Official statements from the Turkish government or credible international news agencies

Turkey Aims to Eliminate YPG in Syria, Pushes for New Administration

Dec 13, 2024, 07:31 PM

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has declared the elimination of the YPG (People's Protection Units) in Syria as a strategic priority for Turkey. Fidan emphasized that the YPG, which he associates with the PKK, must either disband or be eradicated. He stated that the PKK elements within the YPG must leave Syria, as the country aims to establish a new, unified administration. Fidan highlighted that the Assad regime had previously disregarded political processes proposed by Ankara for a solution in Syria. He also mentioned that Syria now has a sovereign national government that does not recognize the YPG or any other power and will reclaim its territory. The minister stressed that the safety of the Kurdish population must be ensured during this process.