Defense Minister Guler vows to eliminate PKK/YPG terrorist group in Syria

Türkiye’s Defense Minister Yasar Guler emphasized that the PKK/YPG terrorist organization will be eradicated from Syria “sooner or later” in a new phase of regional operations.

Speaking to Ankara-based media representatives, Guler outlined Türkiye‘s security objectives, which include safeguarding Syria’s territorial integrity, combating terrorism, and supporting a peaceful political transition.

‘We have no issue with Kurdish people’

Guler reiterated Türkiye’s distinction between Kurdish civilians and the PKK/YPG terrorist group, saying: “We have no issues with our Kurdish brothers living in Iraq or Syria. Our problem lies solely with terrorists.”

He accused the PKK/YPG of oppressing local Kurdish communities by forcibly recruiting children and pushing families to flee.

Eliminating terrorist activities, weapons

Guler criticized external support for the PKK/YPG and underscored the need to collect weapons provided to the group by foreign powers. “Weapons supplied to this group have either been used in attacks, passed on to other groups, or transported to northern Iraq,” Guler stated.

‘TAF must be detterent force‘

Our nation, with its high strategic significance, lies at the heart of a region surrounded by conflicts and disputes. We are navigating a security environment characterized by increasing regional and global tensions, instability and uncertainty.

In this critical period, Türkiye is pursuing a multifaceted and effective defense and security policy prioritizing peace, security, and stability. The chaotic developments in our region necessitate a Turkish Armed Forces (TAF) that is always operationally ready, effective, and a strong deterrent force.

In this sensitive period, the Ministry of National Defense and the TAF:

• Work tirelessly to safeguard our nation’s defense and security,
• Conduct the most intense, comprehensive, and effective operations since our War of Independence,
• Continue to raise the bar of success and effectiveness in counter-terrorism, border security, and domestic and international operations.

‘Terrorists will not exploit vacuums‘

Türkiye will not allow PKK/YPG terrorists to exploit the uncertainty in the region. With the emergence of a new reality in Syria, it is time for the country to become stable, democratic and united.

We are ready to support efforts for inclusive constitutional reform, free elections, normalization, and the establishment of lasting security.

‘United Libya is our goal‘

We continue to support our Libyan brothers through military training, assistance and cooperation, aiming to contribute to the creation of a united, peaceful, and stable Libya. Recent meetings, such as the 5+5 Joint Military Commission held in Ankara, reaffirm our commitment to this objective.

New era in fight against Daesh

The minister proposed joint efforts with the U.S. to combat Daesh, offering to deploy Turkish commando brigades to control camps like Al-Hol, where Daesh-affiliated individuals are detained.

Guler criticized the U.S. for choosing to work with the PKK/YPG under the guise of counterterrorism, arguing, “You cannot fight terrorism with terrorists.”

We told the US, “Stop cooperating with the terrorist organization PKK/YPG. Let’s fight against Daesh together with three commando brigades that we will assign.” We even informed them that we could take control of the al-Hol camp, where thousands of Daesh terrorists and their families are held. Despite this, our American counterparts remained silent and continued their collaboration with the PKK/YPG terrorist organization under the guise of fighting Daesh.

We have always emphasized that terrorism cannot be fought using other terrorist groups. In other words, combating terrorism cannot be achieved with terrorists. Moreover, has anyone heard of any Daesh terrorist attacks in Syria in the past three years? Currently, we neither see nor hear anything about Daesh.

Defense Minister Yasar Guler

What is Russia doing?

“There is no definitive evidence that Russia has completely withdrawn its forces from Syria. Some of their ships might have been taken to Russia for maintenance and rotation. I do not think they will leave at this time. “

“They will do everything they can to remain there. In fact, a Russian official recently announced that they would continue to stay in Syria and that they had discussed this with the new administration. Russia has consolidated its various-sized units in different parts of Syria at Tartus and Latakia. We conveyed to them that we could provide the necessary support during this process. However, they have not made any such requests from us. Given the latest developments in the region, every country has a strategic plan. We are closely monitoring all developments related to defense and security and taking all necessary measures,” Guler said.

“Additionally, the claims that Bashar al-Assad, who fled Syria, used our airspace are untrue,” the minister added.

Meeting with defense ministers

In light of recent developments in Syria, we held discussions with our counterparts. During these meetings, we exchanged views on bilateral and regional defense and security issues, particularly regarding Syria. We reaffirmed our support for Syria’s unity and territorial integrity and reiterated our stance on combating terrorism.

We will continue our active efforts and initiatives to ensure that Syria’s political transition is secure and smooth and resolves the existing issues.

‘Status of troops in Syria’

Türkiye’s presence in Syria is to prevent the division of Syrian territories and the establishment of a terrorist corridor there.

“Our primary goals are to preserve Syria’s territorial integrity and unity, complete the political process peacefully, and clear our borders of terrorist elements. When the necessary conditions are met, these issues can be discussed and reassessed with Syria’s new administration,” the minister added.

Tomb of Suleyman Shah

Türkiye’s defense minister said they had previously moved the tomb from Karakozak village to its current location in the Syrian village of Esme. He added that whether the tomb would be relocated to its original site in Karakozak would be evaluated later, depending on the situation on the ground.

F-16/Eurofighter, F-35/S-400

The minister further said that the process and technical discussions for acquiring 40 F-16 fighter jets are ongoing.

“Negotiations regarding the Eurofighter are also proceeding positively. Two Eurofighter jets belonging to the United Kingdom, which participated in an exercise in Qatar, will arrive in Ankara on Dec. 18, and we will have the opportunity to inspect the aircraft,” the minister maintained.

The Turkish minister said they had previously expressed their intention to acquire F-35s and believed the positive atmosphere surrounding the F-16 procurement process would also influence the F-35 negotiations.

He added that lifting the CAATSA sanctions, which he described as contradicting the spirit of the alliance, would be discussed with the new U.S. administration.

“Our position on the S-400s remains unchanged,” the minister concluded.