Mersin: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday reaffirmed Ankara's commitment to rooting out terror groups in neighboring Syria, while outlining a vision of regional unity, peace, and self-determination. "We have zero tolerance for the YPG terrorist organization, which occupies one-third of the country (Syria). We will soon take steps to resolve this issue once and for all," Erdogan said at a provincial event of his Justice and Development (AK) Party in the southern city of Mersin. The YPG is the Syrian branch of the PKK terror group.

According to Anadolu Agency, Erdogan also emphasized Trkiye's determination to thwart any plans that threaten regional stability, vowing to "disarm or eliminate terrorist organizations" seeking to implement new scenarios related to Syria. "The era of those who have freely roamed this region for the past century with a divide-and-rule policy is over," he added.

The Turkish president further emphasized the importance of empowering the region's indigenous populations. "From now on, the future of the region will be determined by its ancient peoples, and all decisions regarding natural resources will remain under the authority of the region's true owners," Erdogan declared. He insisted that the century-old strategies are being disrupted, with a new era of prosperity on the horizon driven by brotherhood and peace.

Erdogan also highlighted that the time has come for new aspirations and actions, emphasizing Trkiye's desire for "regional stability, security, peace, and prosperity." He pointed out that the PKK/YPG has sought to exploit the situation in post-Assad Syria to establish a 'terrorist corridor' along the border with Trkiye.

The PKK, which is listed as a terrorist organization by Trkiye, the US, and EU, has been responsible for the deaths of over 40,000 people, including women, children, and infants, over its 40-year terror campaign against Trkiye. The YPG is recognized as the PKK's Syrian offshoot.