Turkish Defense Minister Yaşar Güler met with Ankara representatives of media organizations as part of the Annual Assessment Meeting on Saturday. Güler shared his assessments on the future of North and East Syria, asserting that Turkey has plans ready for all developments on the ground.
Güler argued that the newly established structure in Syria should not accept the SDF (Syrian Democratic Forces) “as a unified entity,” insisting that SDF fighters join the Syrian army individually. He noted that this approach effectively meant the dissolution of the SDF’s military and political presence.
Referring to the talks with the US, Güler claimed that Washington’s stance had changed, saying, “Our American friends are seeing the facts more clearly, and our differences of opinion are diminishing.” He emphasized that Turkey would not back down from its demands on this issue.
“We have plans ready for any development. We know exactly what to do. We have the power to do what we have done so far,” he said, clearly indicating that Turkey is keeping the option of a possible military operation on the table.
Responding to the question on what would happen if the SDF did not back down on its integration into the Syrian army, Güler recalled the military operations carried out in Syria since 2016 and said, “We will do what is necessary without asking anyone.”
The Turkish minister’s remarks once again reveal Ankara’s continued policy of pressure and threats against the SDF in North and East Syria, and are seen as heralding new steps that will deepen instability in the region.