Türkiye readies border troops for possible PKK/YPG crackdown in Syria, Iraq Last warning issued

Türkiye has put border troops on high alert for possible military action against the Kurdish terrorist organisation PKK in Syria and Iraq.

Ankara, which demands that the new Syrian administration take the necessary steps against the terrorist organization, continues its preparations for all scenarios and is ready for the elimination of the terrorist organisation PKK in both Iraq and Syria, Caliber.Az reports, referencing Turkish media.

Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan emphasized that they had given the last warning to the terrorist organization PKK/YPG in Syria, saying that the PKK/YPG must vacate the region, or Türkiye will resort to military action.

Fidan pointed out that preparations have been made to address all potential scenarios, including a possible offensive in both Iraq and Syria. He said Türkiye is waiting to see if they comply with the condition: if they want to avoid military action, the PKK leadership must leave Syria.

Notably, Türkiye has been actively engaging with Syria’s transitional government, led by Ahmed al-Sharaa, to push for the expulsion of non-Syrian PKK/YPG members and the disarmament of Syrian YPG elements.

As part of a phased plan, foreign terrorists, including those from Türkiye, Iraq, Iran, and Europe, are to leave Syria, followed by Syrian PKK/YPG commanders. Additionally, Syrian citizens involved with the group are expected to lay down their arms as part of the transition.

While Ankara is aiming for a peaceful resolution, it has made it clear that it is prepared to take military action if its demands are not met. Recently, Turkish Defense Minister Yaşar Güler inspected the Turkish military's readiness on the Syrian border, and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan reiterated that developments in Syria should not destabilize the region further.

Türkiye is also addressing the US’s involvement with the PKK/YPG in its fight against ISIS. Ankara has strongly objected to the PKK/YPG's role in managing ISIS detainees, asserting that Turkish forces could take control of the ISIS prisoners if necessary.

Meanwhile, the Syrian National Army (SNA) has reinforced its positions along the front lines against the PKK/YPG in regions such as Ayn al-Arab and Ayn Issa, areas liberated by Türkiye in 2019.

By Khagan Isayev