Official statements from the Turkish government or credible news agencies

PKK Indicates Withdrawal from Northeastern Syria If SDF Granted Significant Joint Leadership Role

Jan 16, 2025, 08:50 PM

The Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) has indicated its willingness to withdraw from northeastern Syria, contingent upon the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) being granted a joint leadership role in the region. An anonymous PKK official stated that the group could leave if the SDF continues to govern the area with a significant role in leadership. This announcement marks a potential breakthrough in the ongoing dynamics in the region, where the PKK, designated a terrorist organization by Turkey, has maintained a presence. The PKK's decision appears to hinge on the SDF's ability to retain control, reflecting the complex interplay of power among Kurdish forces in Syria.