Syria demands unconditional surrender from Kurdish militants, rejects negotiation offer

The Syrian government has issued an ultimatum to the Kurdish militant group PKK/YPG, operating in the northern region of the country, demanding they lay down their weapons unconditionally.

The demand follows a meeting between representatives of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), a US-backed Kurdish militia affiliated with the PKK/YPG, and officials from the newly established Syrian government in Damascus, Caliber.Az reports, citing Hürriyet.

According to reports, the PKK/YPG proposed creating an army corps or division within the new Syrian military in exchange for surrendering their arms, along with a proposal to divide the northern oil fields equally. However, the Syrian government rejected the offer outright, insisting that the PKK/YPG must disarm without any conditions.

The PKK/YPG has reportedly sought Russian intervention to broker reconciliation with Türkiye, while also attempting to establish ties with Israel and persuade the United States to maintain its presence in the region. Despite these efforts, the group has yet to achieve its goals, and remains resolute in its stance.

In response to the PKK/YPG's refusal to comply, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan issued a stern warning, stating that separatist militants would either "bury their weapons" or "be buried with them in Syrian soil." He added, "If the PKK/YPG do not surrender their weapons, a military solution will be on the table."

To recall, on January 5, Turkish President Tayyip Erdoğan declared that Syria's new leadership is determined to eliminate separatist groups operating within the country. His statement followed Ankara's announcement that its military had "neutralized" 32 members of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) in northern Syria.

Erdoğan emphasized that the Syrian government's recent revolution had crushed the hopes of separatist organizations and that the new administration is resolute in defending Syria's territorial integrity.

The Turkish Defence Ministry also confirmed the neutralization of four PKK members in northern Iraq.

By Aghakazim Guliyev