🔴Uncertainty grows as tensions rise in northern Syria
📌As TurkishForeign Minister Fidan labels the YPG an “essential threat”, Kurdish leaders call for global solidarity, and US lawmakers debate sanctions on Turkey. The question remains: will diplomacy avert further… pic.twitter.com/7nHsyShJnv
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Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has rejected US President-elect Donald Trump’s claim that Ankara has orchestrated an ‘unfriendly takeover’ in Syria, insisting that recent changes in the region reflect the will of the Syrian people rather than Turkish dominance. Speaking to Al Jazeera on Wednesday, Fidan rejected the notion of Turkey as a ruling power in Syria, portraying its involvement as supportive and cooperative.
“For the Syrian people, it is not a takeover. If there is a takeover, it is the will of the Syrian people which is taking over now,” Fidan said. He went on to say, “Our solidarity with the Syrian people shouldn’t be characterised as ruling Syria. I think that would be wrong.”
Fidan’s rejection of the “takeover” narrative reflects Ankara’s efforts to present itself as aligned with regional cooperation. At the same time, he described the YPG, the backbone of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), as an “essential threat” to Turkish security:
“The PKK’s extension in Syria, the YPG, has been an essential threat to Türkiye,” Fidan stated. He criticised Western allies for overlooking this link, adding, “Unfortunately, our Western friends turn a blind eye to the fact that the YPG is an extension of the PKK,” while urging Washington to end its military support for the group.
Fidan also called on the new Syrian government in Damascus to take responsibility for dealing with Kurdish forces on its territory. “There is a new administration in Damascus now. I think this is their primary concern now. So I think if they address this issue properly, there would be no reason for us to intervene,” he added.
Fidan’s remarks come amid escalating tensions over the possibility of a Turkish military operation in northern Syria, particularly targeting Kurdish-held areas such as Kobani (Kobanê). Turkey has increased its military presence along the border, with reports of troop build-ups and artillery deployments near key locations like the Qara Qozaq Bridge and Tishreen Dam.
Kurdish leaders have raised alarms over these developments. Mazloum Abdi, the commander of the SDF, proposed the establishment of a demilitarised zone in Kobani under US supervision to address Turkish security concerns and reduce tensions. Separately, Ilham Ahmed, a senior Kurdish official, warned in a letter to Trump of potentially catastrophic consequences for civilians if Turkey proceeds with an invasion.
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The SDF has accused Turkey of seeking to destabilise the region for geopolitical gain. “The Turkish state sees attacking these areas as revenge for ISIS’s defeat,” the group claimed in a recent statement, drawing parallels between Turkey’s current actions and its alleged tacit support for ISIS in the past.
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US lawmakers have also weighed in on the situation. Senators Lindsey Graham and Chris Van Hollen announced plans to introduce sanctions legislation if Turkey refuses to renew the 2019 ceasefire with the SDF. “The ceasefire has saved lives and ensured the SDF can continue its vital efforts in our fight against ISIS,” they said in a joint statement, warning that Turkey’s actions threaten regional stability and counterterrorism efforts.
Most recently, Senator John Kennedy issued a scathing critique of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, saying “Leave the Kurds alone”. “President Erdoğan: You hate the Kurds, but leave them alone… Kurds are a distinctive people and they are the friends of America… Our intelligence says Erdoğan is trying to invade Syria. Don’t do it… If you harm a hair on their head, I will ask this Congress to do something, and the sanctions will not help you… Leave the Kurds alone!” Kennedy said.
With Kurdish leaders urging global solidarity and the US attempting to mediate, the situation remains highly volatile, threatening to plunge northern Syria into deeper instability.
