UPDATES WITH MORE REMARKS BY DEFENSE MINISTRY’S SPOKESPERSON, REORGANIZED
By Gizem Nisa Cebi
ISTANBUL (AA) - Türkiye on Thursday rejected claims of a cease-fire agreement with the terrorist group PKK/YPG, operating under the so-called SDF label, following a statement on the supposed cease-fire by the US State Department.
"We do not negotiate with terrorist organizations; we believe this is a slip of the tongue," National Defense Ministry spokesman Zeki Akturk said, rejecting any claims of negotiations with such groups.
In a weekly press briefing at the ministry, Akturk issued strong statements on several key international and security matters.
- Türkiye’s commitment to counterterrorism
The Turkish Armed Forces continue their efforts both domestically and across borders against a range of terrorist groups, including the PKK and its terrorist branches in Syria, the PKK/PYD and PKK/YPG, Daesh/ISIS, and the Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO) – the group behind a defeated 2016 coup attempt – according to the spokesman.
Forty-one terrorists were neutralized in the past week, he said, bringing the total number of neutralized terrorists since this Jan. 1 to 2,959, approaching 3,000 for the entire year.
Among them, 1,438 were in northern Iraq and 1,521 in northern Syria.
On Syria, where terrorist groups are seeking to exploit disorder after the fall of the Assad regime, Akturk reiterated Türkiye’s stance on fighting the PKK/YPG, stating: "The terrorist organization PKK/YPG will continue to be the focus of our preparations and measures in the fight against terrorism until they lay down their arms and until the foreign fighters in their ranks leave Syria."
- US support for terrorist PKK/YPG
In response to the ongoing US support for the PKK/YPG in Syria – a longtime thorn in the side of Turkish-US relations – Akturk expressed concern, stating: “We have been telling the US the same things for years. We have expressed that we are willing to allocate our forces for joint efforts against ISIS (Daesh). However, they have turned a deaf ear to this so far."
He criticized the US for using the fight against Deash/ISIS as a pretext for its continued cooperation with the PKK/YPG, a group designated as a terrorist organization by Türkiye.
In its more than 40-year terror campaign against Türkiye, the PKK – listed as a terrorist organization by Türkiye, the US and the European Union – has been responsible for the deaths of over 40,000 people, including women, children, and infants. The YPG is its Syrian branch.
Türkiye has long criticized US support for the terrorist PKK/ YPG under the pretext of fighting Daesh/ISIS, saying that using one terrorist group to fight another makes no sense.
- Türkiye’s border security and regional efforts
Akturk also touched upon Türkiye's border security efforts, highlighting recent operations that led to the apprehension of people attempting to cross illegally, some linked to terrorist groups.
Over 13,000 individuals have been stopped from crossing illegally since January, he said.
"Türkiye will continue to do everything it can to ensure Syria’s territorial integrity, political unity, security, and stability," Akturk said, reaffirming Türkiye’s commitment to regional peace and security.
- Support for Syria’s sovereignty
Emphasizing Türkiye's ongoing support for Syria’s territorial integrity, Akturk reiterated the country's commitment to the elimination of terrorist groups threatening both Türkiye and Syria’s security.
"We will continue to take preventive and destructive measures against terrorist organizations and cooperate with the new administration in Syria in the fight against terrorism," he said, signaling continued collaboration with Syria’s post-Assad leadership.
Türkiye is also focused on supporting the safe return of Syrian refugees and ensuring the sovereignty of Syria under its new government, said the spokesman.
During Syria’s 13-year civil war, Türkiye took in some 4 million Syrians, more than any other country in the world.
Akturk expressed Ankara's confidence in Syria's new government and military, stating: "We believe that the new administration in Syria and its army, the Syrian National Army, together with the Syrian people, will liberate the regions occupied by the terrorist organization. PKK/YPG."
- Israel’s actions in Syria and Golan Heights
Akturk noted that Ankara condemned Israel's actions in the Golan Heights, stressing Türkiye's position on the illegal expansion of settlements.
"We strongly condemn Israel's decision to expand illegal settlements in the Golan Heights, which it has (illegally) occupied since 1967," he stated, referring to its Israel’s action in the June 1967 or Six-Day War.
He also criticized Israel's continued unlawful activities in Syria, calling for a cease-fire and regional stability.
"Israel is now continuing its unlawfulness in Syria and maintaining its occupation of territories. It is essential to declare a cease-fire and ensure regional stability as soon as possible," Akturk added.