Türkiye stands firm on PKK/YPG disarmament amid Syrian gov't deal with SDF

Türkiye remains resolute in its stance on dismantling the PKK and its Syrian offshoot, the YPG, despite the recent agreement between the Syrian government and the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).

A Turkish official stated that Ankara's position has not changed following the announcement of the deal, Caliber.Az reports, citing Reuters.

An unnamed source emphasized that the agreement does not alter Türkiye’s demand for the self-dissolution and disarmament of the YPG, which leads the SDF. “Türkiye maintains its firm stance against the terrorist organization and expects it to be disbanded,” the source noted.

The official further indicated that Ankara is adopting a "cautiously optimistic" approach regarding the agreement and is keen to observe its implementation before drawing conclusions.

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa has reportedly struck a deal with the Syrian branch of the PKK/YPG/SDF, which includes a ceasefire and the integration of SDF forces into the Syrian army.

The agreement, signed by al-Sharaa and Ferhat Abdi Shahin, also known as "Mazloum Kobani," a wanted leader of the SDF, is considered a major breakthrough in efforts to consolidate government control over the country.

Currently, the SDF, the military arm of the YPG, holds control over nearly one-third of Syria, including the country's key oil and gas fields. The YPG has long operated under the SDF banner in an attempt to gain international legitimacy.

Under the deal, which is set to be implemented by the end of the year, all border crossings with Iraq and Türkiye in the northeast, as well as strategic airports and oil fields, will be placed under the control of the central government in Damascus.

While the agreement marks a significant shift in Syria’s internal dynamics, Türkiye continues to view the YPG as an existential security threat and insists on its complete dismantling. It remains to be seen how the deal’s execution will impact Ankara’s counterterrorism policies in the region.

By Khagan Isayev