Türkiye urges US to reevaluate support for PKK/YPG in Syria

Türkiye has called on the United States to reconsider its support for the PKK/YPG in Syria, referring to the Kurdish group as a "terrorist organization."

“We consistently remind our American counterparts to stop cooperating with these terrorist groups in Syria,” Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan emphasized, Caliber.Az reports citing Russian media.

Fidan also noted that discussions between Türkiye and the US on this issue have intensified. “Our consultations have become more frequent, and we see that the US is committed to holding more talks and consultations on this matter,” he added.

Since 2016, Türkiye has launched three military operations in northern Syria against Kurdish militias, which Ankara considers terrorist groups. These militias, which include the YPG, were allied with the United States in the fight against ISIS (which is recognized as a terrorist organization and banned in Russia). The Kurdish groups currently control parts of northeastern Syria, although their autonomy is not recognized by the Syrian government in Damascus.

Recently, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan suggested the possibility of a new Turkish operation in northern Syria to establish security zones along the border. Erdogan also mentioned plans to discuss with US President-elect Donald Trump the potential withdrawal of US troops from Syria.

In addition, Erdogan has taken steps in recent months to repair relations with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. However, Turkish officials have stated that Syria has not responded positively to this initiative. Meanwhile, Assad has reiterated that Damascus demands the withdrawal of Turkish forces from Syrian territory.

By Vafa Guliyeva