Türkiye calls claim it backed release of Daesh terrorists 'unfounded'

Türkiye's official Center for Combating Disinformation has publicly rejected as "entirely unfounded" accusations that the Syrian army released Daesh terrorists with Turkish support during recent military operations in northern Syria. In a statement released Monday on the social media platform NSosyal, the center forcefully defended Türkiye's counter-terrorism record, stating it is a "well-known and indisputable fact" that the nation has waged the strongest fight against Daesh in the region.

Reasserting Türkiye's Counter-Terrorism Leadership

The center’s statement sought to firmly re-establish the narrative of Türkiye as a primary regional adversary of Daesh. "It is a well-known and indisputable fact that Türkiye is the country that has carried out the strongest fight against Daesh in the region and has dealt the most significant blows to the Daesh terrorist organization to date," the statement read. This declaration directly counters the implication that Türkiye would collude in actions that would strengthen or re-empower the terrorist group.

A Call for Regional Solidarity and Discretion

The center did not specify the origin of the allegations but issued a broad appeal for them to be dismissed. It called on the public and on "friendly and brotherly countries and neighbours with whom we have shared the same geography and many common values for centuries" to reject such claims. This language frames the rejection as a matter of regional trust and shared historical ties, suggesting the allegations are an attempt to sow discord among neighboring states.

Context of Syrian Conflict and Conflicting Narratives

The denial comes amidst a complex and rapidly shifting military situation in northeastern Syria. Earlier this week, the Syrian government alleged that the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) had released Daesh detainees from a prison in Hasakah province, labeling it a major security breach. Türkiye, which views the SDF as a terrorist extension of the PKK, has a vested interest in highlighting security failures by the group. The new allegation—that Türkiye itself was complicit in a prisoner release—represents a counter-narrative likely aimed at undermining Ankara's moral and strategic position as it engages in diplomacy and military action in Syria.

Implications for Türkiye's Strategic Position

For Türkiye, combating this narrative is critical. Any perception of collusion with Daesh would severely damage its credibility as a NATO ally and a key player in regional counter-terrorism efforts. The swift and formal denial from a government center underscores the seriousness with which Ankara views the charge. It serves to reinforce Türkiye's long-standing argument that its cross-border military operations in Syria are essential for national security and regional stability, aimed squarely at neutralizing terrorist threats from groups like Daesh and the PKK/YPG, not enabling them.