"SDF must evacuate Kobani and Raqqa", says Turkish Defense Minister

Dec. 20, 2024

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) - Turkish Defense Minister Yaşar Güler announced in parliament during a budget meeting that Turkey intends to drive back SDF fighters in Kobani and Raqqa, disarm them, and transfer their weapons to Syria's new government.

Additionally, he stated that Turkey has a number of military and diplomatic steps prepared for border stability and internal security.

Conflict in Kobani

Güler detailed that YPG and PKK fighters in Kobani are declining to vacate the areas and put down their weapons.

He hoped for a pact between SDF fighters and Damascus's new authorities, noticing that while there has been some movement in Hasakah, the new Damascus administration is demanding disarmament in particular in Raqqa and Rabqa.

"We expect them to give up all heavy weapons and evacuate these areas without causing any unwanted situations for local residents," the Turkish minister stated.

Turkey's Security

The Turkish Defense Minister underlined that Turkey is taking multiple military and diplomatic steps to ensure stability in northeastern Syria, following presidential orders and the principle of protecting the nation beyond Turkey's borders.

He referred to Turkey's natural right to self-defense under international law.

Return of Syrian Refugees

As stated by Interior Ministry statistics, roughly 11,000 refugees have returned to Syria in 2024.

Güler mentioned that after the collapse of Bashar al-Assad's regime, the wish among refugees to return has doubled.

The Turkish minister summarized a two-phase plan for returning Syrians:

- The first phase concentrates on returning those living in camps around Idlib

- The Second phase intends to help the return of Syrian refugees living in Turkey

He added that the Turkish government has quickened the process of returning Syrian refugees to their country following recent changes in Syria and after confirming the safety and security of those who have already returned.