Türkiye’s priority in Syria: Removing PKK/YPG, supporting new administration

Sources stressing that Türkiye’s primary objective in Syria is the removal of the PKK/YPG said, “We believe the new administration will liberate the areas currently occupied by the terrorist organization. We are ready to provide support if military cooperation is requested.”

In a statement about the situation in Syria, sources from the Ministry of National Defense highlighted that eliminating the YPG is the top priority. They emphasized that efforts to neutralize and eliminate the terrorist organization are ongoing in Syria, stating, “We are working with the new administration in Damascus. If military cooperation is requested, we are ready to assist. We will continue to do everything in our power to ensure Syria’s territorial integrity, political unity, security, and stability. We are closely monitoring every move made by terrorist groups that pose a threat to the security of both our country and Syria. Our position in the fight against terrorism in the region is clear.”

‘Slip of the tongue’

Ministry sources also addressed a statement made by U.S. State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller, who claimed that a ceasefire agreement had been reached between Türkiye and the PKK/YPG. The sources responded, “It is out of the question for us to negotiate with any terrorist organization. We believe this statement was a slip of the tongue.”

Foreign fighters must leave

The sources also commented on reports suggesting that the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) or the Syrian National Army (SNA) are preparing for operations against the PKK/YPG in the Euphrates region. They reiterated that the terrorist organization continues to pose a threat to Türkiye’s borders and operational zones in Syria. “Our preparations and measures will continue until the PKK/YPG lays down its arms and the foreign fighters in its ranks leave Syria. We believe the new administration in Syria, along with its army, the SNA, will liberate areas occupied by the PKK/YPG in collaboration with the Syrian people,” they said.

YPG cooperation under the guise of Daesh

The sources also pointed out that the U.S. continues to support the PKK/YPG under the pretext of combating Daesh. They noted, “In recent years, there have been no significant Daesh attacks or activities in Syria. We view the U.S.’s rhetoric on fighting Daesh as a cover for its ongoing cooperation with the PKK/YPG, another terrorist organization.”