Türkiye vows to continue operations in Syria to combat terrorist groups VIDEO

The Turkish Ministry of National Defence has confirmed that the Armed Forces of Türkiye will persist with their cross-border operations in Syria, emphasizing that such actions will continue as long as terrorist groups fail to disarm.

In a statement posted on its official page on social media platform X, the ministry reaffirmed Türkiye's commitment to respecting Syria's territorial integrity while combating threats posed by terrorist organizations, Caliber.Az reports.

Suriye'nin savunma ve güvenlik kapasitesinin güçlendirilmesine yönelik hazırlıklara devam edeceğimizi, bölgede hiçbir terör oluşumuna ve hiçbir oldubittiye asla izin vermeyeceğimizi bir kez daha vurguluyoruz.#MillîSavunmaBakanlığı pic.twitter.com/DvgbPNWHz1

— T.C. Millî Savunma Bakanlığı (@tcsavunma) January 9, 2025

The Defence Ministry also condemned the use of civilians as human shields by groups such as the PKK/YPG/SDF, citing their relocation of civilians to the Tishrin Dam area as a severe violation of human rights.

The statement highlighted Türkiye's determination to prevent these groups from utilizing strategic sites, including the Tishrin Dam, to destabilize the region. The Turkish Armed Forces are resolute in their efforts to safeguard regional security and counter the activities of organizations that threaten peace and stability. The Defence Ministry underscored that the operations are part of broader efforts to ensure the security of both Türkiye and Syria.

Earlier, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan noted that during the rule of the Ba'ath regime, terrorist organizations, taking advantage of the power vacuum, seized control over parts of the country. These groups threaten Syria's unity and territorial integrity, which Türkiye deems unacceptable.

Fidan stated that in response, necessary measures would be taken against the YPG terrorist group.

“The necessary action is a military operation. They have seized foreign territories and oil-rich regions,” Fidan clarified.

He further added, “Now, there is a new master in Damascus. If the PKK/YPG acts against the new administration, the steps that must be taken are clear. The new Syrian administration must take the necessary measures against the PKK/YPG to ensure the regional and national integrity of the country. An ultimatum has been presented: foreign mercenaries must leave Syria, and the remaining militants must lay down their arms and cooperate with Damascus.”

According to Fidan, Damascus has communicated this position to the leaders of these organizations. He also made it clear that in the event of a threat from ISIS or other terrorist groups, Ankara is prepared to take responsibility for neutralizing them.

By Vafa Guliyeva