Turkish Defence Minister Yaşar Güler has described the planned military incursion into Iraqi Kurdistan as a counterterrorism operation, despite widespread concerns over its underlying motives.
Speaking to CNN Türk on Friday, Güler addressed several aspects of Turkey’s military strategy in the region, from its impending operation in northern Iraq to its ongoing occupation in northern Syria and the potential acquisition of Eurofighter jets. The exclusive interview, conducted on the pro-government channel, served as a platform for reiterating Turkish official rhetoric and several talking points that have steered the country’s increasingly assertive foreign policy under Erdoğan’s Justice and Development Party (AKP).
Minister Güler outlined that the Turkish military’s strategy in Iraq is shifting, suggesting a permanent military occupation similar to northern Syria. He explained that Turkey has transitioned from intermittent raids against the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) to sustained operations. “We have decided to root out this terror at its source, ending our periodic operations in favour of continuous ones,” Güler stated.
Concerning the Turkish military’s presence in northern Syria, Güler defended its role, claiming it has curtailed attacks on Turkish territory. However, both the Kurdish-led autonomous administration and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) categorically denied involvement in said attacks into Turkish soil. Many attacks referred to by the Defence Minister remain unresolved, or the attribution to Kurdish forces did not hold water, leading to speculation of Turkish false flag operations.
In a notable scandal in recent Turkish history, an audio recording leaked in 2014 exposed a discussion between high-ranking Turkish officials, including Hakan Fidan, then-head of the National Intelligence Organisation, and Yaşar Güler, then-Deputy Chief of the General Staff, who are now ministers in the current government. The recording revealed that they discussed potential provocations that could be used to justify a military intervention in Syria. This included suggestions of orchestrating missile attacks from Syria to create a pretext for war.
Güler also reiterated Turkish threats against the Iraqi-Kurdish Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), accusing them of supporting the PKK and exacerbating tensions. “If you want to live in peace, you need to cleanse yourselves of this terrorist organisation,” he said.
Güler criticised the United States’ cooperation with Kurdish forces against ISIS. “If their aim is to fight ISIS, then the Turkish armed forces have been the most effective at this, not the forces they support,” he claimed, overlooking the significant role that the Kurdish forces, including the SDF and the Peoples’ Defence Forces (YPG), have played in effectively combating ISIS, as recognised by the international community. On the contrary, there have been numerous allegations, especially in the early years of the Syrian conflict, that Turkey indirectly supported foreign fighters who later joined ISIS, significantly contributing to the group’s rise.
On Syria, Güler extended his commentary beyond defence and security, touching upon political expectations: “We have expectations from the Syrian regime—they must accept a new constitution, conduct free elections, and the elected government will be respected by us. Eventually, if necessary, we will withdraw, allowing the regime to secure its territory.” However, this assertion stands in stark contrast to criticisms within Turkey itself. Özgür Özel, leader of the main opposition in Turkey, has just recently criticised the Turkish government for not upholding its own constitution. Furthermore, amidst concerns about a backslide in the rule of law in Turkey, Güler’s conditions for Syria highlight a paradox, particularly as Turkey does not unequivocally guarantee that it will retract its military presence even if these conditions are met in Syria.
While acknowledging some sticking points with their German counterparts regarding Turkey’s intentions to acquire Eurofighter jets, Güler expressed confidence that these issues would soon be resolved, suggesting that the negotiations may be nearing a favourable conclusion for Turkey.
