Türkiye’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has warned of a potential military operation in northeastern Syria if the Kurdish YPG militia fails to meet Ankara’s security demands. The announcement comes amid rising tensions over Syria’s political transition following last month’s ousting of former President Bashar al-Assad.
What’s at Stake?
Türkiye views the YPG—a key U.S. ally in the fight against Islamic State—as an extension of banned Kurdish militant groups waging a long-standing insurgency on Turkish soil. “If demands aren’t met, we’ll do what’s necessary,” Fidan told CNN Turk, hinting at cross-border action.
Key Demands 🔑
Disband the YPG in Syrian territory
Repatriate foreign fighters linked to the group
Hand over YPG leadership to authorities
The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), led by the YPG, previously spearheaded the defeat of Islamic State but now face pressure from both Türkiye and Syria’s new leadership. Ankara has also proposed taking control of ISIS prison camps managed by the SDF, warning it will act if Damascus can’t secure them.
Why Now? ⏳
With Syria in transition, Türkiye is pushing its agenda hard. President Erdogan has greenlit military options if diplomacy fails, while Fidan emphasizes the new Syrian administration must “address this threat.” Türkiye already controls parts of northern Syria after past operations.
As global powers watch, the situation threatens to reignite one of the world’s most volatile flashpoints. Stay tuned for updates.
