Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has delivered a resolute message to the world, asserting his country’s capability to eliminate all terrorist groups operating in Syria. Addressing parliament members from his ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) on January 15, 2025, Erdogan made it clear that Turkey has both the power and the will to neutralize threats from groups like ISIS and the Kurdish YPG militia.
Erdogan’s speech reflected Turkey’s growing determination to secure its borders and reshape the situation in Syria, particularly after the recent fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime. Erdogan emphasized that the YPG, which Ankara considers an extension of the outlawed PKK, is the biggest obstacle to stability in Syria. He warned that the group’s fate is sealed unless it disarms.
“If there is truly a fear of the ISIS threat in Syria and the region, Turkey is the greatest power with both the will and capability to resolve this issue,” Erdogan declared during his address in Ankara. “Everyone should take their hands off Syria, and we, alongside our Syrian brothers and sisters, will crush the heads of ISIS, the YPG, and other terrorist organizations in a short time.”
Escalating Tensions Post-Assad
The Syrian landscape has been in flux since the collapse of Assad’s government, with Ankara increasingly vocal about dismantling the YPG’s influence. Erdogan reiterated Turkey’s position that the new Syrian administration must take responsibility for addressing the YPG presence in the country. Simultaneously, Turkey has signaled its readiness to launch another cross-border military operation should its demands go unheeded.
Criticism of U.S. Support for the YPG
Erdogan’s remarks included sharp criticism of the United States for its continued support of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which is led by the YPG. “Fabricated excuses like ISIS are no longer convincing,” Erdogan stated, addressing Washington’s rationale for partnering with the YPG as a key force against ISIS.
The Turkish leader also noted that his country is prepared to manage prisons currently under SDF control, where captured ISIS fighters are held. Erdogan positioned Turkey as a more credible and effective partner in the fight against terrorism, dismissing the SDF’s role as unnecessary.
Turkey’s Strategic Vision
As Syria transitions into a new era, Erdogan underscored Turkey’s commitment to shaping a stable and secure region. His vision involves removing what he described as “foreign hands” meddling in Syria and enabling Syrians to determine their own future.
International Reactions Awaited
Erdogan’s bold statements have yet to elicit official responses from the United States or other international stakeholders. However, his rhetoric is likely to heighten tensions between Ankara and Washington, particularly given the U.S. reliance on the SDF as a partner in combating ISIS.
