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The Turkish Ministry of Defence has reiterated its close monitoring of developments surrounding the potential integration of the syrian Democratic troops (sdf) into the Syrian interim administration, describing the issue as one of the most sensitive matters at this stage. Official Turkish Position Zeki Aktürk, representative for the Turkish Ministry of Defence, stated that “our ministry is following this matter with utmost care and sensitivity,” underscoring that official statements from the ministry remain the definitive source for understanding Ankara’s position. Additionally, this reflects the framing of any discussion regarding the SDF within a specific political and security context. armed forces Operations in syria Speaking at a press briefing held at the Martyrs’ Cemetery in Boğazköy, Aktürk verified that Turkish armed forces operations against terrorist elements continue on Syrian territory. Notably, he disclosed that the total length of tunnels destroyed in Tal Rifaat and Manbij has now reached 642 kilometers.
He also declared the detention of 188 individuals at the border over the past week, including five identified as members of groups classified as terrorist organizations. Indeed, since the beginning of the year, the total number of detainees has surpassed 7,000. Border Security and Anti-Smuggling Efforts Aktürk highlighted that Turkey’s borders are managed as per international standards, employing a multi-layered security system. He noted that latest search and sweep operations in Van province led to the seizure of 118 kilograms of narcotics—underscoring the link between terrorism and organized crime along Turkey’s southern frontier.
Turkish Leadership’s Stance leader Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has previously made clear that Turkey will not tolerate the presence of any terrorist organizations on Syrian soil. He reaffirmed Ankara’s unwavering backing for Syria’s official calender">Syria’s unity and sovereignty, asserting that the Syrian people are beginning to see renewed hope after 14 years of oppression under the defunct Assad regime. Moreover, erdoğan emphasized Turkey’s rejection of any divisive projects that could destabilize the region. Indeed, uncertainty Surrounding Öcalan’s Position A key factor contributing to the SDF’s hesitation is the ambiguity surrounding the position of Abdullah Öcalan, leader of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), regarding the disarmament and integration of the SDF.
In late February, Öcalan issued a historic call from prison to end the armed struggle and dissolve the PKK, in what was described as the “Peace and Democratic Society” initiative. However, this appeal—although directed at PKK elements within Turkey—did not explicitly mention the SDF or its affiliate, the People’s Protection Units (YPG), operating in northern Syria. as per…