Erdogan Expects Withdrawal of Support for Kurds in Syria Post-Assad

Turkey expects foreign nations to stop backing Kurdish fighters in Syria after Assad’s potential removal. Erdogan deems the YPG, allied with the U.S., a terrorist group. Germany calls for Kurdish disarmament, while the U.S. navigates a transition for the SDF. Turkey voices commitment to a unified Syria, emphasizing threats posed by the PKK and Islamic State.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced Turkey’s expectation that foreign allies will retract their support for Kurdish fighters in Syria following the potential removal of Bashar al-Assad. His remarks emphasize Turkey’s position to isolate Kurdish forces that have collaborated with U.S. troops. Concurrently, Germany’s Foreign Minister suggested that Kurdish groups should disarm and incorporate within Syria’s national security framework.

Erdogan criticized the U.S.-supported YPG, stating it is akin to Islamic State and has no future in Syria. He asserted that external powers should cease supporting groups he categorizes as terrorists, notably the PKK, which has historical tensions with Turkey. In the aftermath of Assad’s regime, Erdogan expressed that collaborative ties with such entities would not continue.

The U.S. remains engaged in the region, with 2,000 troops supporting the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in their battles against ISIS; these forces, led by the YPG, were critical during the fight from 2014 to 2017. Meanwhile, Turkey has intensified military operations against the YPG, calling for an end to Western support for their efforts as hostilities increase in the aftermath of a ceasefire brokered by the U.S.

Erdogan conveyed a vision for a new Syria, emphasizing unity among diverse ethnic and religious communities. Central to this goal is the elimination of groups he views as existential threats to Syrian stability, outlining a clear agenda against the PKK and the Islamic State.

Following recent military actions, SDF commander Mazloum Abdi indicated that Kurdish fighters from abroad would depart if a truce were established with Turkey. He admitted external fighters had helped the SDF but confirmed their withdrawal under a peace agreement. Nevertheless, Turkey’s Defense Ministry reiterated its resolve to counter terrorist threats until complete disarmament occurs.

In summary, Turkey insists on the withdrawal of support for Kurdish groups in post-Assad Syria, framing them as terrorist organizations. Erdogan’s statements underscore a commitment to eradicating entities linked to the PKK and Islamic State. Concurrently, the U.S. and Germany recognize the necessity for a managed transition in the role of Kurdish forces within Syria’s national security, while maintaining ongoing military partnerships. The future dynamics in Syria will largely depend on these diplomatic engagements and the resolution of Kurdish representation within the broader framework of Syrian security.

Original Source: www.voanews.com