Turkey’s Ongoing Military Strikes Against PKK Amidst Ceasefire Declaration
Turkey’s military actions against the PKK persist despite a declared ceasefire by the PKK following a call from their founder. The SDF has announced plans to integrate into the Syrian national army, while Turkey remains focused on its military campaign against what it labels terrorism. The situation continues to evolve with international implications.
Turkey has reportedly intensified military operations against the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) despite the latter declaring a unilateral ceasefire on March 1, in response to a call from its founder, Abdullah Ocalan, to disarm. This escalation has been notable in the past two weeks, with Turkish forces reportedly carrying out over 800 strikes in northern Iraq using various military assets, including fighter jets and artillery.
The PKK’s ceasefire is conditional upon the release of Ocalan, who has been imprisoned in Turkey since 1999. Turkey, however, has not shown willingness to comply with this demand and has not announced any ceasefire from their side. Turkish Defense Ministry spokesman Zeki Akturk emphasized the country’s commitment to combating terrorism, asserting that operations would continue until “not a single terrorist is left.”
Turkey’s designation of the PKK as a terrorist organization extends to the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the People’s Defense Units (YPG), with the latter being a significant component of the SDF, which exerts control over northeastern Syria. On March 11, the SDF disclosed plans to integrate into the Syrian national army under the guidance of the current post-Assad regime, a move welcomed by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Though Turkey has expressed cautious optimism regarding the SDF and Damascus agreement, a Turkish official commented on the need for cautious implementation rather than mere promises. In parallel, the SDF’s role has historically included contributing to the defeat of the Islamic State caliphate, upholding a significant presence in the ongoing geopolitical landscape of Syria./
Recent developments have drawn the attention of US officials, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio praising the integration agreement. He reiterated the United States’ commitment to supporting a political transition in Syria that emphasizes non-sectarian governance, while also expressing concern over the ongoing violence against minority groups in the region.
In summary, Turkey’s military strikes on the PKK have continued despite the group’s unilateral ceasefire declaration, reflecting Ankara’s staunch position against what it categorizes as terrorism. The SDF’s integration into the Syrian army has garnered international attention, indicating significant geopolitical shifts in the region, particularly in the context of Turkish interests and U.S. support for Syrian governance. Overall, the dynamic between Turkey and Kurdish forces remains tense amidst these developments.
Original Source: www.intellinews.com
