Türkiye to keep fighting terrorism in Syria, Erdogan tells Blinken

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan emphasized Türkiye’s commitment to preserving Syria's territorial integrity, unity, and unitary structure during his meeting with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Ankara on December 12, according to a statement from the Turkish Communications Directorate.

The meeting covered bilateral ties, developments in Syria, and broader regional and global issues, Caliber.Az reports via Turkish media.

Erdogan highlighted Türkiye’s intent to take "preventive measures" to safeguard its national security against "all terrorist organizations such as the PKK/PYD/YPG and Daesh/ISIS operating in Syria."

He reiterated that Türkiye, described as the only NATO member engaged in direct combat with Daesh/ISIS, is determined to "prevent the PKK terror group and its affiliates from taking advantage of the situation" and ensure there are "no setbacks" in the fight against Daesh/ISIS.

The Turkish President also called on the international community to collaborate on the "revival and reconstruction of institutions in Syria." He stated that efforts to strengthen Türkiye-US relations would persist in the upcoming period.

According to the US State Department, the discussions included "strong" US-Turkish regional cooperation and support for a "Syrian-led and Syrian-owned" political transition towards an "accountable and inclusive government."

Blinken stressed the importance of respecting human rights, upholding international humanitarian law, and protecting civilians, including minorities in Syria. He also underlined the need to facilitate humanitarian aid and emphasized continued protection for displaced Syrians. Additionally, Blinken noted the coalition’s mission to defeat ISIS must remain a priority.

The two leaders also addressed the "urgent need" for a Gaza cease-fire, a hostage exchange, and enhanced humanitarian aid for Palestinian civilians.

The talks came shortly after anti-regime forces captured Damascus on December 8, following a rapid offensive that led to Bashar al-Assad fleeing to Russia, ending a 13-year civil war and 53 years of Assad family rule.

Syria policy has been a contentious issue in Türkiye-US relations. Ankara opposes US backing for the YPG, citing its ties to the PKK, which has conducted a 40-year terror campaign against Türkiye, causing over 40,000 deaths, including women and children, according to official data. While the US views the YPG – also known as the SDF – as a crucial ally against Daesh/ISIS in Syria, it does not classify the YPG as a terrorist organization, though it does label the PKK as such.

By Khagan Isayev