Turkey dismisses unwarranted accusations in the US 2024 Human Rights Report
In a written statement, Turkey's Foreign Ministry has dismissed the claims made in the 2024 U.S. State Department's Human Rights Report, labelling them as "far from reality." The report allegedly contains unfounded accusations about Turkey's counterterrorism operations and human rights practices.
Amidst this, Turkey has been assertive in its stance regarding potential military operations against the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), a group it perceives as closely linked to the PKK, a designated terrorist group by Ankara. The Turkish government has criticized the SDF for failing to integrate into the Syrian state and engaging in actions perceived as divisive and threatening Syria's unity.
Recently, on August 13, 2025, Turkey and Syria signed a significant military cooperation agreement. This strategic partnership aims to strengthen Syria’s defense capabilities and foster regional stability, including joint military training, advisory support, and the provision of weapons systems and logistical support to Syria's armed forces. The agreement also signals Turkey’s commitment to support Syria’s counterterrorism efforts, indirectly targeting the SDF by bolstering the Syrian state’s capacity to reintegrate Kurdish-held territories.
Turkey's Defense Ministry spokesperson, Rear Adm. Zeki Aktürk, has condemned the SDF’s refusal to comply with integration terms and accused it of undermining peace efforts. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has urged the SDF to stop “playing for time” and adhere to integration, warning of Turkey’s military readiness to act against any group threatening Syria's territorial integrity.
However, Turkey positions itself as a model for migration management, hosting millions of refugees for years. Its migration policy is based on human dignity and a comprehensive, sustainable global approach. The Foreign Ministry has expressed particular concern about the inclusion of allegations it attributes to the Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO), responsible for the 2016 coup attempt.
The Foreign Ministry statement asserts that Turkey fights terrorism within the rule of law while respecting fundamental rights and freedoms. The operations of Turkey in Syria are defended as legitimate self-defense measures, conducted with careful consideration for civilians and infrastructure. Turkey has been successfully combating all forms and manifestations of terrorism within the framework of the rule of law and fundamental rights and freedoms.
In summary, Turkey is deepening military cooperation with the Syrian government as part of a broader strategy to diminish the SDF’s influence. While no immediate large-scale Turkish operation has been explicitly announced in these latest reports, Ankara has conveyed clear warnings that military action against the SDF remains on the table if the group continues to breach agreements and threaten Turkey’s security interests.
- Turkey's stance towards the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) remains firm, as Ankara perceives them as closely linked to the PKK, a designated terrorist group by Ankara.
- In a recent development, Turkey and Syria signed a military cooperation agreement on August 13, 2025, aiming to strengthen Syria’s defense capabilities and foster regional stability.
- Turkey's Foreign Ministry has criticized the inclusion of allegations about Turkey's operations and human rights practices in the 2024 U.S. State Department's Human Rights Report, labelling them as "far from reality."
- Despite Turkey's assertiveness in Syria, it positions itself as a model for migration management, hosting millions of refugees for years, based on human dignity and a comprehensive, sustainable global approach.
