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Turkey Denies Ceasefire with SDF, Calls US Statement a 'Slip of the Tongue'

Dec 19, 2024, 09:19 AM

Turkey has denied any ceasefire agreement with the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in northern Syria, contradicting a US announcement. A Turkish Defense Ministry official stated that Turkey does not negotiate with terrorist organizations and considered the US statement a 'slip of the tongue.' The official added that preparations and measures to fight terrorism will continue until the PKK/YPG lay down their arms and foreign fighters leave Syria. Turkey believes that Syria's new administration and the Syrian National Army, alongside the Syrian people, will liberate regions occupied by the PKK/YPG. The Turkish Defense Ministry emphasized that it will continue to take preventive and destructive measures against terrorist groups in Syria and cooperate with Syria's new administration in combating terrorism. Meanwhile, the SDF accused Turkey and Turkish-backed groups of not abiding by a decision to declare a ceasefire in Manbij and northern regions. The SDF announced that they will fight Turkey and its allied forces in Kobani, called on the people of Kobani to carry weapons, and emphasized the importance of stopping escalation, halting all military operations, and resolving all pending issues.