Terrorist groups must understand they have no place in Syria: Erdogan

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan addressed key regional security concerns, including Türkiye’s ongoing efforts to support Syria’s stability and the issue of the PKK terrorist group, during an in-flight discussion with journalists following his official visits to Malaysia, Indonesia, and Pakistan.

Türkiye’s commitment to Syria’s stability

Erdogan emphasized Türkiye’s continued support for the Syrian people, asserting that the future of Syria must be determined by its own citizens.

He noted that the collapse of the Baath regime had paved the way for the country’s reunification efforts and stressed Türkiye’s willingness to assist in the rebuilding process.

“The Syrian people have the full authority to determine their country’s future. The power is in their hands. The Baath regime, which oppressed its people for 61 years, has collapsed. Now, Syria is taking steps toward restoring its unity. Türkiye will continue to support the Syrian people as it has done so far,” Erdogan said.

He reiterated that lasting stability in Syria requires the government to regain control over its entire territory, adding that terrorist groups pose a threat not only to Syria but also to Türkiye, given the two nations’ 911-kilometer shared border.

Erdogan on Syria’s fight against terrorism

Erdogan acknowledged that the Syrian administration is demonstrating a firm stance against terrorist groups, with several armed factions already disbanding. He underscored that Türkiye would not tolerate the presence of the PKK or other terrorist organizations in Syria.

“We see that the Syrian administration is determined to fight terrorist organizations. Several armed groups in Syria have already disbanded. Terrorist organizations must understand that there is no place for them in Syria. Let me emphasize this: If they fail to recognize this reality, we will not hesitate to act against them.”

Erdogan also described ongoing efforts to resolve the security challenges in Syria, stating that the most difficult phase is now behind them. He attributed this progress to the emergence of a leadership in Syria that is more open to dialogue and focused on national unity.

We are closely monitoring all developments in the region and responding promptly. The trust and cooperation between us and the Syrian administration are solid, which accelerates these processes.

Syria’s future and territorial integrity are not just about Syria’s domestic affairs but also about Türkiye’s security and its relations with all regional actors.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan

Türkiye’s security interests and PKK disarmament

During his meeting with Syrian interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa, Erdogan discussed concrete steps to address the PKK issue.

He affirmed that Türkiye has made its position clear and expects Syria to take decisive action against the group.

“Syria has a concrete plan for dealing with terrorist groups, and the timeline for these actions is also clear. During our discussions, we exchanged information on the measures to be taken against terrorist groups and issued the most direct warnings. They will either listen to this message or be buried with the weapons they refuse to surrender.”

The situation in Syria is becoming clearer each day, making it easier to solve the problems. The most complicated and challenging phase is now behind us.

This is because a leadership that engages in dialogue and is friendly to its people is now in power. During our meetings with Ahmad Sharaa, we thoroughly discussed the necessary steps for rebuilding Syria and ensuring the country’s unity.

Türkiye’s commitment to establishing peace and stability in Syria is crucial not only for us but for all regional actors.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan

Erdogan emphasized Türkiye’s zero-tolerance policy on terrorism and vowed that any delay or stalling tactics in the fight against terrorism would not be accepted.

“We have zero tolerance for terrorist organizations. Once we begin taking the necessary steps, we will not allow anyone to stall us or buy time.”

We have made our stance clear to the Sharaa administration regarding terrorist organizations. Syria has a concrete plan for dealing with terrorist groups, and the timeline for these actions is also clear. During our discussions, we exchanged information on the measures to be taken against terrorist groups and issued the most direct warnings.

They will either listen to this message or be buried with the weapons they refuse to surrender.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan