Official announcements from the Turkish government or credible international news agencies

Erdogan Warns of Imminent Military Action Against Kurdish Militants in Syria Following Assad's Ouster

Jan 6, 2025, 04:33 PM

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has stated that the end of Kurdish militants in Syria is approaching, following the ousting of Bashar al-Assad last month. Speaking after a cabinet meeting in Ankara, Erdogan threatened a new military operation into Syria against the Kurdish militia if Turkey feels threatened, using his well-known slogan 'we can come suddenly one night'. He emphasized Turkey's firm commitment to its survival and security, asserting that the country has the capacity to intervene if necessary. Erdogan also warned that there is no room for terrorism in Syria's future, stating that those who choose terror and violence will be buried with their weapons. He noted that the PKK's empire of violence built over Kurdish people is on the verge of collapsing. Additionally, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan declared that the eradication of the Kurdish YPG militia in Syria is imminent, and Ankara will not allow the group to maintain a presence in the country. Fidan also criticized any Western support for Kurdish fighters in Syria, suggesting it is a pretext to embolden the PKK, which Turkey classifies as a terror group. Turkey has previously conducted several incursions into northern Syria, and the new Syrian administration is expected to address the issue of Kurdish militants.