Turkey Urges Removal of Foreign Fighters from Syrian Kurdish Forces

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has called for the immediate withdrawal of all non-Syrian members from the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). He stated this step is necessary for any future integration of the group into Syria's political structure. Fidan argued that the SDF includes foreign elements whose only purpose is to fight against Turkey. He did not name specific countries. The SDF is a U.S.-backed alliance in northeastern Syria. Its main component is the Kurdish-led People's Protection Units (YPG). Turkey views the YPG as an extension of the banned Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), which it designates as a terrorist organization. Turkey has repeatedly launched military operations against the group in northern Syria. Fidan's remarks highlight a continued major obstacle to stabilization in the region.