Erdogan Signals Potential Military Action in Syria
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Ankara, Jan 7 (NationPress) Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has suggested the potential for a new cross-border military operation in Syria, should Turkey detect threats to its national security. "Turkey has consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to safeguard its existence. If it reaches that stage, we might act unexpectedly one night," Erdogan stated on Monday after a cabinet meeting in Ankara.
The Turkish leader also discussed the wider implications of recent events in Syria, asserting Turkey's position against the division of Syria, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
"We will not agree to the fragmentation of Syria or the disruption of its unitary structure. If we perceive a risk in this area, we will take the necessary actions promptly," he stated.
Since 2016, Turkey has launched several military operations in Syria, citing threats from Kurdish armed factions and instability along its borders.
Previous operations, such as "Euphrates Shield" (2016), "Olive Branch" (2018), and "Peace Spring" (2019), primarily targeted the Syrian Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) in the northern regions of Syria.
Turkey regards the YPG as the Syrian affiliate of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK).
The PKK is classified as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the United States, and the European Union, and has been involved in an armed insurgency against the Turkish government for over four decades.
In December 2024, the Turkish army reported that it had 'neutralized' five members of the outlawed Kurdish Workers' Party (PKK) and Syrian Kurdish People’s Protection Units (YPG) in Syria and Iraq, according to a statement from the Defense Ministry.
The ministry indicated that three 'terrorists' from the PKK and YPG were 'neutralized' in the Euphrates Shield region of northern Syria. Turkey views the YPG as the Syrian branch of the PKK.
Furthermore, two additional PKK members were 'neutralized' in the Claw-Lock Operation area in northern Iraq, the ministry reported.
"We will persist in our fight against terrorism with the same determination and resolve, without compromise, as we have done until now," the ministry declared.
