Turkish Defense Ministry asserts that SDF's assaults undermine Syria's unity and territorial cohesion.
In the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East, tensions continue to mount as various conflicts and disputes persist. Here's a summary of some of the latest developments:
SDF-Syrian Government Relations
The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the Syrian government signed an agreement in March 2025 to integrate the SDF into the Syrian state apparatus. However, the implementation of this deal has been stalled, leading to renewed clashes between the two sides in northeastern Syria. The conflict has resulted in fatalities on both sides, and the risk of a broader conflict is on the rise as trust between the parties erodes.
Turkey's Perspective on SDF and YPG
Turkey views the SDF and its primary armed wing, the YPG, as terrorist organizations linked to the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK). Ankara has publicly demanded that these groups disarm and has pressured the Syrian government to avoid conciliatory deals that might lead to Kurdish autonomy. Turkey has also disrupted diplomatic efforts by pressuring Damascus to cancel meetings with Kurdish leaders and maintains a significant military presence in northern Syria to counter the SDF.
Regional Impact
Turkey's security concerns dominate the regional landscape, with the country maintaining a military presence in northeastern Syria to prevent the establishment of any autonomous Kurdish region supported by the Syrian government. This dynamic complicates Syria's internal reconciliation and stability efforts and contributes to ongoing geopolitical tensions in the region.
Israel-Palestine Conflict
Tensions in the Middle East are also escalating due to the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict. Turkey has condemned Israel's actions in Gaza, stating that Israel continues to apply genocide against the Gaza people using starvation as a weapon. The Israeli administration has taken unacceptable and illegal steps toward annexing the West Bank, according to Turkey. An 11-kilometer tunnel was destroyed in the Manbij region last week, bringing the total length of tunnels neutralized in Tel Rifaat and Manbij to 528 kilometers.
Maritime Disputes
In the Eastern Mediterranean, Turkey is closely monitoring and following up on activities like cable or pipeline laying and scientific research on its continental shelf to prevent any unauthorized activity. Air and naval units were deployed to the area to take appropriate measures in response to the violation of Turkey's continental shelf. Turkey has issued necessary warnings and released a counter-Navtex in response to such violations.
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. Turkey adheres to this principle, coordinating its activities to ensure compliance with international law.
Border Security
In other news, a total of 239 people were caught in the past week, seven of whom were members of terrorist organizations. The number of people caught while trying to illegally enter Turkey this year has reached 45,159, with 869 caught in the past week.
Call for Peace
Permanent peace should be established on the basis of a two-state solution, according to Turkey. In light of ongoing conflicts, Turkey calls for an immediate cease-fire in the face of Israel's anti-peace attitude displayed in Palestine and the region.
These developments underscore the complex and volatile nature of the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East, where local integration efforts often clash with regional security concerns, notably Turkey's opposition to Kurdish empowerment in Syria.
- The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the Syrian government signed an agreement in March 2025 to integrate the SDF into the Syrian state apparatus, but implementation has been stalled, leading to renewed clashes.
- Turkey views the SDF and its primary armed wing, the YPG, as terrorist organizations and has pressured the Syrian government to avoid conciliatory deals that might lead to Kurdish autonomy.
- Turkey's security concerns dominate the regional landscape, as the country maintains a military presence in northeastern Syria to prevent the establishment of any autonomous Kurdish region supported by the Syrian government.
- Tensions in the Middle East are escalating due to the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict, with Turkey condemning Israel's actions in Gaza and calling for an immediate cease-fire.
- In the Eastern Mediterranean, Turkey is closely monitoring activities like cable or pipeline laying to prevent any unauthorized activity on its continental shelf, adhering to international law in coordinating its activities.
- A total of 239 people were caught in the past week trying to illegally enter Turkey, with Turkey calling for permanent peace on the basis of a two-state solution in light of ongoing conflicts.
