Aleppo: Trkiye's ambassador stated that Syria's stability and security are Ankara's priority and pledged continued support to Damascus, following operations carried out by Syrian forces that led to the withdrawal of YPG/SDF terrorists from parts of Aleppo.
According to Anadolu Agency, Turkish Ambassador to Damascus Nuh Yilmaz, during a visit to Aleppo on Wednesday, commented on recent developments in northern Syria and the relations between Trkiye and Syria. Yilmaz noted that a new political order has emerged in Syria after the fall of the Bashar al-Assad government in December 2024, highlighting Trkiye's support for a new system that is inclusive, pluralistic, and representative of all segments of Syrian society.
Yilmaz identified a major obstacle to achieving this goal as the control by the YPG/SDF terrorist organization of approximately one-third of Syrian territory, which includes fertile land, oil resources, and some border crossings, imposing significant costs on the country's recovery.
Referring to the agreement reached on March 10, 2025, between the Syrian government and YPG/SDF, Yilmaz stated that the deal was intended for implementation by the end of 2025, but the group had not taken the necessary steps. He indicated that Trkiye believes the organization used negotiations to buy time and strengthen its position rather than resolve the issue.
Yilmaz explained that the Syrian army launched operations in the Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiyah neighborhoods of Aleppo after attacks by the group, with Damascus realizing that the problem could not be resolved through talks alone. He added that Trkiye closely monitored the operation and supported efforts to restore stability.
According to Yilmaz, the operation concluded after YPG/SDF elements agreed to withdraw from the neighborhoods. He noted that civilian casualties were limited and praised measures taken by the Syrian authorities to protect civilians and allow those who laid down arms to leave safely.
Yilmaz celebrated Aleppo's victory against terrorism, reaffirming that Syria's stability and security remain Trkiye's priority, and pledged continued support for their Syrian counterparts. He highlighted the humanitarian assistance provided by Turkish institutions, including the Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) and the Turkish Red Crescent, such as shelter and food aid during the operation.
Following the operation, Yilmaz said terrorist activity in Aleppo's city center ended, allowing displaced civilians to return home, which he described as a positive sign of growing trust between the population and the Syrian government. However, he warned that YPG/SDF terrorists relocated to Deir Hafir and Maskanah, continuing to pose security threats by carrying out suicide drone attacks on civilian neighborhoods in Aleppo.
Yilmaz noted that former elements of the Assad regime joined YPG/SDF ranks, reflecting an undeclared understanding between the former regime and the terrorist group during the 15-year civil war, although he did not expect them to alter the conflict's course.
Regarding US relations, Yilmaz stated that Washington played a constructive role in the March 10 agreement by ensuring weapons it provided were not used in Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiyah, demonstrating US support for Syria's transition toward stability and reconstruction. He also welcomed the lifting of several US sanctions on Damascus, including those under the Caesar Act, as an encouraging sign for future investment.
Yilmaz expressed hope that the YPG/SDF would comply with the March 10 agreement, emphasizing that the group's actions have harmed Syrian Kurds, who hold the right to political participation centered in Damascus. He also pointed to significant potential in Turkish-Syrian trade, noting growing interest from Turkish businesses, easing regulatory obstacles, and recent agreements on the transit of trucks that promise to boost trade between the two countries.