Fidan urges SDF to support Syria unity, accuses it of serving Israel

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has issued a strong call for the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) to contribute to national unity in Syria, while accusing the group of aligning with Israel's regional interests. Speaking at a press conference with Omani counterpart Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi in Ankara, Fidan stated, "In Syria, it is time for national unity. The SDF needs to do its part."

Accusation of Serving External Agenda

Fidan directly linked the SDF to a destabilizing foreign policy, asserting its actions are not coincidental. "Instead, its transformation into an actor that serves Israel’s 'divide and rule' policy in our region, in coordination with Israel, is unfortunately not a coincidence," he said. He argued that the recent violence in Aleppo, where SDF attacks have killed civilians, validates Türkiye's long-standing warnings about the group's nature.

Missed Opportunity for Integration

The Foreign Minister contended that the current clashes could have been avoided if the SDF, which Türkiye identifies as the PKK/YPG terrorist organization, had genuinely pursued integration into the Syrian state instead of delaying. He noted the Syrian government is recovering strength and rebuilding its capacity to combat terrorism and provide services, creating an opportunity for unification that the SDF is squandering.

Türkiye's Comprehensive Regional View

Fidan placed the Syrian situation within a broader strategic framework, stating that Ankara now analyzes developments in Yemen, Somaliland, Sudan, and Syria through a similar lens. This holistic approach underscores Türkiye's policy of advocating for territorial integrity, opposing separatist terrorism, and rejecting external interventions that fuel fragmentation across the Middle East and Africa.