Turkey Reaffirms Priority to Eliminate PKK/YPG in Syria

Turkish National Defense Minister Yasar Guler reaffirmed on Sunday that dismantling the PKK/YPG terrorist organization remains Türkiye’s top priority in Syria, CE Report quotes Anadolu Agency

Speaking at the Annual Evaluation Meeting in Ankara, Guler stressed the country’s firm stance, urging the U.S. to reconsider its position on the issue. “Our primary issue in Syria is dismantling the PKK/YPG terrorist organization. We have conveyed this to our American friends and expect them to reassess their approach,” he said.

Highlighting Türkiye’s counterterrorism efforts, Guler reported significant progress. “Since the beginning of this year, we have neutralized 2,939 terrorists in operations across northern Iraq and Syria,” he noted.

Guler clarified Türkiye’s position towards the Kurdish population, emphasizing the distinction between civilians and militants. “We have no problem with our Kurdish brothers and sisters. Our issue is solely with terrorists,” he stated.

He also reiterated Türkiye’s broader goals in Syria, including safeguarding its territorial integrity, completing the political process peacefully, and ensuring the border is free of terrorist threats.

“The PKK/YPG will be dismantled in Syria sooner or later. Both the new Syrian administration and Türkiye are aligned on this goal,” Guler added.

Concluding, the minister expressed Türkiye’s readiness to cooperate with other nations, including the new administration in Syria, to achieve stability in the region.