Biden Revises Executive Order 13894, Lifts Sanctions on Türkiye Over PKK/YPG Operation

Jan 17, 2025, 06:54 AM

Outgoing U.S. President Joe Biden has revised Executive Order 13894, originally issued in 2019 by then-President Donald Trump, removing all references to Türkiye and lifting sanctions related to the country's Operation Peace Spring in Syria. The original order was enacted in response to Türkiye's military actions against the PKK/YPG in northern Syria. Biden's amendment reflects changes in the geopolitical situation in Syria since the operation concluded, and it removes the threat of automatic sanctions against Türkiye for future operations against PKK/YPG territories. The revised order retains the U.S.'s authority to impose sanctions on individuals threatening Syria's peace, security, stability, or territorial integrity, or those involved in serious human rights violations.