Türkiye reaffirms demands for YPG disbandment despite SDF-Damascus agreement

Türkiye has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to counterterrorism efforts in Syria, despite the recent agreement between the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and Damascus.

Speaking at a weekly briefing, Zeki Aktürk, the spokesperson for Türkiye’s Ministry of National Defense, emphasized that Ankara’s position remains firm, with no change in its expectations regarding the disbandment and disarmament of the YPG militia, Caliber.Az reports citing the ministry's X page.

Millî Savunma Bakanlığı Haftalık Basın Bilgilendirme Toplantısı, Atatürk’ün Kara Harp Okuluna girişinin 126’ncı yıl dönümü dolayısıyla Kara Harp Okulunda gerçekleştirildi. Basın ve Halkla İlişkiler Müşaviri ve Bakanlık Sözcüsü Tuğamiral Zeki Aktürk, terörle mücadele başta olmak… pic.twitter.com/OJK8nuXjD1

— T.C. Millî Savunma Bakanlığı (@tcsavunma) March 13, 2025

Aktürk stated that while Türkiye will closely monitor the implementation of the agreement and its real-world outcomes, the country’s priorities in Syria remain intact. “We will see how the agreement is carried out and what its practical consequences will be. We will monitor whether the results are positive or negative,” he said.

He stressed that Türkiye’s resolve in combating terrorism in Syria remains steadfast. “There are no changes in our expectations regarding the cessation of terrorist activities, the disarmament of terrorists, and the expulsion of foreign terrorists from Syria. Our commitment to ensuring the territorial and political integrity of Syria remains unchanged,” Aktürk explained.

In addition, Aktürk announced that Türkiye’s newly appointed military attaché in Syria will meet with Syrian Defense Minister, and a high-level military delegation from Türkiye is scheduled to visit Syria in the coming days. This move underscores Türkiye's continued focus on strengthening military ties and pursuing its objectives in the region.

By Khagan Isayev