Daesh as a pretext for strengthening the terrorist group PKK/YPG. He cautioned the Western world against supporting the PKK, a separatist terrorist organization, under the guise of countering Daesh.

“The PKK’s empire of violence built over Kurdish people is on the verge of collapse,” Fidan stated during a joint news conference in Ankara with Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi.

Türkiye has long taken measures to counter the activities of terrorist groups in northern Syria, especially near the Turkish border, including Daesh and the PKK/YPG terror group.

The PKK—listed as a terrorist organization by Türkiye, the U.S., and the EU—has waged a 40-year campaign against Türkiye, responsible for over 40,000 deaths, including women, children and the elderly.

The YPG, the PKK’s offshoot in Syria, has sought to establish a terror corridor along the Turkish border, posing a direct threat to Türkiye.

France, US highlight divergent approaches to terrorist group

French President Emmanuel Macron recently pledged ongoing support for “Syrian Kurds” during a visit to Paris by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

Macron declared, “France will not abandon the Syrian Kurds,” while French officials acknowledged Türkiye’s legitimate security concerns. For a long time, the PKK has been a major political problem between Türkiye and France. Ankara is particularly disturbed by the presence of the PKK terrorist organization in France and the countries in Europe that have made Europe a safe haven for terrorist organizations.

Blinken, addressing reporters in Paris, stated that the U.S. remains committed to balancing Türkiye’s security interests with the continued fight against Daesh. He highlighted the role of the SDF, dominated by PKK/YPG elements, in detaining thousands of Daesh terrorists.

“We are working closely with Türkiye to manage this transition, ensuring regional stability while addressing its security concerns,” Blinken said.

Clashes in northern Syria intensify

Despite the group’s diplomatic overtures, the PKK/YPG continues to clash with Türkiye-backed Syrian National Army (SNA) forces near critical infrastructure, including the Tishrin Dam on the Euphrates River.

Control over these strategic areas remains a focal point of the conflict.

Observers note that PKK/YPG’s recent call for French military involvement aligns with its attempts to secure Western backing amid diminishing prospects of U.S. support under the incoming Trump administration.

The terrorist organization has been trying all kinds of methods in recent days. It brings civilians to the Tishrin Dam in buses and shuttles and uses civilians in the region as human shields.

Recently Turkish Defense Ministry strongly condemned the use of civilians as human shields by PKK/YPG/SDF terrorists around the Tishrin Dam.

“This act of employing civilians, including civilian-clothed militant groups, is a blatant violation of human rights and an affront to international law,” the ministry emphasized. They also criticized the groups for prioritizing their interests over the safety of civilians, noting, “Such actions exemplify the moral collapse and desperation of terrorist organizations.”