Turkey Rejects French Military Proposal at Syrian Border Amid Tensions

Turkey has firmly opposed a proposal for French troops to secure the Syrian border, asserting that the SDF is a terrorist organization. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan criticized smaller European nations leveraging U.S. support for their own interests, emphasizing Turkey’s readiness for potential military action against the Kurdish YPG militia unless compliance is achieved.

Turkey has expressed strong opposition to a proposal for the deployment of French troops along its border with Syria, aimed at establishing a secure zone to alleviate tensions with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which Turkey categorizes as a terrorist organization. During a press conference in Istanbul, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan articulated his country’s disapproval, stating that smaller European nations involved in military operations in Syria under U.S. leadership are attempting to advance their own interests without contributing positively to the region.

Fidan emphasized that Turkey will not engage with countries that attempt to exploit American power for their own agendas, asserting that Ankara is prepared to launch a cross-border offensive into northeastern Syria against the Kurdish YPG militia, a key component of the SDF, unless they comply with Turkish demands. He reiterated the necessity for foreign fighters within the SDF, who are supported by the United States, to exit Syria, including any members of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), regardless of their nationality.

Although the French government has not officially suggested a role in border security, President Emmanuel Macron affirmed support for the SDF, which has been integral in the struggle against the Islamic State (IS) in Syria. Ilham Ahmed, a Kurdish administration official, mentioned the feasibility of a military coalition involving the U.S. and France to secure the border. Turkish authorities have dismissed an SDF proposal to demilitarize the city of Kobane under U.S. supervision, and Fidan insisted that France should first address the issue of its own citizens held captive in Syria for terrorist activities.

The conflict in Syria has persisted for over thirteen years, with various factions involved, including the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which has developed strong ties with the United States. Turkey perceives the SDF as an extension of the PKK, a Kurdish militant organization with a prolonged insurgency against the Turkish government. Amid concerns regarding a potential increase in French involvement alongside U.S. activities in Syria, Turkey’s reactions reflect its longstanding apprehension towards what it sees as external interference that undermines its national security interests.

In summary, Turkey’s outright rejection of French troop deployment along the Syrian border underscores its sensitivity to perceived threats from Kurdish forces it considers terrorists. The Turkish government, led by Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, has reiterated its commitment to responding forcefully should their demands regarding the SDF not be met. This situation highlights the complex interplay of international military alliances and the delicate balance of regional power dynamics.

Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net