Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has hinted at the possibility of taking action in Syria against militia groups supported by the U.S. after the fall of President Bashar al-Assad’s regime. There have been reports of clashes in northern Syria, with Turkish-backed fighters facing off against U.S.-backed Kurdish-led forces near the border town of Kobani and the Tishrin dam on the Euphrates River.
The reason this is important is that Turkey sees the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) as a terrorist organization due to their connections to the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), a group banned by Ankara. Erdogan has praised countries engaging with Syria’s new leadership as a sign of trust in the emerging administration and stated that Turkey will support efforts to establish new state institutions in the country.
Tensions in the Middle East have remained high following the fall of Assad’s regime, with Sunni Arab rebels backed by Turkey posing challenges to Syria’s Kurdish minority and their autonomy in the oil-rich east. Turkey’s opposition to Kurdish autonomy remains a significant issue, as it views the SDF as an extension of Kurdish insurgents within its own borders.
The U.S.-backed SDF has called on residents of northern Syria to defend against Turkish troops and their allies, stating that resistance is the only path to victory. Despite U.S.-led mediation efforts, a lasting truce in northern Syria between the SDF and Turkish-backed militias has not been achieved.
Erdogan has vowed to neutralize terrorist organizations in Syria and prevent threats from the south of Turkey’s borders. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has expressed support for the Syrian people and their desire for success, emphasizing that the U.S. is willing to assist them.
In the future, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan is expected to visit Syria, raising questions about how the U.S. will react to potential Turkish intervention against SDF forces in Syria.
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