UPDATE - Türkiye says operation against SDF in Aleppo being carried out entirely by Syrian Army

UPDATES WITH REMARKS FROM NATIONAL DEFENSE MINISTRY

By Utku Simsek and Busra Nur Cakmak

The operation against SDF in Aleppo is being carried out entirely by the Syrian Army and developments are being monitored, the Turkish National Defense Ministry said on Thursday.

“Syria’s security is our security, and developments are being closely monitored,” a ministry spokesperson told a news briefing in Ankara.

“Our country supports Syria's fight against terrorist organizations on the basis of its unity and territorial integrity. Türkiye will provide the necessary support if Syria requests it.”

The PKK/YPG terrorist group operating under the name of SDF shelled residential neighborhoods in Aleppo in northern Syria for the third consecutive day on Thursday, Syrian media reported.

The shelling was the latest in SDF attacks, which have killed at least six people and injured 39 others.

According to Syrian figures, more than 3,000 civilians have been displaced due to the attacks.

The violence forced the provincial administration in Aleppo to extend the suspension of classes at public and private schools and universities in the city on Thursday.

On March 10, 2025 the Syrian presidency announced the signing of an agreement for the SDF’s integration into state institutions, reaffirming the country's territorial unity and rejecting any attempts at division.

Syrian authorities say that in the months since, the SDF has not shown any efforts to meet the terms of the agreement.

The Syrian government has intensified efforts to maintain security across the country since the ouster of Bashar al-Assad’s regime on Dec. 8, 2024, after 24 years in power.

- Deployment of peacekeeping forces to Ukraine and security in the Black Sea

On Ukraine and security in the Black Sea, the ministry spokesperson said Türkiye is ready to contribute to any constructive initiative aimed at achieving a lasting ceasefire in the Russia-Ukraine war and actively participating in the "coalition of the willing."

“For Türkiye to deploy troops to Ukraine under a peacekeeping mission, a ceasefire must first be established, followed by the definition of a clearly mandated mission and clarification of which countries will contribute and to what extent,” the spokesperson said.

“In addition, following a potential ceasefire, Türkiye is leading military planning efforts to maintain security and stability in the Black Sea and to ensure freedom and safety of navigation.”

The ministry representative said Türkiye has applied and will continue to apply the Montreux Convention Regarding the Regime of the Straits “carefully, responsibly, impartially, and without compromise, as it is vital to maintaining the balance and security in the Black Sea.”

- Israel’s recognition of Somaliland

The spokesperson said Israel’s recognition of the independence of the Somaliland region is a clear violation of international law and targets Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, further destabilizing the fragile balance in the region.

Türkiye will continue to strongly support the sovereignty and territorial integrity of brotherly Somalia, the spokesperson said, adding that “the Turkish Armed Forces continue to support the Somali army’s fight against the Khawarij terrorist organization (Al-Shabaab), and to provide assistance and training aimed at improving the organization, education and training, military infrastructure, and logistical systems of the Somali Armed Forces, as well as broader capacity-building efforts.”