Turkish ambassador hails 'belated' implementation of Aleppo deal

Türkiye's top diplomat in Syria has publicly commended progress on a critical agreement to de-escalate tensions in Aleppo, emphasizing the importance of removing armed groups from the city. Ambassador Nuh Yilmaz stated it was "encouraging to see that the April 1 agreement, which aims for peace and calm in Aleppo, is finally being implemented, albeit late and with difficulty," in a post on social media platform X.

A Focus on Withdrawal for Lasting Stability

Ambassador Yilmaz directly linked the withdrawal of the YPG/SDF—which Ankara designates as a terrorist organization—from the Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiyeh districts to the broader prospects for stability. The deal, originally reached last year between the Syrian administration and the YPG/SDF, stipulated the group's pullback from these contested neighborhoods. Yilmaz expressed optimism that this development would pave the way for a better future, stating, "Peace, unity and stability will carry us toward a better future."

Context of Recent Clashes and a Stalled Political Accord

The ambassador's statement follows a period of intense military confrontation in Aleppo. The Syrian army had recently shelled YPG/SDF positions in retaliation for attacks that reportedly killed at least nine civilians and injured dozens, leading to a temporary ceasefire. This April 1 agreement represents a renewed effort to implement a political solution that has been stalled for months. A broader integration accord was announced in March, aiming to bring the YPG/SDF into state institutions to preserve Syria's unity, but Syrian authorities have since accused the group of failing to meet its terms.

Türkiye's Strategic Interest in Northern Syria

Ambassador Yilmaz's welcoming of the deal underscores Türkiye's deep-seated interest in the security architecture of northern Syria. Ankara views the presence of the YPG/SDF, which it considers an extension of the PKK, as a direct national security threat. The successful implementation of the withdrawal agreement aligns with Türkiye's long-standing objectives of clearing its border region of the group and supporting a unified Syrian state under Damascus's control, which has intensified its security efforts since the fall of the Assad regime in late 2024.