Erdogan Urges Allies to Cease Support for Kurdish Fighters in Post-Assad Syria

Turkey’s President Erdogan calls for foreign nations to withdraw support from Kurdish fighters in Syria post-Assad. He advocates for their disarmament and transition into national security roles, while U.S. officials discuss managing the future of the SDF. Tensions rise as Turkey conducts military operations against Kurdish groups, emphasizing security for both sides.

President Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey articulated his expectations that foreign nations would discontinue their support for Kurdish fighters in Syria following the ousting of Bashar al-Assad. This stance is particularly aimed at isolating the Kurdish groups that have historically collaborated with U.S. forces. In remarks made following a summit in Egypt, Erdogan emphasized that external backing for the Kurdish YPG fighters is no longer justifiable, characterizing them as a form of terrorism analogous to the Islamic State.

In the international arena, Germany’s Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock stated that while the security of Kurdish populations is vital for a free Syria, it is equally important to address Turkish security concerns to maintain stability. She advocated for the disarming and integration of Kurdish groups into Syria’s national security framework. Meanwhile, U.S. officials indicated efforts to facilitate a managed transition for the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) as regional conditions evolve.

Despite the ongoing collaboration between U.S. troops—approximately 2,000 stationed in Syria—and the YPG-led SDF, tensions have escalated following Assad’s removal. Turkey, supported by its allies, has initiated military actions against the SDF, underscoring its commitment to counter-terrorism measures until the PKK and its affiliates cease their operations. Erdogan reiterated that a new Syria must be developed where various ethnic and religious communities coexist peacefully, which necessitates the eradication of terrorist organizations threatening these efforts.

In conclusion, President Erdogan’s statements reflect Turkey’s firm stance against Kurdish groups in Syria, urging foreign nations to withdraw their support. The emphasis on disarming Kurdish forces and integrating them into national security structures highlights the complexities involved in ensuring both Kurdish security and Turkey’s interests. A managed transition for the SDF and ongoing military pressure from Turkey underscore the evolving geopolitical landscape in the region post-Assad.

Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com