Ankara: Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has issued a stern warning to the YPG terror group, urging them to immediately cease posing threats to Trkiye and the broader region. Fidan made these remarks during a joint press conference with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan Al-Shaibani in Ankara.

According to Anadolu Agency, Fidan emphasized the need for the YPG to eliminate itself as a threat, along with the terrorists it has gathered globally. He addressed the group's refusal to disarm and the lack of progress on the March 10 agreement, stressing that the Syrian process should be guided by goodwill and the protection of all rights, beliefs, and identities. Fidan acknowledged the constructive efforts of US Ambassador to Ankara and Syria Special Envoy Tom Barrack but criticized the YPG for stalling tactics, expressing confidence that their desired outcome will not materialize.

Fidan also criticized Israel's involvement in the recent violence in Suwayda, Syria, attributing part of the unrest to Israeli actions. He underscored the need for inclusive governance in Syria and expressed Ankara's growing intolerance for continued activities that threaten regional stability. He highlighted the challenges posed by unrest in Latakia and Suwayda, and the YPG's resistance to integration, warning that positive momentum could be jeopardized.

The Turkish foreign minister reaffirmed Trkiye's commitment to supporting Syria's new administration in its efforts to restore state institutions and uphold territorial integrity. Fidan recounted his recent meetings with Syrian leaders, expressing optimism for continued cooperation and emphasizing the importance of inclusivity and minority rights in the reconstruction of Syria.

Fidan also addressed Israel, advising that regional security relies on the prosperity and stability of neighboring countries, not their weakness. He accused certain actors, particularly the Israeli government, of undermining Syria's stability and called for diplomatic efforts to address the challenges facing the region.

Since the fall of the Assad regime last December, Syria has faced multiple challenges, including Israeli military interventions and internal conflicts. The transitional administration, formed after Bashar al-Assad's ouster in late 2024, is working towards restoring stability and integrating the SDF into state institutions, reaffirming Syria's territorial unity.