Turkey Affirms Dedication to Dismantling All PKK Infrastructures: AK Party Spokesperson's Announcement
In a series of recent statements, Turkey's Justice and Development Party (AK Party) spokesman, Omer Celik, has outlined the party's position on the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) and its affiliates, the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), and Syria.
Celik revealed that Turkey is focusing on the complete dissolution of the PKK terrorist organization and its affiliates, following the PKK's official announcement in May 2025 to dissolve, as called for by its imprisoned leader Abdullah Öcalan to end armed conflict. This dissolution is seen as a critical milestone toward achieving a terror-free Turkey and region.
Regarding the SDF, Celik considers the SDF an extension or affiliate of the PKK and thus a terrorist group posing a threat to Turkey's national security. Turkey has launched military operations such as "Operation Dawn of Freedom" to weaken the SDF and prevent Kurdish autonomy in post-Assad Syria.
The stance toward the Syrian government also aligns indirectly with Turkey's anti-SDF policy. The Syrian government, for its part, wants to reassert control and prevent Kurdish autonomist aspirations, creating a convergence of interests between Ankara and Damascus in opposing the SDF’s independent political ambitions.
Celik noted that the essential thing is for the agreement between the Syrian government and the SDF to be implemented as soon as possible. There is an action plan to be implemented within a year where armed groups would lay down their weapons on the condition that the Syrian army would be the only armed force.
However, when asked about recent attacks in Syria and the YPG's refusal to lay down arms, Celik stated that this poses an obstacle to the process. Celik also warned against attempts to open corridors from the Sweida region to areas controlled by the SDF, describing these as "imperialist and Zionist demands."
Celik warned against the SDF trying to camouflage their statements as 'local government models, autonomous models in Syria.' He emphasized that illegal structures associated with the PKK must also be dissolved alongside armed groups.
Celik also made it clear that they will not allow sabotage of Syria's territorial integrity and national sovereignty framework or efforts to undermine the terrorism-free Türkiye and terrorism-free region goals.
In addition, Celik stated that those who encourage Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Gaza occupation plans should be held accountable for genocide crimes. He praised countries that announced they would recognize Palestine in September.
Finally, Celik underlined that they are closely monitoring the Syria issue and are sensitive to steps that threaten Turkey's national security.
In summary, Turkey demands total disarmament and dissolution of the PKK, regards the SDF as a PKK affiliate and a terrorist threat, and shares an interest with the Syrian government in preventing Kurdish autonomy in Syria. Possibilities of future dialogue between Turkey and the SDF exist but remain uncertain and contingent on evolving regional dynamics.
- The Justice and Development Party (AK Party) spokesman, Omer Celik, has expressed Turkey's intent to focus on the complete dissolution of the PKK terrorist organization, as per Abdullah Öcalan's call in May 2025 for its dissolution.
- Celik considers the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) an extension or affiliate of the PKK, thus a terrorist group posing a threat to Turkey's national security.
- In Syria, Celik noted the importance of the agreement between the Syrian government and the SDF being implemented swiftly, with a planned year for the disarmament of armed groups on the condition that the Syrian army would be the only armed force.
- Celik warned against attempts to establish corridors from the Sweida region to areas controlled by the SDF, deeming these as "imperialist and Zionist demands."
- In the realm of general news and politics, Celik expressed Turkey's opposition to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Gaza occupation plans and urged accountability for genocide crimes.
- Celik stressed Turkey's vigilance over the Syria issue, being sensitive to steps that could potentially threaten Turkey's national security.
