Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan announced the possibility of a military operation in Syria during a televised interview last night (January 7th), emphasizing Turkey’s stance against the presence of the PKK/YPG in the region. Speaking on CNN Türk’s Neutral Zone program, Fidan addressed the situation in Syria and Turkey’s position on the future of its neighbor.
Turkey’s conditions
Fidan reiterated that the PKK/YPG, which Ankara considers terrorist organizations, must withdraw entirely from Syria. “If the PKK/YPG does not leave Syria, we will launch a military operation,” he stated unequivocally. He noted the lack of any visible efforts or intentions on the part of these groups to comply, adding that international foreign fighters who have joined terrorist groups in Syria must also be dissolved.
Dialogue with Syria’s de facto leader
Following the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime, Fidan engaged in talks with Syria’s interim leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, describing him as a rational and grounded figure aware of his responsibilities. The discussions centered on the conditions of the Syrian people and the elimination of the PKK’s presence in Syria. Fidan highlighted that the Syrian populace has embraced the new leadership, offering a sense of hope for stability in the country.
“There may be challenges in ensuring national security and unity in the future, as well as disagreements or interference by external forces,” Fidan noted. “However, what’s promising is that the Syrian people have rallied around a leadership they feel represents them. Our role is to support hope, nurture it, and provide guidance for the right path forward.”
Concerns about sectarian violence
Fidan expressed concerns over potential provocations targeting Alawite and Shia. communities, particularly in regions like Homs, Tartus, and Latakia. Alawites, a religious. minority in Syria with beliefs that incorporate elements of Shia Islam and local traditions,. and Shiites, one of the two main branches of Islam emphasizing Ali’s leadership, have. historically faced marginalization. “We will not allow provocations against Alawites and Shiites in Syria. We are very sensitive to this issue,” Fidan said. He also praised al-Sharaa’s. maturity in stating,.“We are here to ensure we do not have a repeat of the wrongs done to. us.”
Constitutional reform and elections
Syria’s new leadership, under Ahmed al-Sharaa, has projected a four-year timeline for. elections and a three-year process to draft a new constitution. Fidan downplayed the. specific timeline, stating, “I believe these are approximate figures used as an example. In our discussions, we talked about the importance of constitutional reform and elections. while maintaining the current name of the state, the Syrian Arab Republic.”
Erdogan’s warning
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan also weighed in this week, stressing that Turkey. would not tolerate the division of Syria or any threats to its unitary structure. He reiterated. his administration’s commitment to a “terror-free Turkey,” vowing to achieve this goal “by. any means necessary.”
In a firm warning to the PKK and its affiliates in Syria, Erdoğan declared, “Those who choose terrorism and violence will find their fate sealed, buried with their weapons. Let me make it clear—nothing can prevent this outcome.”
The comments from Fidan and Erdoğan reflect Turkey’s readiness to take decisive action to. safeguard its national security and ensure the stability of its neighboring region.
What are the PKK and YPG?
The PKK (Kurdistan Workers’ Party) is an armed group that has waged an insurgency. against Turkey since the 1980s, seeking greater autonomy and rights for Kurds in the. country. Ankara, along with the United States and the European Union, designates the PKK. as a terrorist organization due to its attacks on civilians and security forces.
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The YPG (People’s Protection Units) is a Kurdish militia based in northern Syria, which. Turkey views as the Syrian offshoot of the PKK. While the YPG has been a key ally of the. United States in the fight against ISIS, Ankara opposes its presence near its border,. considering it a direct threat to Turkey’s national security. Turkey has long demanded the. removal of the YPG from Syrian territories near its southern border, arguing that the. group’s.control undermines regional stability..
