Turkey rejects plans for direct military action against SDF, according to a news report
In the ongoing conflict in Syria, relations between the Syrian government and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) remain strained. As a 30-day deadline approaches for the SDF to comply with an integration agreement signed with the Syrian government in March, clashes between the two sides have intensified, causing further damage to Syria's political unity.
According to Middle East Eye, Syria and Turkey have recently signed a defense cooperation agreement, aiming to stabilize Syria and rebuild its defense capabilities. Turkey seeks to strengthen the Syrian military by providing weapons, training, and logistical support, positioning itself as a key regional actor in Syria’s reconstruction while countering separatist Kurdish movements near its border.
The SDF, backed by the United States, has been non-compliant with the integration deal, prompting Turkey to issue an ultimatum. Turkish Foreign Minister, Hakan Fidan, urged the YPG to honor their agreement to integrate with the central government of Syria. Fidan warned that Ankara was aware of the SDF's activities and accused them of seeking Israeli assistance to maintain control over Arab-majority areas by force and to preserve ties to the PKK.
The ongoing clashes between the SDF and Syrian government forces since early August have resulted in casualties and increased tensions. In response, the Syrian government cancelled talks with the SDF in Paris, further straining relations. Turkey has threatened military action against the SDF if they fail to integrate as per the agreement.
The Syrian Foreign Minister, Al-Shaibani, visited Ankara accompanied by the Syrian defense minister and intelligence chief to discuss security challenges in northern Syria and the situation in Sweida. Al-Shaibani criticized a recent conference held by the SDF in Hasakah, where representatives of various ethnic and religious minority groups called for autonomy. He stated that the representatives did not represent the Syrian people and warned that Damascus remained resolute in preserving Syria's territorial integrity.
Meanwhile, U.S. Special Envoy Tom Barrack has requested more time for diplomatic efforts and negotiations with the SDF. A regional source claims that U.S. officials warned the SDF that the international coalition might not be able to shield them if Damascus decides to launch a military offensive in the event the March 10 agreement is not upheld.
This complex geopolitical situation involves Turkey’s security concerns, Syria’s efforts to reassert sovereignty, and the unresolved status of Kurdish forces in northeast Syria. The Turkish foreign minister's remarks came after a meeting in Jordan by Al-Shaibani with U.S. Special Envoy Thomas Barrack, aiming to find a path forward that would accommodate both Syrian and Israeli concerns regarding the safety of the Druze community in Sweida.
References:
[1] Middle East Eye. (2025). Syria and Turkey sign defence cooperation agreement. [online] Available at: https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/syria-turkey-sign-defence-cooperation-agreement
[2] Al-Monitor. (2025). Turkey and Syria: A new military cooperation agreement. [online] Available at: https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2025/07/turkey-syria-new-military-cooperation-agreement.html
[4] Reuters. (2025). Syria cancels talks with SDF in Paris over French mediation. [online] Available at: https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/syria-cancels-talks-sdf-paris-over-french-mediation-2025-08-05/
[5] Anadolu Agency. (2025). Turkey threatens military action against SDF if it does not comply with agreement. [online] Available at: https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/turkey-threatens-military-action-against-sdf-if-it-does-not-comply-with-agreement/2203459
- The strained relationship between the Syrian government and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) continues, as the deadline for SDF compliance with an integration agreement looms.
- In a recent move, Syria and Turkey signed a defense cooperation agreement, with the aim of stabilizing Syria and improving its defense capabilities.
- Turkey, with its support, seeks to bolster the Syrian military, positioning itself as a key player in Syria’s reconstruction and countering separatist Kurdish movements near the border.
- The SDF, backed by the United States, has been non-compliant with the integration deal, leading Turkey to issue an ultimatum and accuse the SDF of seeking Israeli assistance.
- Ongoing clashes between the SDF and Syrian government forces have intensified, resulting in casualties and increased political tensions.
- Syrian Foreign Minister Al-Shaibani recently visited Ankara to discuss security challenges in northern Syria and the situation in Sweida, criticizing a recent SDF conference for advocating autonomy for ethnic and religious minority groups.
- Amid these complex regional geopolitical issues, the Turkish foreign minister met with U.S. Special Envoy Thomas Barrack in Jordan, aiming to find a solution that addresses both Syrian and Israeli concerns regarding the safety of the Druze community in Sweida.
