Turkish leader vows to prevent terrorists from finding refuge in Syria

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said that Türkiye will not allow terrorist organisations to take shelter in northern Syria and will not hesitate to take action in that regard.

The new Syrian administration under Ahmed al-Sharaa appears to be determined to fight those terrorist organisations, Erdogan told journalists on his return flight from a trip to Malaysia, Indonesia and Pakistan, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media. 

Erdogan added that he discussed steps to be taken against those organisations during his meeting with Sharaa in Ankara earlier this month.

Earlier, the Turkish leader said that Türkiye will not allow the dismemberment of neighbouring Syria and is prepared to act swiftly to prevent such developments.

"We will not permit the disintegration of Syria or any violation of its unitary structure. If we perceive a risk in this regard, we will promptly take the necessary measures," the president warned.

In a recent development, President Erdoğan issued a stark ultimatum to terrorists and separatists, declaring they must surrender their weapons or face death.

Speaking in Samsun, Erdoğan said Türkiye’s patience with terrorism had run out, specifically targeting the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) and affiliated groups.

“These separatist murderers will either bury their weapons or be buried with them,” he stated.

The PKK, which has waged an insurgency since 1984, is accused of causing over 40,000 deaths. Erdoğan vowed to end the era of violence, emphasising Türkiye’s unity and determination to eliminate terrorism.

By Naila Huseynova