UPDATE - Türkiye wants dismantling of PKK/YPG terror group in Syria, expects US to reassess its stance: Defense minister

UPDATE WITH FURTHER DETAILS & REMARKS

By Gizem Nisa Cebi

ISTANBUL (AA) - Turkish National Defense Minister Yasar Guler reiterated Sunday Türkiye's stance on Syria, emphasizing the dismantling of the PKK/YPG terrorist organization as a top priority.

"Our primary issue in Syria is the dismantling of the PKK/YPG terrorist organization. We have expressed this to our American friends. We expect them to reassess their position," said Guler, revealing Türkiye’s ongoing discussions with the US.

Guler reported Türkiye’s significant progress in the fight against terrorism in a speech at the Annual Evaluation Meeting held in Ankara, outlining key counterterrorism achievements.

"With the operations we have carried out, we have neutralized 2,939 terrorists, including those in northern Iraq and Syria, since the beginning of this year," he said. "Additionally, 99 terrorists have surrendered."

He also emphasized that Türkiye's ongoing operations are significantly disrupting terrorist organizations through continuous and comprehensive efforts, replacing the "limited-targeted and time-bound" operations of the past.

Through unconventional, unpredictable, and rapid execution, Türkiye has been able to neutralize terrorists and dismantle critical infrastructure used by terrorist groups, according to the minister.

"In Operation Claw-Lock, 1,136 terrorists were neutralized in key regions between Syria and Qandil, a significant area for the terrorist organization," Guler explained.

Turkish authorities use the term "neutralize" to imply the terrorists in question surrendered or were killed or captured.

PKK terrorists often hide out in northern Iraq to plot cross-border attacks in Türkiye.

Türkiye in 2022 launched Operation Claw-Lock to target the terror group's hideouts in northern Iraq's Metina, Zap, and Avasin-Basyan regions.

- Türkiye’s stance on Kurdish population

Minister Guler made it clear that Türkiye has no issue with the Kurdish populations in Iraq and Syria: "We have no problem with our Kurdish brothers and sisters living in Iraq and Syria. Our problem is only and solely with the terrorists."

He reaffirmed that dismantling the PKK/YPG terrorist organization remains Türkiye's primary objective in Syria.

"In the new era, the PKK/YPG terrorist organization will be dismantled in Syria sooner or later. Both the new administration in Syria and we want this," Guler added.

In its 40-year terror campaign against Türkiye, the PKK – listed as a terrorist organization by Türkiye, the US, and EU – has been responsible for the deaths of over 40,000 people, including women, children, and infants. The YPG is PKK's Syrian offshoot.

- Ankara ready for providing military assistance to new Syrian administration

Guler also reiterated that Türkiye’s main goal is to preserve Syria's territorial integrity and unity, to complete the political process peacefully, and to rid our border of terrorist elements.

Guler highlighted Türkiye’s readiness for further cooperation: "We have cooperation agreements with many countries. We are ready to provide support if requested by the new administration" in Syria.

Bashar al-Assad, who ruled Syria with an iron fist for nearly 25 years, fled to Russia on Dec. 8 after anti-regime groups seized control of Damascus. The takeover came after Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) fighters captured key cities across the country in a swift offensive that lasted less than two weeks.

Taking advantage of Assad’s fall, Israel has intensified its airstrikes against military sites across Syria, in blatant violation of the country’s sovereignty.

- Israel’s attacks, regional stability

Minister Guler also addressed Israel's recent actions, condemning the targeting of innocent civilians, particularly children, in Gaza and Lebanon.

He described Israel's actions as "state terrorism" and warned that its aggression, including attacks on Syria, could destabilize the entire region.

"The international community must take concrete steps against Israel's aggression, which is dragging the region into great danger," Guler stated.

The Arab region is witnessing significant developments that have drawn global attention, starting with the ongoing Israeli genocide in the Gaza Strip, the security situation in Lebanon amid Israeli violations of a cease-fire agreement more than a year after confrontations, and the falling of Assad regime in Syria.

- Cyprus, ties with Greece

On the issue of Cyprus, Guler expressed concerns over increasing armament activities by the Greek Cypriot Administration, which he warned could disrupt the delicate balance on the island.

He also criticized the US decision to lift the arms embargo on Cyprus, underscoring that the only viable solution for the island is the recognition of the Turkish Cypriot people's sovereignty.

- Decades-long Cyprus problem

Cyprus has been mired in a decades-long dispute between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots despite a series of diplomatic efforts by the UN to achieve a comprehensive settlement.

Ethnic attacks starting in the early 1960s forced Turkish Cypriots to withdraw into enclaves for their safety.

n 1974, a Greek Cypriot coup aimed at Greece’s annexation of the island led to Türkiye’s military intervention as a guarantor power to protect Turkish Cypriots from persecution and violence. As a result, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus was founded in 1983.

It has seen an on-and-off peace process in recent years, including a failed 2017 initiative in Switzerland under the auspices of guarantor countries Türkiye, Greece, and the UK.

The Greek Cypriot administration entered the EU in 2004, the same year that Greek Cypriots single-handedly blocked a UN plan to end the longstanding dispute.

- Military exercises and regional defense

Guler also touched on Türkiye's military activities, noting that 140 exercises have been conducted in 2024, including NATO, national, and special operations.

He emphasized Ankara's ongoing contributions to NATO’s force structure and its regional defense strategies.