Turkey calls for YPG to merge with Syrian forces, dismisses YPG as 'Israel's proxy'
In recent developments, Turkey and Syria have accused Israel of destabilizing Syria by supporting the YPG, a Kurdish militia group that Turkey views as a terrorist organization. The claims suggest that Israel's backing of the YPG is an attempt to undermine Syria's unity and security, particularly during a delicate phase of post-war recovery and normalization efforts.
The YPG, also known as the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), has been in conflict with Syrian government forces, particularly around Aleppo. These confrontations stem from the YPG's reluctance to integrate into the Syrian national army, despite agreements aimed at unifying armed groups for Syria's stabilization. Both Turkey and Syria hold that Israel is encouraging the YPG to resist integration, thereby fueling ongoing instability.
The situation in the Syrian province of Suwayda, involving violence among Druze, Bedouin tribes, and government forces, is also cited by Turkey and Syria as being exacerbated by Israeli interference. Last month, violence in Sweida was a point of contention, with both Foreign Ministers Hakan Fidan of Turkey and Asaad al-Shibani of Syria accusing Israel of trying to destabilize Syria through support to Druze and other groups.
These developments reflect broader regional tensions, with Turkey, Syria, and Israel holding very different perspectives on Syria’s post-war future and security arrangements. In a joint press conference after talks between the YPG, Syria's Foreign Minister, and Turkey's Foreign Minister, Fidan called on the YPG to take actions in a way that will not pose a threat to Turkey and to the territorial integrity of Syria.
Fidan also accused Israel of trying to include Syria in its expansionist policies, while Shibani suggested that there are countries who wish to see Syria fragmented. Tuřkiye has urged the YPG to stop using delay tactics and integrate with the national Syrian army. The minister stated that YPG members coming from Turkey, Iraq, Iran, and Europe have not yet left Syria, adding to the concerns of regional instability.
Despite the escalating tensions, Fidan underlined that all countries should support the new administration's efforts to build a country where all ethnic and religious groups will be granted equal rights. Shibani, on the other hand, emphasized the importance of Sweida for Syria's history and the Druze as part of the Syrian nation with no intention to exclude them.
The increase in bilateral diplomatic traffic is due to clashes between the YPG and the Syrian army in some parts of the country, mainly around Aleppo. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how these tensions will impact the future of Syria and the broader region.
- In relation to the escalating tensions, Turkey's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has emphasized the need for the Syrian Democratic Forces (YPG) to not pose a threat to Turkey and maintain Syria's territorial integrity, as war-and-conflicts continue to persist in Syria.
- touches on politics and policy-and-legislation, as both Turkey and Syria accuse Israel of trying to destabilize Syria through support to various groups, fueling general-news of instability in Syria and the broader region, with Turkey and Syria urging the YPG to integrate with the national Syrian army.
