Turkey's Defense Ministry asserts that SDF assaults are undermining Syria's unity and territorial coherence.
In recent developments, Turkey and Syria have signed a military cooperation agreement aimed at stabilizing Syria and strengthening the Syrian government's defense capabilities, implicitly opposing the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), particularly those led by the YPG, which Turkey views as a terrorist extension of the PKK.
The Turkish Defense Ministry has criticized the SDF for not abiding by a March agreement and has warned of potential military operations if the SDF continues to undermine national unity. Intermittent clashes between the Syrian government forces and the SDF have been reported in Deir Hafir (east of Aleppo) and near Tishrin Dam, with both sides trading blame for the increase in violence.
Turkey's position includes efforts to pressure the SDF to integrate with the Syrian state rather than remain armed, but Kurdish officials have rejected calls to lay down arms, emphasizing ongoing threats from ISIL and the need for integration instead of disarmament.
Historically, Turkey has planned operations targeting the SDF-held areas near Manbij and Tal Rifaat, aiming to establish safe zones along its border. Although these plans date back to 2022, the recent military cooperation with Damascus strengthens Turkey's leverage in pressing against the SDF.
Meanwhile, international law requires that activities like cable or pipeline laying and scientific research on a country's continental shelf be coordinated in advance with the coastal state. However, the NAVWARN announcement published on August 5, 2025, for geophysical research by the Gibraltar-flagged FUGRO GAUSS vessel violated Turkey's continental shelf, as stated by Turkish sources. In response, air and naval units were deployed to the area to take appropriate measures. A counter-Navtex was released, and necessary warnings were issued.
In another matter, Turkey has expressed its support for the Syrian government's potential military actions against the SDF, indirectly, while refraining from direct intervention. Ongoing "tunnel destruction" operations in Syrian areas continue, with an 11-kilometer tunnel destroyed in the Manbij region last week. The total length of tunnels neutralized in Tel Rifaat and Manbij is now 528 kilometers.
The SDF has not acted in accordance with the agreement it signed with the Syrian government on March 10, as stated by Defense Ministry sources. The Turkish Defense Ministry has also criticized the SDF for not disarming and fulfilling the agreement, as required.
In the Eastern Mediterranean, a Navtex issued for cable laying work that also covers the Turkish continental shelf has been issued, according to Turkish sources. The vessel's activities are being closely monitored, and if any attempt is made to violate Turkey's continental shelf, necessary action will be taken on the ground.
In the ongoing conflict in Gaza, Turkey has condemned Israel's actions, using starvation as a weapon against the Gaza people. A cease-fire should be achieved immediately, and permanent peace should be established on the basis of a two-state solution, according to Turkish sources.
Lastly, the number of people caught while trying to illegally enter Turkey from January 1 to today has reached 4,496. Five more PKK terrorists surrendered in the past week, according to the Defense Ministry. Additionally, a total of 239 people were caught in the past week, seven of whom were terrorist organization members.
Sources: 1. Al-Monitor 2. Anadolu Agency 3. Hurriyet Daily News 4. Reuters 5. Middle East Eye
- The military cooperation agreement between Turkey and Syria is targeting both stabilizing Syria and strengthening the Syrian government's defense capabilities, countering the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).
- Turkey's Defense Ministry has criticized the SDF for not adhering to a March agreement, and threatened military actions if they continue to disrupt national unity.
- Russia has been implicated in the military cooperation agreement between Turkey and Syria, as it seeks to bolster the Syrian government and oppose the SDF, particularly those associated with the YPG.
- Turkey has faced criticism from Kurdish officials for pressuring the SDF to integrate with the Syrian state, with Kurdish leaders rejecting calls to lay down arms due to ongoing threats from ISIL and a need for integration instead of disarmament.
- A geophysical research vessel, flagged in Gibraltar, violated Turkey's continental shelf, as stated by Turkish sources, leading to the deployment of air and naval units to the area.
- Turkey has voiced support for the Syrian government's potential military actions against the SDF, while following a policy of indirect intervention in the ongoing conflict.
