Terrorists must surrender or face inevitable elimination in Syria: Erdogan

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Friday that “separatist terrorists” in Syria are now “increasingly cornered” following the Syrian opposition’s liberation of Damascus.

“The terrorists have only two choices: renounce terrorism and lay down their arms, or face inevitable elimination,” he added.

“With the liberation of Damascus by the Syrian opposition, separatist terrorists are increasingly cornered, and they are seeking new patrons,” Erdogan said during ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) meeting in Aydin province.

“They are trying to appeal to those who do not want stability in our region, winking at imperialist powers that thrive on blood and tears,” he said, adding: “But no matter what they do, it is futile and pointless.”

‘They come closer to bitter end’

Erdogan made clear that the ongoing hostility from these groups toward Türkiye and Syria would not lead to any success. “The more they chase separatist ambitions, the closer they come to a bitter end,” he stressed, pointing out that unless these groups recognize the new realities on the ground, their time will continue to shorten.

Highlighting the importance of peace and stability, Erdogan expressed his hope for the region to be freed from the scourge of terrorism without further bloodshed.

He noted that recent political steps in Syria and Türkiye have created an opportunity for faster progress toward peace, with a focus on development, stability, and brotherhood.

The liberation of Damascus, following a successful offensive by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), has marked a significant turning point in Syria’s ongoing conflict. Syrian ousted regime leader Bashar al-Assad, who had ruled for nearly 25 years, fled to Russia after anti-regime forces took control of the capital on December 8, 2024. A new administration, led by Ahmed al-Sharaa, has since assumed control of the country.