Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan explicitly targeted the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in an interview with France24 on Friday, accusing them of threatening the security and sovereignty of Turkey. Fidan suggested that if Syria’s new government does not dismantle the SDF, Ankara will act decisively to address the issue.
Speaking to France 24, Fidan described the SDF as a ‘terrorist organisation’ linked to the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) and called for its immediate dissolution.
“This terrorist structure must be eliminated without hesitation,” Fidan said. “The new administration in Syria must take this matter seriously to preserve territorial integrity and sovereignty.”
He issued a stark warning that Turkey would take unilateral action if the Syrian administration failed to neutralise the SDF. “Turkey will not hesitate to protect its national security by any means necessary,” Fidan said, hinting at possible military intervention.
Fidan also acknowledged Turkey’s collaboration with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a group formerly linked to al-Qaeda, sparking controversy about Turkey’s regional strategy.
“HTS has provided intelligence support in counter-terrorism operations,” Fidan said. “While we recognise its complex history, the group’s cooperation has been valuable in targeting ISIS.”
Fidan further suggested that HTS might play a role in dismantling the SDF if the Syrian administration fails to act. “If the Syrian government cannot handle this matter, HTS or others may need to take responsibility. Turkey is ready to step in if needed,” he warned.
The comments raised concerns about Ankara’s openness to regional actors taking drastic measures against Kurdish forces.
Fidan confirmed plans to visit Damascus for talks with Syria’s new government, describing it as a pivotal step towards stabilising the region.
“I will visit Damascus soon to meet with the new leadership,” Fidan said, without providing specific dates.
He also criticised the US military presence in Syria, accusing Washington of prolonging instability on a pretext of combating ISIS.
“The US is using counterterrorism as a cover to exert influence,” he argued. “They are merely using one group of terrorists to guard another.”
Fidan highlighted Turkey’s desire for cooperation with the US but insisted on a shared approach to dismantling the SDF and securing ethnic communities.
“Turkey and the US must align to eliminate threats posed by the PKK / People’s Defence Units [YPG] and ensure stability for Kurds, Arabs and Turkmens,” he stated.
Fidan reaffirmed Turkey’s opposition to foreign military bases in Syria, including Russian bases, saying it was a matter for Syrians to decide.
As tensions rise, Fidan’s remarks highlight Ankara’s readiness to confront the SDF and the possibility that it will use regional partners like HTS to do so if diplomatic efforts falter.
