Türkiye issues final warning to PKK/YPG terror group, urges leadership to leave Syria

Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan Tuesday emphasized that Türkiye had issued a final warning to the PKK/YPG terror group, saying, “Our ultimatum to them is clear. We do not see any preparation or intent on their part, and we are waiting. If they want to avoid military action, the PKK leadership must leave Syria.”

Fidan made the remarks during a live broadcast on CNN Turk, where he discussed various current issues, including his visit to Syria.

“The ultimatum we gave the PKK/YPG through the Americans is obvious,” Fidan said.

“Those international fighters who came from Türkiye, Iran, and Iraq must leave Syria immediately. We see no preparation or intention in this direction, and we are waiting,” he added.

He also underlined that Türkiye had the capability and meanings to take over the management of prisons and detention camps holding Daesh terrorists in Syria if the new leadership was unable to do so.

The PKK, listed as a terrorist organization by Türkiye, the U.S., and the EU, has waged a 40-year terror campaign against Türkiye, resulting in the deaths of over 40,000 people, including women, children, and the elderly. The YPG is the PKK’s affiliate in Syria.

Turkish officials have long condemned U.S. support for the PKK/YPG in the fight against Daesh, emphasizing that using one terrorist group to combat another is a flawed strategy.

Türkiye’s diplomatic marathon for Syria

Meanwhile, Fidan said the meeting with Syria’s new leadership was thorough, covering a wide range of topics. “We discussed every matter in detail. We talked about what should be done in Syria, how it should be done, their views on the process, and Türkiye’s recommendations,” he said, adding that his visit followed an intense 10-11 day diplomatic marathon with foreign ministers from the international community, the Arab world, and the West.

Fidan also highlighted Türkiye’s priorities in Syria, including ensuring that the country ceases to pose a threat to its neighbors, eliminating terrorism—especially Daesh and the PKK—ensuring the safety and security of minorities, and maintaining Syria’s territorial integrity.

“First, we are hosting 3.5 million Syrian brothers and sisters in Türkiye. Second, we need to end the presence of the PKK terrorist organization in Syria,” Fidan said.

Bashar al-Assad, Syria’s regime leader for nearly 25 years, fled to Russia after anti-regime groups took control of Damascus on Dec. 8, ending the Baath Party’s rule, which had been in power since 1963.

The takeover came after Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) captured key cities in a lightning offensive that lasted less than two weeks.

A transitional administration led by Ahmed al-Sharaa has now taken charge.