YPG's Role in Syria and Turkey's Response
Syria's YPG Group Acting as Disruptive Force, Says Foreign Minister Fidan
In the ongoing political landscape of Syria, the YPG, the Syrian branch of the PKK, has been a prominent force, holding significant territories and playing a key role in the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). Recently, negotiations between the YPG and the Syrian government have been underway, particularly following a March agreement aimed at integrating the SDF into the Syrian state and transferring control of border crossings, airports, and oil fields to the central government by the end of the year [1][2].
However, the integration process has faced obstacles, primarily due to disagreements over how the YPG would be absorbed into the Syrian army. The YPG has demanded to maintain its structure, while the Syrian government has insisted on individual integration [1][2].
Turkey, which considers the PKK a terrorist organization, has expressed concerns about the YPG's presence in Syria. During a recent joint press conference in Ankara between Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and his Syrian counterpart Asaad al-Shibani, Turkey emphasized its concerns about the YPG's role in Syria. Fidan urged the YPG to stop delaying integration and abide by the agreement, highlighting Turkey's security concerns [4].
Turkey seeks a unified Syria without terrorist elements and has been pressing the YPG to comply with the integration agreement [4]. The country continues to call for the YPG to integrate into the Syrian state apparatus, warning against any actions that could undermine Syria's sovereignty or stability [5].
Fidan also revealed that members of terrorist organizations from various countries, including Turkey, Iraq, Iran, and Europe, have not left Syria despite agreements and ongoing processes [3].
Furthermore, Fidan stressed the need for international support for Syria's new administration and noted that regional conditions force countries to work together and continue close cooperation [6]. He also stated that Syria is one leg of Israel's expansionist policies in the region and advised the Israeli administration that their security does not come from chaos in neighboring countries but from being in a prosperous, stable process [7].
Meanwhile, the Syrian Foreign Minister Shaibani acknowledged the challenges, stating that there are those who want Syria divided. He also confirmed that the Syrian government shares the view of building an inclusive Syria that represents all communities [8].
In other news, a cargo ship is suspected of hitting a missing Turkish businessman's yacht near Marmara Island, and the Portuguese Fenerbahce defender has praised fans after a 5-2 Champions League qualifying win [9][10]. Additionally, a fire at the Cordoba Mosque-Cathedral is estimated to cost over $1M in repairs, and the Perseid meteor shower is expected to light up Turkey's night skies in August 2025 [11][12].
- The Syrian government, in negotiations with the YPG, is aiming to integrate the SDF, but disputes over the YPG's structure within the Syrian army persist [1][2].
- Turkey, wary of the YPG's activities in Syria, has repeatedly emphasized its concerns about the YPG's role and called for compliance with the integration agreement [4].
- The Turkish Foreign Minister, Hakan Fidan, recently mentioned the continued presence of terrorists from various countries, including Turkey, in Syria [3].
- The Turkish government advocates a unified Syria, free of terrorist elements, and urges the YPG to integrate into the Syrian state apparatus to uphold Syria's sovereignty [4].
- Fidan also underscored the importance of international support for Syria's new administration and highlighted the need for regional cooperation in achieving stability and countering expansionist policies [6].
