Erdogan declares Türkiye and Syria can defeat terrorism without foreign aid

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has emphasized that Türkiye, together with its Syrian allies, has the capability to defeat terrorism without relying on foreign aid.

In a speech to lawmakers of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) in Ankara, Erdogan stated that all foreign involvement in Syria should cease, Caliber.Az reports via Turkish media.

"We have the strength and capability to resolve this issue," Erdogan said. "If the YPG does not lay down their arms, they will not be able to escape the coming fate. We, together with our Syrian brothers, will blow the heads off the IS and the PKK/YPG."

He further added, "All [outside powers] must remove their hands from the region. Türkiye is capable of crushing all terrorist organizations, including the PKK/YPG, alongside our Syrian brothers."

Erdogan also underscored Türkiye’s commitment to ensuring the safety of Kurds in Syria, asserting, "Türkiye is the security guarantee for the Kurds in Syria."

Earlier, Erdogan reflected on the heavy toll the PKK’s violent actions have taken on Turkish society. "Since the PKK's first bloody attack in 1984, 7,500 members of Türkiye’s security forces and 6,800 civilians have been killed by the organization," he stated.

The PKK is designated as a terrorist organization by both the United States and the European Union. Despite efforts by Ankara to resolve the situation, the PKK has resumed armed attacks since July 2015.

Erdogan’s comments also highlighted the PKK’s attempt to distance itself from its violent actions by using various names for its offshoots, such as PYD and YPG in Syria, and PJAK in Iran. These groups continue to operate under different identities while pursuing similar violent agendas.

Türkiye has repeatedly asked its NATO ally the United States to halt support for the YPG, and has said the new administration in Syria had offered to take over the management of the prisons.

Syria's de-facto ruler Ahmed al-Sharaa has also said the YPG would be integrated into the new national army.

By Tamilla Hasanova