Türkiye warns SDF that integration into Syrian army is only viable path

Türkiye has issued a stern warning to the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and its YPG component, asserting that their efforts to stall integration into the Syrian national army are pointless and destabilizing. Defense Ministry spokesman Rear Admiral Zeki Akturk stated that the group's continued activities, instead of complying with a March 10 integration agreement, are harming security in Syria.

Condemnation of external encouragement for the SDF

Akturk, speaking at a weekly press briefing, accused certain unnamed countries of encouraging the SDF not to disarm through their actions and rhetoric. He reiterated Ankara's position that under the March deal, members of the group must be integrated into the Syrian army individually, not as an independent unit. "The SDF terrorist organization’s attempts to save time are also futile. No option other than integration will yield results," he declared.

Focus on Syrian army actions and SDF non-compliance

The spokesman redirected attention from Turkish military movements in Syria, which he described as routine, to the behavior of the SDF and the Syrian army. He urged observers to monitor "the situation of the terrorist organization SDF and the activities of the Syrian army," noting that the SDF has failed to implement the March accord and continues to attack Syrian forces in Aleppo and Raqqa.

Updates on F-35 and Eurofighter procurement

Separately, Akturk provided updates on Türkiye's defense procurement. He confirmed that diplomatic talks with the United States on rejoining the F-35 program and lifting related sanctions are ongoing. He also detailed plans to acquire Eurofighter Typhoon jets as an interim solution, with 12 aircraft each to be sourced from Qatar and Oman following contract signings and modernization work.