InternationalNews
Turkey to Demand a Decisive U.S. Stance on Kurdish “Units”
Turkey has affirmed the continued advance of factions loyal to it, specifically the “Syrian National Army,” in areas controlled by the “Syrian Democratic Forces” (SDF).
Diplomatic sources told Asharq Al-Awsat that Turkey will request a clear and decisive U.S. position regarding its support for the “People’s Protection Units” (YPG), which is the largest component of the SDF. This demand will be raised during U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s talks in Ankara on Friday.
A Turkish Defense Ministry official confirmed that factions of the “Syrian National Army” are progressing in their efforts to “cleanse northern Syria of terrorism.” This refers to the “Dawn of Freedom” operation being carried out in areas under SDF control, including the capture of the cities of Tal Rifaat and Manbij.
In a weekly briefing from the Turkish Defense Ministry on Thursday, the Turkish military official stated that “Turkey has repeatedly informed the U.S. that one terrorist organization (ISIS) cannot be eradicated using another terrorist organization (the Kurdish units).”
Exploiting the Fight Against ISIS
The official added that the Kurdish “units” are engaging in a “dirty plan,” attempting to create a global perception that ISIS in northeastern Syria has not been defeated by wearing the clothing of ISIS militants. He stressed that Turkish forces and allied factions will not allow them to expand their presence in northern Syria.
He further explained: “We are monitoring all activities aimed at providing protection for the PKK (Kurdistan Workers’ Party) and the YPG through the perception that the threat of ISIS persists east of the Euphrates. We have repeatedly informed our American counterparts that one terrorist organization cannot be eliminated using another.”
The military official stated that the operations of the “Syrian National Army” factions will continue, noting the discovery of extensive tunnel networks in Manbij capable of accommodating vehicles used by YPG militants.
He emphasized that operations conducted by Turkish forces and their allied factions in northern Syria for years are part of the fight against terrorism. These efforts aim to safeguard regional stability, maintain Syria’s political unity, enhance Turkey’s border security, and eliminate threats against the country.
The Dispute Over Kurdish “Units”
In the same context, diplomatic sources told Asharq Al-Awsat that Ankara will request Washington to clarify and decisively determine its stance regarding ongoing support for the YPG.
The sources said: “Blinken will be informed that if the U.S. does not distance itself from the YPG, Turkey will take necessary measures to protect its borders and people from its threats.”
They added that Washington has not adhered to agreements signed with Turkey, particularly those concerning Manbij and areas east of the Euphrates in 2018 and 2019, which stipulated distancing the YPG from Turkey’s southern borders by 30 to 40 kilometers.
Turkey is determined to complete the establishment of a security zone along its 900-kilometer border with Syria to this depth.
Meanwhile, before Blinken’s visit to Turkey, Washington signaled its continued support for the Kurdish “units,” acknowledging Turkey’s right to defend itself against attacks.
