Official statements from Turkey, Syria, or credible international news agencies

Turkey Vows 'Whatever It Takes' Against Kurdish Groups if Syria Fails to Act

Dec 22, 2024, 08:55 AM

Turkey's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan declared that Turkey will do "whatever it takes," including military action, to ensure its security if the new Syrian administration cannot address Ankara's concerns about US-allied Kurdish groups, specifically the YPG/PKK, which Turkey considers terrorist organizations. Fidan emphasized Turkey's expectation that the Syrian government will deal with the presence of these groups. Turkey's Defense Minister Yaşar Güler, accompanied by Chief of General Staff General Metin Gürak and other top military commanders, visited Gaziantep and Kilis near the Syrian border for inspections. Güler stated that the elimination of the PKK/YPG terrorist organization is a priority for Turkey and affirmed, "When the pressure of the terrorist organization is lifted and the displaced local population returns home, the true demographic structure of Syria will emerge." He expressed confidence that the Syrian National Army will reclaim all territories occupied by terrorist groups, noting that Tel Rifat and Manbij were cleared of YPG/PKK terrorists on 2 December and 9 December, respectively. Güler also highlighted that there is no place for terrorist organizations like the PKK/YPG and ISIS in Syria's future and stated that the Turkish army is the only one fighting ISIS directly on the ground. He affirmed Turkey's commitment to contributing to stability in Syria and facilitating the honorable return of refugees.