Erdogan Urges U.S. to Reconsider Support for SDF, Reaffirms Backing for Syria’s Reunification
Erdogan stated: “We have clearly conveyed our sensitivities about the Syrian Democratic Forces to the U.S. side at every level.”
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) — Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Thursday reaffirmed Türkiye’s firm opposition to U.S. support for the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), urging Washington to align with efforts aimed at unifying and stabilizing Syria, according to remarks reported by Turkey’s state-run Anadolu Agency (AA).
Speaking on regional developments, particularly the Syrian crisis, Erdogan stated, “We have clearly conveyed our sensitivities about the Syrian Democratic Forces to the U.S. side at every level.” He referred to the SDF’s ties with the Kurdish People’s Protection Units (YPG), which Ankara designates as a terrorist organization.
Erdogan emphasized Ankara’s backing for the newly established Syrian administration, expressing support for its efforts to restore Syria’s territorial unity and long-term peace.
“The preservation of territorial integrity is essential for creating a united and whole Syria,” the Turkish president said.
He also pointed to the Syrian administration’s latest moves to unify various armed factions under the umbrella of a national army as a step toward broader reconciliation and stability.
“To achieve all this, the Syrian administration has taken steps to bring all armed groups together under the umbrella of the Syrian army and to work toward Syria’s unity and integrity,” Erdogan said. “It would be in the best interest of the Syrian Democratic Forces to seize this opportunity.”
Ankara has long demanded that foreign fighters withdraw from Syria and that only Syrian nationals be included in the country’s post-conflict military and political frameworks.
The comments come amid shifting alliances in the region following a U.S.-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Iran, and as discussions about the future of American troops and influence in Syria continue to evolve.
