Turkey Urges End to Destabilizing Actions by Israel, Kurds in Syria

Ankara, Aug 13 (AP) Turkey's Foreign Minister, Hakan Fidan, on Wednesday called for an end to actions by Israel and Kurdish fighters that threaten Syria's security and stability. Speaking at a news conference in Ankara alongside Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani, Fidan accused Israel and the Kurdish-dominated Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) of hindering Syria’s recovery following over a decade of civil war.

According to Fidan, Israel has exacerbated certain challenges in Syria, and he emphasized that Israeli security cannot be achieved by compromising the safety of its neighbors. He added, “Ensuring the prosperity and security of neighboring countries is crucial. Destabilizing actions can lead to further regional crises.”

The new interim government in Damascus, established after Islamist-led insurgents removed former President Bashar Assad last December, continues to face challenges in stabilizing the country and addressing the aftermath of the 14-year civil conflict. Recently, the southern province of Sweida witnessed deadly clashes between government forces and local Bedouin tribesmen against fighters from the Druze minority.

Meanwhile, tensions between the central government and the U.S.-allied SDF controlling northeastern Syria have risen. An agreement reached in March to integrate the SDF into the reformed Syrian army has stalled, leading to sporadic violence between both factions. Fidan criticized the SDF for trying to exploit Syria's instability to their own advantage.

Ankara holds a critical view of the SDF, dominated by the People's Protection Units (YPG), linked to a Kurdish group currently negotiating peace with Turkey after decades of conflict. The SDF, however, denies any involvement in the peace deal between Ankara and the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK).

Fidan stated, “The leadership of the YPG should cease their delaying tactics. The anticipated chaos in Syria will not occur as they hope, and should it happen, it will not benefit them.” He emphasized that Turkey's benevolent intentions should not be mistaken for weakness or naivety. He warned, “We will not overlook their deceitful actions.”

Turkey has shown support for Syria's new administration, mainly composed of rebel factions backed by Ankara during the civil war. Fidan highlighted, “We are working constructively unlike some actors in the region. Notably, the Israeli administration has been interfering in Syria’s affairs.”

Al-Shibani accused Israel of compromising the safety of Syrian citizens and criticized efforts by some countries to foster division in Syria based on ideology and ethnicity. He affirmed Syria's opposition to such efforts. (AP)

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