Erdogan: Syria’s separatists seek new patrons after Damascus liberation

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan declared on January 10 that “separatist terrorists” in Syria are now “increasingly cornered” after the Syrian opposition succeeded in liberating Damascus.

“With the liberation of Damascus by the Syrian opposition, separatist terrorists are increasingly cornered, and they are looking for new patrons,” Erdogan stated speaking at a meeting of his Justice and Development Party in Aydin province, Caliber.Az reports, citing Turkish media.

He further criticized their attempts to find support, stating, “They are trying to appeal to those who do not want stability in our region, winking at imperialist powers that thrive on blood and tears.” He added, “But no matter what they do, it is futile and pointless.”

Erdogan emphasized that the terrorists’ hostility toward both Türkiye and Syria offers them no future. “The more they chase separatist ambitions, the closer they come to a bitter end,” he said. “Unless they face the new realities on the ground, their time will grow even shorter.”

He warned that depending on foreign powers would be fruitless, saying, “Leaning on foreign power centres will yield no results — and never will.” Erdogan gave the terrorists an ultimatum: “They have two options: renounce terrorism and lay down their arms, or face inevitable elimination.”

The Turkish president expressed hope for a peaceful resolution, saying, “Our hope is for our region to be freed from the scourge of terrorism without further bloodshed or destruction.” He underscored the importance of peace, development, and stability in the region, which has long been marred by conflict. “Steps taken both in the Syrian revolution and our domestic politics have created an opportunity to bring Türkiye closer to this goal in a shorter time,” he explained. “We wholeheartedly aspire to leave our children a more peaceful, safer country and region where brotherhood reigns supreme.”

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, who had ruled the country for nearly 25 years, fled to Russia after anti-regime forces took control of Damascus on December 8, 2024. The fall of the capital marked the end of the Baath Party's decades-long regime. The takeover followed a rapid offensive by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham fighters, which captured key cities in less than two weeks.

A new administration, led by Ahmed al-Sharaa, has now assumed control of Syria.

By Tamilla Hasanova