Syrian defence minister vows to eradicate PKK factions in eastern regions

The Syrian Ministry of Defence has pledged to eliminate all PKK factions in the country's eastern regions, as stated by Hassan al-Hamada, the Defence Minister in the Syrian interim government.

Al-Hamada stated that there is widespread public demand across Syria's eastern provinces for the expulsion of the PKK, calling the group a "terrorist" organization, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.

He emphasized that "A free Syria will not be safe until we destroy the separatist projects of these people," underlining the government's commitment to eliminating what it views as a significant threat to national security.

This announcement follows remarks by Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, who described the dismantling of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF)—which Türkiye considers a PKK offshoot—as a strategic goal for Ankara. Türkiye has long sought to secure a 600-kilometre stretch of its border with Syria by creating a "safe zone" in northern Syria, aiming to reduce terrorist threats emanating from the region.

The situation has been further complicated by the ongoing conflict. In late November, armed opposition groups launched a large-scale assault on Syrian army positions, culminating in their entry into Damascus on 8 December. Just days later, President Bashar al-Assad fled the country after announcing his resignation.

On December 10, Mohammad al-Bashir, leader of the Salvation Government in Syria's Idlib province, was appointed head of a new transitional cabinet. This interim government is set to remain in power until March 2025.

By Aghakazim Guliyev