Erdogan Anticipates Withdrawal of Support for Kurdish Forces in Syria
President Erdogan calls for the withdrawal of foreign support for Kurdish fighters in Syria after the Assad regime’s potential collapse. Germany and the U.S. indicate the necessity for Kurdish disarmament and integration into national security. Erdogan claims both the PKK and YPG will face eradication, while ongoing discussions with the SDF occur amid heightened military tensions.
President Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey has stated that he anticipates a withdrawal of foreign support for Kurdish forces in Syria following the potential downfall of Bashar al-Assad. Erdogan expressed this expectation during a press briefing while returning from a summit in Egypt. His office later disseminated these remarks, wherein he highlighted the diminished necessity for outside assistance to the Kurdish YPG fighters, whom Turkey considers linked to the PKK, a designated terrorist group.
Germany’s Foreign Minister, Annalena Baerbock, asserted that the security of Kurdish groups is vital for a stable Syria. She stated that Kurdish forces should disarm and become part of the Syrian national security framework, while also addressing Turkey’s security concerns. This suggests a shift towards integrating Kurdish units for the broader stability of the region.
Barbara Leaf, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs, confirmed ongoing discussions with both Ankara and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) to facilitate a structured transition regarding the SDF’s future role. She noted that the dynamic landscape necessitates adaptation, particularly given the significant changes affecting northern Syria.
The U.S. maintains approximately 2,000 troops in Syria, collaborating with the YPG-led SDF, which has been critical in combating the Islamic State alongside American air support. Despite these complexities, Turkey has launched cross-border operations against the SDF, demanding a cessation of U.S. support for Kurdish fighters in the aftermath of the Assad regime’s weakening.
Erdogan articulated the vision for a reconciled Syria, emphasizing the need to eradicate groups such as the Islamic State and PKK, which threaten regional stability. He indicated that the PKK and its affiliates have reached a critical juncture, calling for their elimination from the region.
SDF commander Mazloum Abdi mentioned that foreign Kurdish fighters would exit if an agreement with Turkey were to be established. He acknowledged the involvement of non-Syrian Kurdish fighters but clarified their withdrawal contingent upon a truce. Meanwhile, a Turkish Defense Ministry official reiterated the government’s stance on continuing counter-terrorism efforts until the Kurdish groups’ disarmament is achieved.
In summary, President Erdogan’s remarks reflect Turkey’s strong position on Kurdish fighters in post-Assad Syria, anticipating diminished foreign support. Both Germany and the United States have indicated a willingness to address security concerns while suggesting integration of Kurdish forces within Syria’s national framework. The ongoing dialogue seeks to stabilize the region, although tensions remain high amid Turkey’s military actions against the SDF.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
